Suggestions for portable storage?

[dphoto]

Hello all,

My wife and I are taking a trip to Egypt at the end of June and we'll be there for about a month. Somehow, I don't think my five 1GB cards will be enough for my Digital Rebel! So, I'm looking at portable storage devices. Does anyone have any suggestions for a portable storage device?

I noticed Epson has a pretty nice one out for about $500 and I just read about the 40GB FlashPac from Wolverine for less than $200. You can't preview the images with the FlashPac, which definitely limits its applications. However, as far as storing images, it would do the trick. It has its own internal rechargeable battery... that's probably not as good as a unit that uses a standard replaceable battery. Does anyone have any experience with this device?

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks a lot!
-Deva

[tommykjensen]

I have the Epson and it is great. I had it with my on a 3 week holiday in Florida last month and had absolutely no problems, no lost photos or anything like that. Yes it is more expensive than most of the other options but I think it is well worth it. It has one of the best displays (if not the best) yet on any portable storage/digital camera.

FYI I used up about 20 GB on my holiday ;-)

[dphoto]

Thanks for the input Tommy! Yeah, it seems that everyone who gets the Epson P2000 is happy with it. And the display resolution is pretty awesome I hear, too.

I just read about the new Flash Trax XT. It has a 40GB capacity and is cheaper than the 40GB version of the Flash Trax. For about $400 it also plays MPEG-4 and DivX videos. That could help with the flight over... just put a few movies on there and enjoy. Anyone used this before?

Thanks again!
-Deva

[lostdoggy]

If you can bear the weight of a small Notebook CPU it might be a better solution. With a notebook you can burn copies of the photos have it ship home on CDRs and still have a copy on the Hard Drive. You also have the option of previewing it. But, I would recommend to leave it in the Hotel.
If carrying it on the plane is not for you , you can have it shipped ahead to the hotel and have them hold it for you. The reverse is also true. I find spending $500 for the Epson is alot, especially if a new notebook is about the same price.

[LiquidDye]

I have the old version of the Flash trax 20gb and apart from a lower resolution than the Epson find it easy to use, it comes with a set of ear piece but you might want to upgrade for a long term use. For those of you that have a Camera that only shoots raw with no jpeg option at the same time the Flash trax uses this as the preview and not the raw file. Hooking it up to a PC and instantly recognised as a external drive, menu system is easy to navigate. Quick upload, just stick in the card and it instantly turns on and sarts to upload. Self dates etc.

[tommykjensen]

I find spending $500 for the Epson is alot, especially if a new notebook is about the same price.

Perhaps, but a notebook is a LOT bigger than the Epson. But we all do what we prefer and I prefer not to have to bring tons of equipment with me on holiday - afterall it IS holiday.

[BigRed450]

Tommy:

Will the Epson read the CR2 Raw or must you also have the small jpg...?

[tommykjensen]

Tommy:

Will the Epson read the CR2 Raw or must you also have the small jpg...?

Yes it will read the imbedded jpeg from the CR2 raw files. Only thing is You can't zoom and the histogram is only displayed for jpeg.

So if You need to zoom and need the histogram then You could shoot raw + small jpeg.

[aam1234]

I find spending $500 for the Epson is alot, especially if a new notebook is about the same price.

After reading the above I searched the net but couldn't find a notebook for around $500. Could you please tell us what models you had in mind.

Thanks

[tommykjensen]

After reading the above I searched the net but couldn't find a notebook for around $500. Could you please tell us what models you had in mind.


Hehe, don't be surprised if he indeed find one.

Not long ago I saw a deal on a laptop here in Denmark at the low price of $667! Yes shockingly cheap, but then again is was really lowspec.

And here is another one that cost $640

http://www.edbpriser.dk/Listprices.asp?ID=94851

its in danish but You can probably figure out the configuration. It has no memory and no harddisk :lol:

[lostdoggy]

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=i2200F1&s=dhs

This is a Dell Inspiron 2200 for $599

If You Option Up to $1399 there is $500 Coupon code:
http://cheap.typepad.com/cheapster/dellpage.html

Sometime you can also stack coupon just got to check regularly it is constantly updated.
I just got a 1GB Ultra II CF for $80 last week with a 25% of coupon.

