No need to lug around your laptop (iPod solution)

[sageone]

Hang on as I get through this...it's worth it.

I've read a lot on this forum about storage woes. Lots of folks talking about the need to bring their laptop with them to burn images to disk and free up space on memory cards (avoiding having to buy a number of cards which can get costly).

For those that have an iPod - not just the iPod photo - I'm talking about the 20 gig, 40 gig, 60 gig regular music iPod...I have a storage solution for you.

First, purchase the Belkin media reader (http://http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201526&pcount=&Product_Id=158350). Secondly, purchase Digital Concepts 8 in 1 card reader (http://www.123av.com/DetailPage.asp?ProductID=SAKCR70) (pictured here is the 9 in 1 version).

Both the belkin media reader and the digital concepts media reader are very small, like the ipod. The three pieces together are much, much, much, more convenient to carry in a camera case than having to pug around a lap top.

So...lets get down to business....

Plug the belkin media reader into the iPod. Then connect the Digital Concepts media reader to the Belkin media reader via USB (cables included). Then finally, no matter what digital cameras you have, Canon EOS, Nikon, etc. remove your memory card, stick it into the Digital Concepts media reader and THEN press the "go" button on the Belking media reader.

That's it!!! All the files from the memory card pass through the Belkin media reader to your iPod. Then, on your iPod go to "extra settings" and go to "photo album." The iPod will categorize your download as a roll of film. The key here is having at least two memory cards so when you are downloading one to the iPod, you have another on in the camera so you don't miss a beat. I will admit, the transfer rate is decent, but not as fast as I'd like it. However, not feeling tied down to my laptop makes up for the download speed.

Once you get home, connect your iPod to your PC/Mac and navigate your way to the folder where the photos are store and you're all set! Please note, you have to be using your iPod as a "hard drive" in order for XP to recognize it as an external drive. The iPod will store your photos in the "Data" folder.

To reiterate iPod > Belkin media reader > Digital Concepts media reader > insert memory card > HIT the "Go" button on Belkin device....then it's Digital Concepts media reader > to Belkin device > to iPod.

Peace of cake. Enjoy...hope this is helpful.

[andygrif]

Am I missing the point of this? Surely you'd just put your memory card in the Media Reader rather than the extra card reader?

Or do you mean this is a solution for people who don't use CF, MMC, MS or SD cards?

[tommykjensen]

Both the belkin media reader and the digital concepts media reader are very small, like the ipod. The three pieces together are much, much, much, more convenient to carry in a camera case than having to pug around a lap top.

Hmm cary around 3 extra devices instead of just one like: xdrive, Epson P-2000 etc seems stupid to me ;)

[PacAce]

I thought the objection with the Belkin media reader is the fact that it's so darn slow in transferring the files over to the iPod. So, has that been addressessed with this configuration? Has the transfer speed been dramatically improved with this setup? Inquiry minds want to know! :)

[sageone]

Am I missing the point of this? Surely you'd just put your memory card in the Media Reader rather than the extra card reader?

Or do you mean this is a solution for people who don't use CF, MMC, MS or SD cards?

Correct. The Belkin media reader doesn't have slots for memory cards. It basically acts as a communicator between the ipod and external devices, whether it be a hard drive, media reader, etc. I don't have any other external HD devices and don't have the funds to buy another one - when the iPod works just fine. All in total, not including the ipod, the solution I've laid out above would cost 50-70 bucks versus an external HD unit that I'm guessing is a lot more. But I'm really not sure.

To address the speed issue....I downloaded 153 photos (jpeg large, best quality format) from my scandisk 512 card to the ipod using this solution in just under two minutes. That might seem a bit long for some folks, but suits me just fine.

And before people jump all over me about this being a "stupid" solution...I already had the iPod as an external HD device and was looking for something to supplement the process. I didn't feel it was necessary to buy yet another external HD device when I already had the ipod AND the Belkin media reader. I've had the Belkin device for a while now and use it with my Nikon Coolpix 5200. So when I bought the Canon EOS 300D I was hoping that the same downloading process would work. It didn't - when I plugged the camera into the belkin device via USB it didn't recognize it. So, instead of buying another external device, I found a solution to my problem for 25 bucks. The three items combined are very light and tiny. They take up one sleeve inside of my camera bag. Only one usb cable is needed.

Just trying to help...take it or leave it.

[tommykjensen]

And before people jump all over me about this being a "stupid" solution...I already had the iPod as an external HD device and was looking for something to supplement the process.

I was not jumping on You, did You not see the smilie ;)

[sageone]

I was not jumping on You, did You not see the smilie ;)

Sorry!!! It's been a long morning already! The sun is out here in Boston and I want to be outside clicking away...instead I'm stuck in the office looking out the window. :mad:

[D Boone]

Sageone, thanks so much for the info. I have been wanting an mp3 player but refused to get one until I found a way to use it as a storage tank for my picks too. Sounds like you found a great, easy solution. The first thing that poped into my mind though was this, if you fill up a card, then download it, then fill up another card, does the canon folder overwrite the last one? Say on the first card it put 50 pics in the last folder the camera made, and on the next card th camera put the next 50 on it, then will downloading the second card make that folder overwrite the first? If this doens't make sence I'll try and clarify. Thanks!

