Portable Storage Solution

[Alpha_7]

Hi All,

Currently I only have a 512mb and a 256mb CF card, now that I'm shooting exclusively in RAW (thanks to you guys, I won't be going back ) I am now facing a real storage issue. I've previously read that the IPOD accessories (I have a 40gig gen4) aren't ideal for transfering digital photo's. Infact I tried with my wifes Kodak P&S, and it was terrible.
While Ideally I'd like to get some more CF cards, I think I'll get more value for money at this stage getting some form of Harddrive based storage device like an XDrive or similar. As I've seen a few of you mention using various devices I thought I'd ask for some feedback or the pro's and con's of using this method. (I'd still be regularly copying the data of and burning to cd/dvd, I just need somewhere to empty my CF in a hurry so I can keep shooting).

One of the things that concerns me, is that most devices want to be mp3 players or something else as well. I personally think I only need storage, I already have a music device (Ipod) and I don't see the need to view the photo's on the device, so if I can find a "simpler or cheaper" variant without the extra functions I'd chose it instead.



Sorry for the long-winded ramble.

[DStrom]

I have an Xdrive 2 which I used on a 6 month trip early last year, it did the job, my only issue with it was that there is no file browser on the device.

I think more recent versions of the Xdrive have this functionality ... the Xdrive VP2160 looks like it is only a storage device and not a mp3 player etc, so it might suit your needs.

I picked mine up from http://www.powerinnumbers.com.au/

[radar]

Hi Alpha_7,

I would recommend you get more card(s), probably one 2gb card extra.

I just got myself a PD70X, great device. The one I got is 60gb. I'm going on a trip where I'll be taking lots of photos, so I wanted the extra storage. It is a portable HDD with batteries and card reader. It doesn't do mp3, video, etc. Just stores files, and optimised for transfers from CF, sD, etc. The transfers are very fast.

http://www.compactdrive.com/

I've tested it with a few CF cards, very easy to copy the cards over and extract on the PC/Mac/Linux. It uses rechargeable batteries, has a built in charger. It doesn't have a display screen, so you can't see the pics. Only downside for me is the weight, it comes in at 450g, so it is not super small.

Once the forums get restored, do a search, lots of discussions about it.

It has recently won an award at PMA 2005:

CompactDrive receives the prestigious DIMA Innovative Digital Product Award at the recent PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show, held in Orlando, Florida USA from 10-13 February. PMA is the largest and most important photo equipment trade show in North America, where manufacturers showcase their latest and upcoming products.

Got mine from JALdigital at http://www.jaldigital.com.au/
Cheers,

radar

[gstark]

Grab a couple of 1 or 2Gb cards, and use your laptop with a CF reader, perhaps in conjunction with a DVD burner.

Every other solution is just a workaround for what you're eventually going to be doing anyway.

And if you're concerned that you don't have a laptop, buy one while you're OS. The cost won't be very much more than a so-called PSD

[birddog114]

Alpha_7

While you're in Boston, lot of places you can buy the CF cards cheaper same as PSD.

[radar]

Every other solution is just a workaround for what you're eventually going to be doing anyway.

That's what I would rather do, but when one is seriously limited for weight on a trip - total 12kg for everything, a laptop in my case was just not an option.

For the price of the PSD, and the storage requirements on this trip, it was cheaper, more storage, convenient to get the PSD then to get extra CF cards. I can then also backup the P&S photos that my wife will be taking.

But that's just my situation, YMMV

Cheers,

Radar

[birddog114]

Alpha_7
Get a decent notebook in the USA is more economical than buy a PSD here, I don't think the PSD will work as you wish, unless you're travelling month and month and need heaps of storage space.

Get couple CF cards overthere if you can and save your hassle.

Once you're in Boston, you will be able to copy your photos on a DVD as backup.

[DaveB]

I currently have a CompactDrive PD7X (precursor to the PD70X). It works great (I had to update the firmware to get it to talk to my Macs - the PD70X shouldn't have an issue). By all reports the PD70X is even better (even more cards copied per battery charge is the main advantage I think).

Today I carry ~4GB of CF cards (scattered across 2-3 cameras depending on the day) and the CompactDrive lives in my camera bag and allows me to empty cards on the fly (I shoot RAW, and when shooting wildlife rather than landscapes my storage fills up quickly). Then at the end of the day I copy the new files to my laptop (and possibly an external drive depending on how much data I've generated in the trip). Thus the files are in two locations (they stay on the CompactDrive for the trip).

If I had plenty of spare cash I'd probably get an Epson P2000. It has a big colour screen and can display most (all?) image files, is fast at copying files, and has a 40GB drive. Its main drawback is (apart from the cost) is the fact that it uses a proprietary Li-Ion battery (but at least you can carry a spare, unlike some devices). The CompactDrive uses the same batteries I use in my flashes (and UHF radios, etc) and you can put whatever size disk in it you want.