[lostdoggy]

Perhaps, but a notebook is a LOT bigger than the Epson. But we all do what we prefer and I prefer not to have to bring tons of equipment with me on holiday - afterall it IS holiday.
Don't get me wrong I like the Epson 2000. I would Problily get one soon, but just not yet. I need a new notebook first.

[37*ALBERT*WAY]

I think that the epson 2000 is great and your choice is right if your budget is that price.
If it is too expensive a option is a hard disk with a compact flash reader, e.g. a magnex.
With this you can't wiew the photo but you have a big space for storage perhaps when you are far to your home is all that you need... when came back reverse all the photo on your pc and then you can doing the choice.
Cons you can't wiew the images:mad:
Pros price and it is small as an epson.
Excuse my english :oops:

[charles_law]

Why not get an Ipod Color + the Camera cable?

Gives you 50 gigs (i think) and also allows you to listen to music on the fly :)

Altho not being able to view RAW files hurts it...you just have to trust its there heh.

[felix21685]

the issue with the ipod was i believe that you could only copy like 2-3 gigs then the batteries would die

[Longwatcher]

I have the Wolverine 80GB Flashpac.

Positives: Good battery life, 80GB capacity, price, card formats (it will take almost any format) and customer service (very friendly at answering questions)

Negatives: Still not fast enough card to device write times (but only a couple faster), can't view images.

Overall I consider it a good, but not perfect device. The only difference between models is the capacity of the drive. But most importantly, so far I feel I can trust it to hold my images. Only had it a few months so far though, when I have had it a year or more then I may really trust it.

Just my opinion,

For some comparison of other devices see:
http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm

[Todd Jacobsen]

the issue with the ipod was i believe that you could only copy like 2-3 gigs then the batteries would die

That is true, I use my IPOD for downloading photos.

I won't travel without my ipod (for music) and carrying TWO HD devices on every trip is a bit excessive if one device can fit all needs. Not always the BEST choice, but the most convenient.

Besides, unless you plan on burning 5 CF cards IN A DAY, the speed of transfer is not important - and you can always recharge back at the hotel/resort.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

So the epson can't display raw files? You'd have to shoot RAW with a jpeg and it'll display the jpeg?

[tommykjensen]

So the epson can't display raw files? You'd have to shoot RAW with a jpeg and it'll display the jpeg?

No the Epson displays the jpeg that is imbedded in the raw. You only have to shoot raw + jpeg if You absolutely need to be able to zoom.

[Digital Prophet]

Why not get an Ipod Color + the Camera cable?

Gives you 50 gigs (i think) and also allows you to listen to music on the fly :)

Altho not being able to view RAW files hurts it...you just have to trust its there heh.

The deal with the IPod Photo is that it was just never designed to be a PSD. That is it. I have one and trying to deal with it in the field is a miserable experience from a photographer point of view.

Now if you have one and use it as it was intended for MP3 playing and photo viewing it is a find little appliance. I have just ordered a P2000 to supplement my IPod. My thoughts are that when I am on a shoot that I will use the P2000 and otherwise carry my IPod.

Since I have started to do shoots that require a bigger investment in planning, capital and time I have found that I NEED to make sure that I come home with every shot that I was after. And not get home to find that my model blinked, that the image was slightly out of focus or that the camera shake gramil got me. And while it is true you can zoom in camera I want to be able to review my images on a larger better quality screen. Hopefully the P2000 will fill that bill.

As for the IPod I plan to keep it for MP3 use (which is supposed to be much better than the P2000) and for casual showing of photos while on the go. And it has proven itself a great tool for making "impulse" sales to moms.

So really this is just another case of the right tool for the right job.

- Digital Prophet -

[KenE]

80GB SmartDisk FlashTrax. Tons more useful features than the P-2000, data verification, zoom into RAW (uses the embedded JPEG), about $450. Much more advanced file functions. The ONLY drawback is the screen isn't nearly the quality of the P-2000's, which is gorgeous.

Also has an IR remote for presentations. Plays mp3/video if you need it, with controls outside the flipup display for playing, etc.