[sageone]

Sageone, thanks so much for the info. I have been wanting an mp3 player but refused to get one until I found a way to use it as a storage tank for my picks too. Sounds like you found a great, easy solution. The first thing that poped into my mind though was this, if you fill up a card, then download it, then fill up another card, does the canon folder overwrite the last one? Say on the first card it put 50 pics in the last folder the camera made, and on the next card th camera put the next 50 on it, then will downloading the second card make that folder overwrite the first? If this doens't make sence I'll try and clarify. Thanks!

Nope. When you download to the iPod it'll create a folder called DCIM. In that folder will be a folder called APPLE001. The second time you download, it'll create another folder called APPLE002. When you go to "Extras" on your iPod, it'll then show you that you have two "rolls" downloaded to your iPod, how many pictures each roll contains, the date taken, how much storage space it's using, etc.

The only drawback is that you can't view the pictures...you need the iPod photo to do that. But as an external HD device, this solution works like a charm. The program I use to control my iPod is ANAPOD EXPLORER. Google it. It basically is an app that runs within windows explorer - giving you the nice drag and drop feature. You can do the same in iTunes...but the app sucks and iTunes is really, really slow. ANAPOD works wonders and is really to use and FAST.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Correct. The Belkin media reader doesn't have slots for memory cards.

This is INCORRECT.

Belkin produces TWO data transfer devices for the IPOD.
1) Belkin Media Reader
2) Belkin Camera Link

Both are AA battery operated. Both devices work with ANY 3rd or 4th Gen IPOD.

The Belkin Media Reader - DOES have memory card slots and can be utilized by itself for CF downloads,

The Belkin Camera Link - DOES NOT have memory card slots. It was created to attach directly to your camera (via USB cable). You can substitute a CF reader in place of the camera. I own the Belkin Camera Link and utilize a Card Reader instead of the camera.

BOTH Belkin devices eat batteries like candy. (~1.5GB per battery replacement).

Because of the battery consumption, AC power is required (or spend a TON on batteries), but the Belkin devices do not have an AC adapter. I own the IPOD Photo, so I now have a powered USB device as backup (and utilize the Apple Camera Link that only works with IPOD Photo).

And yes, the IPOD is slow, but I have yet to "beat" it completing a download. Filling 1GB cards with shots takes time, regardless of download speed. Plus, you should always have ATLEAST two cards.

[sageone]

Todd..thanks for the correction. I guess I had my terminology all screwed up. I have the camera link NOT the media reader. And I agree with you, having at least two cards is most helpful. While one is downloading, you can keep shooting. My point here was that for those iPod users, there's a solution out there that can help with storage. I find myself using my iPod more as a storage device than an MP3 player. I guess it's nice to have the option though to jam out while taking photos!!!

[D Boone]

Ok... confused again... so can you just get the belkin media reader and it be enough? I guess Sageone you have the camera link and were plugging a card reader into that? The canon rebel won't interface with the camera reader alone?

Nevermind... Re-read the posts... I get it now...

[felix21685]

what bout other brand mp3 hard drive based players?
i have a 20GB JETAUDIO M3 which should essentially work the same way

the link doesnt work for me ..because it has http:// twice in it
even when i remove one i get microsoft.com ???

[sageone]

Not sure about other brand name mp3 players. I just have the iPod.

[mdm]

The ipod is sounding pretty good.

[puttick]

Just one little note of caution. Drop your IPOD and it's probably dead. This happened to a friend of mine who has the camera adaptor and has succesfully stored images on his. At the time he had no photos on the 'pod, just music, but that was the end of the HD and though it has been repaired nothing could be got from it.

OTOH, any solution which burns CDs is producing a "hard" backup of the photos from your card.

If you're on an unrepeatable trip, and need to free up storage space on your CF card, would you risk putting your photos an a miniature HD?

IMO the only way is burn to CD, with laptop (bulky), dedicated writer (needs charger), visit a photo shop (not always available) ... or have lots of extra cards.

Nigel

[DocFrankenstein]

Very cool tip. I'll be back with some questions after I do some research.

[DocFrankenstein]

Is there a device that lets you record audio on your ipod? Not music mp3... but stuff like conferences or conversations... :lol:

[D Boone]

Is there a device that lets you record audio on your ipod? Not music mp3... but stuff like conferences or conversations... :lol:

There is... I just can't remember where I saw it... but it will turn your ipod into a digital recorder. It even has a little speaker for playback. Don't have an ipod, but have been looking into them and know I have seen that attachment.