If I was buying a device today it would be a toss-up between the PD70X and the P2000, with cost pushing me towards the PD70X. I got my PD7X from PowerInNumbers, BTW.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks everyone for your feedback, its most appreciated. And it has given me a lot to think about. Currently I've caculated roughly I can take 130'ish shots on my (512+256) in RAW. I was thinking of going to the Zoo (being inspired by all the shots posted here) and didn't think that was enough (I only delete really shocking photo's in camera, I'd rather sort them on my laptop). Like-wise while I've overseas I wanted to increase my shot capacity without bringing the laptop out with me. I was going to keep the laptop at hotel.

I guess I could spent the money on more CF cards, they cost more per meg of storage but they are more portable. If I can boost my shot capacity enough, then I can just revert to downloading the shots each night to the laptop, completely removing the PSD from the equation.

I guess I just have to decided which option suits me better.

[birddog114]

Your cards are not enough with what you're doing, better grab new CF cards while you're there, as 3 x 1Gb or 2 x 2Gb.
You won't fill those up in one day shooting at the zoo.

[gstark]

Every other solution is just a workaround for what you're eventually going to be doing anyway.

That's what I would rather do, but when one is seriously limited for weight on a trip - total 12kg for everything, a laptop in my case was just not an option.

12 Kilos?

Who the hell are you flying with? Fly-by-night airlines?

FYI, there are no real weight limitiations on flights across the Pacific or within the US. One piec of carryon, plus your laptop.

Plus your camera bag.

By all means, keep your luggage weight down, but 12 kg sounds like somebody's telling you information that's over 20 years old.

[gstark]

Alpha_7
Get a decent notebook in the USA is more economical than buy a PSD here, I don't think the PSD will work as you wish, unless you're travelling month and month and need heaps of storage space.

Get couple CF cards overthere if you can and save your hassle.

Once you're in Boston, you will be able to copy your photos on a DVD as backup.

Exactly!

Best Buy is your friend.

So is CompUSA.

So is Circuit City; all three chains will have a large number of stores in the Boston area.

And it's likely that people you work with will be members of Sam's Club or Costco. All of these locations will be open till 9pm daily.

[radar]

Who the hell are you flying with? Fly-by-night airlines?

I'll be flying in small planes and they have strict weight restrictions. Getting there is not a problem, I can carry all I want with Qantas.

That 12kg includes by camera equipment, just won't be taking much clothes.

Should have mentioned, this is in Africa on the plane that takes us to our camp. Looking forward to the flight

Cheers,

Radar

[birddog114]

Who the hell are you flying with? Fly-by-night airlines?

I'll be flying in small planes and they have strict weight restrictions. Getting there is not a problem, I can carry all I want with Qantas.

That 12kg includes by camera equipment, just won't be taking much clothes.

Should have mentioned, this is in Africa on the plane that takes us to our camp. Looking forward to the flight

Cheers,

Radar

Radar,
It's better walk than fly with those small planes and not much clothes

[radar]

It's better walk than fly with those small planes and not much clothes

A bit far to walk and the cats over there are pretty hungry and fast too Less clothes means more camera gear Just taking the basics, won't be a fashion parade

Radar

[birddog114]

What "Survivor" espiode which you are going to play with

No beef jerky allowed!

[ozimax]

And it's likely that people you work with will be members of Sam's Club or Costco. All of these locations will be open till 9pm daily.

Sam's Club - man, they sell everything there, I mean everything, when we lived in LA in 2003 my wife lived at the place, now if only the Yanks had some decent chocolate (sorry, candy), I would have bought it by the truck load!

Max

[gstark]

Sam's Club - man, they sell everything there, I mean everything, when we lived in LA in 2003 my wife lived at the place, now if only the Yanks had some decent chocolate (sorry, candy), I would have bought it by the truck load!

They do, but unfortunately, the supply line has been seriously affected by Hurricane Katrina. Normally, my first stop in the French Quarter is Laura's Candies, on Conti. Truffles to die for ...

[kipper]

Gary, as Andre has said, it's for small planes.

I know Nicole was telling me she was limited to 12kg aswell all up. I almost died as I know my camera bag almost weighs that alone. Let alone clothes!

[birddog114]

Gary, as Andre has said, it's for small planes.

I know Nicole was telling me she was limited to 12kg aswell all up. I almost died as I know my camera bag almost weighs that alone. Let alone clothes!

No clothes needed or forget clothing, flying nude!!!!

[radar]

No clothes needed or forget clothing, flying nude!!!!

We don't really want to know what you do in your spare time