I've compared the two side-by-side and the FlashTrax was the clear winner in everything but the display.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Hmmm, thanks for the suggestion. I checked out the smartdisk flashtrax. Your right, seems to have some pretty impressive specs, but the screen is a big downfall. For me, I'd buy a unit like that only to view my pictures on the spot. Make sure they're good, not OOF or over, under exposed that way I could re-take messed up shots. The better the resolution, the better I can do that.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting a cheap little 20gb wolverine one ($150.00), and upgrading to an Epson next yearish. Right now lenses are more important to me. Looking into a 17-40L right now. :-)

Thanks for all the help everyone!

[Pelao]

This is a bit of an issue for me right now too. We are going to London, Paris and Nice in a few weeks. I have 4 GB available on my CF cards, and I shoot RAW, so this is clearly not enough space.

The Epson 2000 seems like a great machine. My concern is that I would have only 1 copy of each shot. If the Epson is stolen, lost or is seriously damaged, I have lost my images. Is an incident such as this likely? I don't think so, but all I need is be wrong on one occasion and I am sunk.

I could take my notebook. It's a great machine, and very light for it's power - but it is overkill and takes up space. On the other hand, I would have copies on the hard drive and could burn CDs or DVDs.

In the end, I will probably get an Apple 12" iBook. Tough little machine, can burn CDs and with an 80GB drive is about twice the price of the Epson - but a lot more versatile. This will become our family travel / spare notebook and since it won't do any heavy lifting it will last years.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Huh.... well..... there are storage devices that burn the images straight from the card right onto a CD or DVD disc. But just as the Epson can get stolen, the cd's or dvd's could get broken! Maybe, you could put them on the Epson, view them, and possibly visit some place where your at that prints photos. Print out the keepers, and put em in a folder. :-) Not sure if that's possible..... but it sounds it....

Any single device you buy runs the risk of being broken, stolen, lost, ect. So, just get what ever suits you best, and don't worry about it. :-)

[mdude85]

Perhaps, but a notebook is a LOT bigger than the Epson. But we all do what we prefer and I prefer not to have to bring tons of equipment with me on holiday - afterall it IS holiday.

also, good luck finding a notebook with a 40 GB HD for $500!

[mdude85]

This is a bit of an issue for me right now too. We are going to London, Paris and Nice in a few weeks. I have 4 GB available on my CF cards, and I shoot RAW, so this is clearly not enough space.

The Epson 2000 seems like a great machine. My concern is that I would have only 1 copy of each shot. If the Epson is stolen, lost or is seriously damaged, I have lost my images. Is an incident such as this likely? I don't think so, but all I need is be wrong on one occasion and I am sunk.

I could take my notebook. It's a great machine, and very light for it's power - but it is overkill and takes up space. On the other hand, I would have copies on the hard drive and could burn CDs or DVDs.

In the end, I will probably get an Apple 12" iBook. Tough little machine, can burn CDs and with an 80GB drive is about twice the price of the Epson - but a lot more versatile. This will become our family travel / spare notebook and since it won't do any heavy lifting it will last years.

Yes, but if your laptop is stolen or seriously damaged, then what? you have still lost all your images.

[mdude85]

Yes I think the p2000 is a good idea as well.

There is also the ipod option, which is cheaper than the p2000 and I *think* that you can get some hardware for the ipod so that you can attach it directly to a camera and upload photos. not sure about that though. if you're planning to bring a computer anyway, the ipod might be a good storage option.

[Pelao]

Yes, but if your laptop is stolen or seriously damaged, then what? you have still lost all your images.

Oh yes, I know and agree with you. But if you go through my post, that's why I mentioned that the notebook has a burner. So each evening I would download to the hard drive, and burn a CD or CDs. Therefore I would have a nice copy, and could keep the CDs separate from the notebook.

I really like the Epson, but for a relatively limited machine it's a lot of cash. the notebook is small and light and can do so much more. I can watch DVDs or downloaded movies, keep in touch through e-mail etc.

[lost]

Pelao, I agree with you. I seriously considered a p2000 but changed my mind. I have a spare 40gig 2.5 inch drive. I will probably pickup one of the units for 40 bucks to turn it into an image tank. Copy that to my laptop each night while on vacation.

