My first digital camera (2000-2002) was a Toshiba that used Smart Media
cards. I always took them out to transfer pictures with an adapter. Every
once in a while the camera wouldn't recognize the card when re-inserted. I
learned to take it out, polish the contacts and replace - whereupon it
always worked. Never had one burn out, but it was an awkward process. I've
used a USB cable on every succeeding camera, and I'm on my 4th camera now.
It works better for me...