What do you guys recommend for some kind of very reliable portable storage/download device to free up CF cards on long trips, when you don't want to drag a laptop with you?
Thanks -
Sandy
I've used the Jobo Gigaone for a 2 week trip to Ireland and a 6 week trip to Madagascar. In both cases it worked perfectly. It even successfully downloaded card data while bumping along some of the worst roads I've ever been on. Survived constant exposure to dust (but nothing too terribly damp).
Now, keep in mind that this PSD doesn't have a view option, so you can't view your images once they've been downloaded. This makes a lot of people nervous (and rightfully so), but mine, a 40GB, cost $160 or so, compared to the $500 - $600 modules you can view images on. I think if I had the funds, and these had been dedicated Photography trips with the aim of capturing saleable images, I'd opt for one with a viewscreen.
Cheers,
Alex
Posted by Keith Bauer on March 16, 2007 at 2:48 PM
Sandy:
I've used the Epson P-2000 for the past 2 years. It has worked very well. The P-2000 has been replaced by the P-3000 (I think that is the new model number). Great screen, very easy to see and very sharp. Mine is a 40gb version. More than enough space for my needs. Epson also makes an 80gb version.
I have the Compactdrive PD-70X with a 40GB hard drive in it. It can accept any type of memory, copies data with the press of a single button, has a verification function, and takes 4 AA batteries, and supports USB 2.0 for download. I love it.
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 16, 2007 at 4:54 PM
I use the Hyperdrive 80 device. It's been replaced by the Hyperdrive Space device. Fast, easy, and reliable. One of the main features I like is that it uses rechargable AA batteries (comes with 2 sets). However, if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere with dead batteries you can always throw in a set of regular AA's. Too many units HAVE to be recharged to be used and don't have the flexibility of using easily obtained AA's.
Posted by Scott Fricke on March 16, 2007 at 9:27 PM
I used an Epson P-2000 on a 3 week trip to Iceland this year and would recommend it. It has the best screen I've seen, about 3.7" very accurate color. I like that it has a screen versus other devices that just store images. Having the screen saved my brother on one occasion when we downloaded one of his cards and the files showed up on the device, but then when we opened them to view them we could not view 95% of them, ended up being a problem with the card that we would not have realized without the view screen. The P-2000 is being updated by the P-4000 and a P-5000 with 80 GB of storage is now available and I am going to buy that one. The only problem with the P-2000 was that it used up the battery fairly quickly when downloading 8 GB cards, the P-5000 is supposed to be 5 times faster in downloadingg images than the 2000. Another nice feature is it also can be used as an MP3 player. It can also connect to a TV to do a slideshow.
Hey Sandy, suggest taking a look at the JOBO Gigavue Pro. Rubber armored, accurate color reproduction on its large screen, MP3 capability if you like that option, can hook up to TV for slideshow, compact, comes with batt charger and all cables. Can use CF and SD cards.
Posted by Garth McElroy on March 17, 2007 at 7:42 AM
One other thing to consider is the price of flash cards at the moment. You can now buy a new 8gb Sandisk Extreme III for $120 and 12gb are well under $200. Considering how much a P-2000 costs I'd be tempted to just buy enough flash memory for the trip!
This link that Jerry Greer provided for me when I asked a similar question is very helpful. http://www.compactdrive.com. I also like the Epson P5000. Go to their website and under products click on digital photography to see it.
I still do not have a portable storage device (spent all my money on the DSLR ) but I find Jerry's suggestion most tempting.
I would second the opinion of Bill Chambers. The Hyperdrive units are reliable and cost effective. The option to use AA batteries is invaluable when away from a power source. I usually bring my lap top to use when I am around an electrical source to view and edit (delete bad) images.
Posted by Mike Maples on March 18, 2007 at 11:23 AM
I'm with Garth on this one. CF cards are getting really cheap and I would rather buy more/bigger cards instead of a portable storage device. The times that I would not have a laptop and external drive would be few and if I'm trying to save space/bulk then more cards is the logical answer.
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 18, 2007 at 11:52 AM
I don't have a problem with having more cards, but that still leaves you without a backup file. Nothing wrong IMO with having more cards AND a PSD.
Rather than recommend my specific digital Luddite solution, let me suggest some things to consider (in no special order):
You might want redundant copies - stuff gets damaged and lost when you travel. Having two copies that get sent home via different means is great for peace of mind. I used to take two frames of every frame-up on slide film, but that was a different issue. I was worried about post processing survival. Now I worry about getting my files into the computer (Where I will immediately make redundant copies if I haven't already).
Incrementalism - It would be worse to lose all your photographs than part of them. A device that let's me ensure part of them as I go along feels better.
You will need power - AC, proprietary (sp?) battery, AAs. Just don't forget how you're going to run this thing after being away from the wall socket for X+5 days (X+5?, Well, it might snow a record amount and it would be a shame to miss that.)
What will you do if you need more space - maybe you can get enough storage that you'll never fill it on a trip. I've been on trips with a few small (by today's standards) CF cards and a CD burner. When the CDs ran out, I just bought more.
Do you need to see your images before you download them? That will narrow it down a lot.
Discussion
13 repliesThanks -
Sandy
I've used the Jobo Gigaone for a 2 week trip to Ireland and a 6 week trip to Madagascar. In both cases it worked perfectly. It even successfully downloaded card data while bumping along some of the worst roads I've ever been on. Survived constant exposure to dust (but nothing too terribly damp).
Now, keep in mind that this PSD doesn't have a view option, so you can't view your images once they've been downloaded. This makes a lot of people nervous (and rightfully so), but mine, a 40GB, cost $160 or so, compared to the $500 - $600 modules you can view images on. I think if I had the funds, and these had been dedicated Photography trips with the aim of capturing saleable images, I'd opt for one with a viewscreen.
Cheers,
Alex
I've used the Epson P-2000 for the past 2 years. It has worked very well. The P-2000 has been replaced by the P-3000 (I think that is the new model number). Great screen, very easy to see and very sharp. Mine is a 40gb version. More than enough space for my needs. Epson also makes an 80gb version.
Keith
I still do not have a portable storage device (spent all my money on the DSLR
Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
You might want redundant copies - stuff gets damaged and lost when you travel. Having two copies that get sent home via different means is great for peace of mind. I used to take two frames of every frame-up on slide film, but that was a different issue. I was worried about post processing survival. Now I worry about getting my files into the computer (Where I will immediately make redundant copies if I haven't already).
Incrementalism - It would be worse to lose all your photographs than part of them. A device that let's me ensure part of them as I go along feels better.
You will need power - AC, proprietary (sp?) battery, AAs. Just don't forget how you're going to run this thing after being away from the wall socket for X+5 days (X+5?, Well, it might snow a record amount and it would be a shame to miss that.)
What will you do if you need more space - maybe you can get enough storage that you'll never fill it on a trip. I've been on trips with a few small (by today's standards) CF cards and a CD burner. When the CDs ran out, I just bought more.
Do you need to see your images before you download them? That will narrow it down a lot.
Pete D.