Then I will have a copy on the image tank and one on the laptop. I could even burn to DVD and mail home. I guess that would be handy if my plane crashes or something but then I doubt I would need the photos anyway. :(

[dphoto]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the great input! Yeah, a laptop would be really nice, and probably not much more than $500. Since we are trekking around for a month, size is going to matter, so a laptop may be a little too large. Typically speaking, the cheaper the laptop, the larger/heavier it seems to be. So, for this trip, I think a laptop is out of the question.

As for the other options, I really like the FlashTrax XT for $400 and the Epson 2000 for $500. I think I'm leaning towards the FlashTrax because it seems to cost less and has more features. Probably another one of these "I'll be happy with either" decisions.

Thanks again for all the input!
-Deva

[Pelao]

Perhaps another option is this portable CD / DVD burner from Delkin:
Burnaway (http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_burnaway_dvd.html)

You could burn multiple CDs or DVDs, and it can also hook up to a TV to play DVDs etc.

One thing to check: if you shoot RAW not all the storage devices recognize, display and / or manage RAW files. Even if you don't shoot RAW, you may do so in the future....

[lostdoggy]

I purchased the apacer steno DVD Playr/CDR with buildin Media reader about a year age. At the time it was a good idea. Now it just sit on my desk as a Media Reader. The main problem with these unit is the battery life or lack of it. After about 6 month of use the life of the battery drop from 6 CDR per charge to about 4 CDR. Their are smaller notebook such as the ones with 10.5 screens. If you look at some backpack camera they include space for a notebook. With the notebook up against your back the weight will not be an issue.

[tommykjensen]

Perhaps another option is this portable CD / DVD burner from Delkin:
Burnaway (http://www.delkin.com/delkin_products_burnaway_dvd.html)


What I don't like about this type of devices is the fact that You can't really verify that the photos have been copied before You clear the memory card.

My main reason for buying the Epson was that I can verify that the photos have been copied. It can display the imbedded jpeg from the raw files. This is more important to me than having 80 GB instead of "just" 40 GB. 40 GB last a while, on a 3 week holiday I used about 18 GB.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Yea, burn away is nice, but I agree with Tommy. Then again, the burner could be a good money making tool. Shoot a few pics of a kids soccer game and have people pay you for cd's or dvd's with the pics of the game on them. Charge $5-10 bucks a disc depending on wether it's cd or dvd disc. Burn em right there on the spot!

Can that thing burn multiple discs from one batch of data though? It doesn't erase all the images after burning a single disc........?

[Pelao]

I also agree that the Burnaway's weakness lies in the fact that you cannot verify a successful burn.

In all my research, if you can't or don't want a notebook, the Epson seems to be the best option.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Well, what if you do have a notebook. A really good one, what would you suggest theN? Still the epson?

[Pelao]

If you have a small notebook that can burn CDs then you don't need anyhting else.

[tommykjensen]

Well, what if you do have a notebook. A really good one, what would you suggest theN? Still the epson?

I would say it depends on the size of the notebook.

If the notebook is the same size or smaller than the Epson then I would recommend the notebook otherwise I would recommend the Epson ;)

[lostdoggy]

I would say it depends on the size of the notebook.

If the notebook is the same size or smaller than the Epson then I would recommend the notebook otherwise I would recommend the Epson ;)

There was a notebook about the size of the epson p2000 by sony, but the HDD capacity is pretty much useless. I think it was 10 or 20GB. I don't think they make it anymore. It was more of a novelty item/PDA.

[Gawain_83]

Go to the Smartdisk.com site and check out the FotoChute. It's 20Gb of storage but the downside is no display screen. The upside is the price. If you're like me and can't afford the Epson P-2000 right now, the FotoChute is a good compromise.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

I've seen that laptop. It was also incredibly expensive, and for the most part useless. Laptops that small over heat far to quickly and easily causing multiple break downs over a short period of time. Biiigggg waste of cash. Unless you really need it, the bigger the better. Better life, better price, better performance for the buck!

[kdent]

Cheaper and with mp3 capabilities:
THe sony vaio pocket can read your pictures. I used a CF reader to USB and the pocket read it and could view it, except for RAW. THe good thing is that you can use a separate reader so you save your battery on the camera and upload with USB 2.0. The bad thing is that you need the cradle to do so.