For photographers and videographers on the go, a reliable SD card reader for iOS devices is a must-have. This review dives into the SLR Cameras SD Reader Accessories, a dual-slot reader promising high-speed transfers and compatibility with a wide range of memory cards. After extensive testing, here’s my take on its performance and usability.

This compact SD card reader boasts a straightforward design. The dual slots—one for standard SD cards and another for microSD cards—are clearly marked, making for easy and intuitive use. It supports a wide array of memory cards including SD, SDHC, SDXC, microSD, microSDXC, and microSDHC. The advertised compatibility with RAW and 4K video formats is a definite plus for users who shoot in these formats. The “plug and play” functionality, leveraging the built-in iOS Files app, is a refreshing change from the often-complicated setups required by other card readers. Video playback is also straightforward using VLC.

I tested the SLR Cameras SD Reader Accessories with various SD cards and memory card types, transferring both RAW files (from a Canon EOS R6) and 4K videos (shot on a DJI Mavic 3). The transfer speeds were indeed impressive, though not quite reaching the advertised 30MB/s in every instance. Real-world transfer speeds varied slightly depending on the card’s speed rating and file size. Larger 4K video files took noticeably longer to transfer than smaller JPEGs. However, the overall transfer speed was significantly faster than wireless transfer methods, a key advantage. The reader remained cool to the touch even during prolonged use with large files. The simplicity of using the built-in Files app was a huge win; no additional apps were necessary.

Pros:

• Dual slots for SD and microSD cards
• Wide memory card compatibility
• Supports RAW and 4K video formats
• Fast transfer speeds
• Plug and play functionality using the built-in Files app
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Transfer speeds, while fast, didn’t always reach the advertised 30MB/s.
• No included carrying case.

The SLR Cameras SD Reader Accessories is a solid and reliable SD card reader for iPhone and iPad users. Its ease of use, wide compatibility, and fast transfer speeds make it a great option for anyone needing a quick and efficient way to transfer photos and videos from their cameras to their iOS devices. While the transfer speed wasn’t always consistently at the maximum advertised level, it still far surpassed wireless options. I highly recommend this device for its simplicity, efficiency, and versatility.