Transmitting of images from events ?

[LMP]

Hi all,

I'm after some advice on transmition of images from an an actual event. Now as far as I can tell I have 2 options a) using the venues wireless network (if in place) or b) getting hold of a 3G data card from either o2 or vodafone.

To be sure of being able to transmit it makes more sense to me to have a 3G card in place for backup. From what I have seen both networks offer different data packages varying in price but alos understand it may be possible (at least in the case of Vodafone UK) to use the datacard on a 'prepay' basis. As it stand sthis may be a good option for me as I dont know how often I will need it and I can also pick up the 3G card itself for approx £60 on ebay.

So in short I need advice on methods of file transfer from those with direct experience, preferably in the UK.


The company I have spoke to tells me they can also accept transfer via 'ftp'...I always thought this was a means of file transfer and not a method of connection.I prolly getting my wires crossed though.

Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers,

[LMP]

Just another thought..how feasable is it to use my mobile phone ? Sony k750i.

[PhotosGuy]

You should probably PM KennyG or Gmen as they do it almost every weekend.

[brivett]

Hi Marc

As an example I was shooting at the Majerski stadium Reading 10 days ago... down your way...

Yes the stadium has a wireless network... no we didn't have access to it.

Vodaphone 3G signal was only good enough at 1 table by the window of the press area/players bar...

I sent mine via my Sony Ericsson P910i and Orange...

The punchline... don't reply on any single method... Worst case... head for the nearest chain hotel.... they usually have wireless.. even at a cost. Costa coffee, Little chef and big McDonalds often have hotspots too...

[LMP]

Thanks Barry, your story is exactly what worries me! How easy was it to set up your 910i to transmit ? Something acheivable with the software bundle that comes with them ?

[gmen]

PM sent Marc.

---- Gavin

[brivett]

I don't use any software with it... I prep images on my laptop, then either send them out using the phone via bluetooth, or move the jpg's onto a memory stick and place it in the phone itself (takes a memory stick in the side) I then just attach the files to an email and send..

[LMP]

PM sent Marc.

---- Gavin
Thanks Gavin, got it and replied.

[LMP]

I don't use any software with it... I prep images on my laptop, then either send them out using the phone via bluetooth, or move the jpg's onto a memory stick and place it in the phone itself (takes a memory stick in the side) I then just attach the files to an email and send..

Cheers Barry, I've been warned away from using the mobile instead of a 3g card as the transfer speed is allegedly much slower and time would be of the essence.

[brivett]

That's quite true... 3G is faster than good old GPRS but remember that when you can't get a good 3G signal... the 3G card autoswitches down to GPRS.....

As with all things, you pay's to play. A 3G card plus contract will cost you... so you have to be sure of plenty of paying work. Using the mobile with GPRS to send 3 newspaper quality images say 1500x1000 pixels will take approx an extra 10 minutes... How fine are the deadlines v. how much are the rewards ?

Certainly, for the regular user without budget constraints, 3G is the ideal....

The phone has the benefit that it can be used in your pocket... i.e. start it sending and get on with something else

Barry

[LMP]

I just managed to setup the phone as a modem and tested it out on a small file and it all works well. At least now I have a means to get me out of the mire if needs be.

[brivett]

have you set it up as a dial-up modem or to utilise the GPRS capability ?

[LMP]

Its setup to use the GPRS method.

[primoz]

I guess your laptop has wifi anyway. So if you have chance for wifi network in press center use it. It's always a lot faster then any gsm connection (3g or not 3g). If not, I just use usb cable for my Nokia 6680 and send over phone. I don't have special cards since most of time there is network in press centers, and for those few occassions hooking up gsm to laptop is just fine.
But one thing with 3g. I can't tell for UK, but pretty much everywhere I have been is so, that 3g is not available everywhere. This means that as soon as you go out of reach, you stay with normal gsm network only. This means in best cases up to 40kbps instead of 480kbps of 3g (numbers are for networks around here, like Slovenia, Austria and Italy, while it might be different in UK but basicaly they are about same).

[KennyG]

MSV has WiFi in all their centres which works very well, until you get to something like A1 or BTCC when it gets hammered. I now only bother for two day events as my deadlines (apart from very big events) are generally Sunday night, so I can get away with doing it from the office (aka - study). Most other circuits are hard wired and there can be a battle to get a free socket.

I have used GPRS trackside to my FTP server, but it was for a US magazine that wanted a shot of a US driver running in a UK championship and their deadline was within 20 minutes of the race ending. They paid enough to make it worth the effort. :) I have even sent stuff to my FTP server from the car on a long journey home from a mainland Europe circuit. Now that is expensive.