[D Boone]

http://www.everythingipod.com/product222.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=11151412655179360&eqPRONAMEdatarq=Belkin%20iPod%20Voice%20Recorder%2 0&searchSKU=w001-8462&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1

Heres a link to it.. not the one I was thinking, so there must be another option.

[sageone]

Yes...there is. Not sure who manufactuers it, but check out the apple site under accessories.

[sageone]

Just one little note of caution. Drop your IPOD and it's probably dead. This happened to a friend of mine who has the camera adaptor and has succesfully stored images on his. At the time he had no photos on the 'pod, just music, but that was the end of the HD and though it has been repaired nothing could be got from it.

OTOH, any solution which burns CDs is producing a "hard" backup of the photos from your card.

If you're on an unrepeatable trip, and need to free up storage space on your CF card, would you risk putting your photos an a miniature HD?

IMO the only way is burn to CD, with laptop (bulky), dedicated writer (needs charger), visit a photo shop (not always available) ... or have lots of extra cards.

Nigel

I guess you're right about this. However, as most techie's are...I'm very careful with my equipment. I would never suggest you carry an iPod without a case. I have a hard skin on my iPod that also goes into a blet clip type holder that is padded. Then again...no one is THAT safe and careful and accidents are bound to happen. I dropped my iPod just the other morning - actually my 1 year old daughter swiped it off the table. It landed pretty hard, but started right up without any problems.

I all honesty, there are NO definitive solutions. Once you remove the pics from the CF something could happen to your laptop, to a CD, etc., etc. This was just a simple, failry inexpensive solution to a problem that I was having and thought it might be helpful to share.

[DocFrankenstein]

This is very nice, I have been looking for minidisk+voice recorder+CF recording for some time now.

But I am hopelessly unfamiliar with iPod "generations"

If I were to buy this, I need the 3rd or 4th generation? Second won't work? :confused:

[PixCasey]

I have the iPod Photo 60 Gig and it stays in a drawer... I can't get the darn thing to save photos when i want to add more photos from it to my Mac, I have the G5 Mac at home and the Powerbook G4 for the road. I read that the Belkin reader was not only slow but unreliable so I never got it. I bought the iPod for over 500 bucks but still have yet to fully utilize it. After sageoneflix gave testimony to it, maybe I'll look into saving the file under, DCIM? chit this is all so confusing! What ever happened to just taking the photos? I think I'll have to buy an A/C adaptor for my Expedition or purchase an insto-matic disposable camera and be done with my passion....
thanks for all the brain damage.... :confused: :lol:
Dan Casey
Canon 20D, Canon Rebel 300, EF 70-200 2.8 IS USM L , EF 24-70 2.8 USM L, EF 16-35 USM L, EF 75-300 4-5.6 IS, 1.4 Extension, TWO 420 Speedlite EX's, ONE 550 Speedlite EX, 6 GIGS OF CARDS, TONS OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, MONO-POD, TRIPOD, REBEL KIT LENS, A PLETHORA OF LENSE FILTERS, REFLECTORS, SCWIBS

[sageone]

I have the iPod Photo 60 Gig and it stays in a drawer... I can't get the damnable thing to save photos when i want to add more photos from it to my Mac, I have the G5 Mac at home and the Powerbook G4 for the road. I read that the Belkin reader was not only slow but unreliable so I never got it. I bought the iPod for over 500 bucks but still have yet to fully utilize it. After sageoneflix gave testimony to it, maybe I'll look into saving the file under, DCIM? chit this is all so confusing! What ever happened to just taking the photos? I think I'll have to buy an A/C adaptor for my Expedition or purchase an insto-matic disposable camera and be done with my passion....
thanks for all the brain damage.... :confused: :lol:
Dan Casey
Canon 20D, Canon Rebel 300, EF 70-200 2.8 IS USM L , EF 24-70 2.8 USM L, EF 16-35 USM L, EF 75-300 4-5.6 IS, 1.4 Extension, TWO 420 Speedlite EX's, ONE 550 Speedlite EX, 6 GIGS OF CARDS, TONS OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES, MONO-POD, TRIPOD, REBEL KIT LENS, A PLETHORA OF LENSE FILTERS, REFLECTORS, SCWIBS

That totally sux that you have a nice iPod but don't use it. An update on the speed of the Belkin. To reiterate, it's not a card reader, but more of a transfer device. I transfered 63 RAW images in 3 minutes. The batteries in the Belkin are the original batteries I bought when I first purchased the item almost 8 months ago. I realize that 3 minutes might be a life time to some people, but if you have two CF cards, I highly bought you'll fill one up while the other is still tranferring - unless of course, you are shooting sports and have the trigger held down shooting multiples over and over again. And anyone who has covered sports knows that's not the case. Yes, shooting sports is all about movement and speed, but it doesn't mean you are constantly shooting. My point...with two cards and the equipment discussed in this thread, the solution has worked wonders for me.