Can't download pictures

[David Stifle]

Hey folks, I'm having problems downloading pictures from my camera into my computer (windows 10). When I hook it up I get the little bell, but nothing else. Assume windows 10 isn't recognizing my camera. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bob W]

What soft of camera?

I normally use specialized software from the camera manufacturer to transfer images, rather than leaving it for the operating system. Nikon's software is called ViewNX and from Canon it's Image Browser.

 

[A.L.]

Windows 10 (like many OS updates) can just plain stop to support your device, wether it is camera or printer. I would go check the camera manufacturers website for any possible drivers for your camera.

 

[David Stifle]

What soft of camera?

I normally use specialized software from the camera manufacturer to transfer images, rather than leaving it for the operating system. Nikon's software is called ViewNX and from Canon it's Image Browser.

It's nothing special, Bob. It's a Nikon Coolpix.

 

[Bob W]

Some Coolpix models shoot RAW. Windows Explorer or other operating systems won't be able to read RAW files without the Nikon RAW drivers, the NEF Codec, installed. If that's not the problem, I suggest the ViewNX 2 software from Nikon for downloading and organizing the files; I love it's automated second location feature for backups. There's a new replacement, ViewNX-i that I haven't used yet, but I'm guessing that since it's newer it'll be most compatible with Windows 10.

You might also like the free photo editing software, CaptureNX-D that replaces the older CaptureNX-2 (that wasn't free).

https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61/~/current-versions-of-nikon-software

 

[powernoodle]

You may also try removing the memory card [if possible] and attempting a file transfer directly from it. Take the camera out of the equation.

 

[Bob W]

A quick Google search shows camera connectivity to be a common problem with Windows 10. Recommended solution, use the Nikon software (which is better anyway) for communicating with the camera and transferring image files.

:thumbup:

 

[David Stifle]

You may also try removing the memory card [if possible] and attempting a file transfer directly from it. Take the camera out of the equation.

I did that. When I opened the file it showed empty, even though the camera shows some pictures. I assume the card is bad, it is old, and I need a new one. Good idea on the memory card.

 

[Bob W]

I did that. When I opened the file it showed empty, even though the camera shows some pictures. I assume the card is bad, it is old, and I need a new one. Good idea on the memory card.

That is also symptomatic of the problem people are having with Windows 10. Again, try using another program other than the operating system to access the files...

SD cards rarely go 'bad'. Test it with a different computer using a different operating system before tossing it out.

 

[David Stifle]

That is also symptomatic of the problem people are having with Windows 10. Again, try using another program other than the operating system to access the files...

SD cards rarely go 'bad'. Test it with a different computer using a different operating system before tossing it out.

After deleting a ton of pictures from the card, I was able to access my pictures and download them. Problem, for now, solved.

 

[Bob W]

I'm glad you got it to work, but obviously that's not a solution. First, you shouldn't have to remove the SD card from the camera, and Second, you obviously shouldn't have to delete any of your photos to make the transfer work.

You should plug the camera into the computer via the supplied cable; the Nikon software should pop up and show you all of the files on the camera; you should be able to press the Start Transfer button; and the software should copy all of the files to the hard drive, preferably to your primary photo location and to a second backup/reserve location.

Hope you get it figured out.

 

[A.L.]

I don't know if it applies these days but back in the day if you deleted/moved pictures from the memory card via computer could cause corruption and pictures would not show up after you take new ones. Good bet is to format your memory card via your camera and always just copy pictures (not cut, or move+remove) with computer. Delete the pics from your camera.

 

[Bob W]

It also sucks to be out in the field and discover you've left the SD card stuck in the computer at home. Not saying I've ever done that, but I've learned not to remove the card from the camera, and to carry an extra.