SmartDisk FlashTrax?

[formula4speed]

I'm looking into this as an alternative to the epson p-2000. Its a 20 Gb storage device with a viewer (compatible with RAW files) for half the price of the epson and right now there is a rebate taking it down to $200. The epson is awesome I know, but the saved money can go towards other accessories. Just wondering if anyone has ever tried this thing before. Any thoughts are welcome.

[rokclimbertx]

hey there...

i got one back in march for a trip to mexico in april... took some 4-500 pictures and would drop them down to the flashtrax at the end of every day... i think it's great... batteries last a fair amount of time enuff to transfer and then then go thru a slide show of a few hundred photos... i was also thinkin about the epson but just couldnt justify that amount of money even though i'm positive its really nice... transferring from the flashtrax to pc takes a little longer than card to flashtrax but it's not that bad... photos from the card are put into a dated folder on the unit... the interface takes some getting used to... if the epson rates a 10 on a scale (assuming it's the gold standard) then i'd give the flashtrax a strong 8... i would suggest carrying a 2nd card so you can continue shooting while one is transferring just in case you dont have time to wait for the transfer to complete...

stace

[MTalley]

I'm debating the same thing (Flashtrax vs. Epson) for much the same reasons. Looking forward to a couple more (hopefully positive) reviews on the unit.

[formula4speed]

I do have 2 cards, a 1 Gig and a 512 MB so I figured my choices were a few memory cards of a portable device like this which could end up costing me less.

[the.digital.guy]

Just received my Epson P-2000 today; all I can say is AWESOME!
The screen is just Unbelievable!
You have to see it in-person to be "awe struck"
Just my 2 cents.
And it was worth every penny(alot of them).

[KenE]

Just received my Epson P-2000 today; all I can say is AWESOME!
The screen is just Unbelievable!
You have to see it in-person to be "awe struck"
Just my 2 cents.

And that screen is about the only thing the Epson has over the SmartDisk unit. In fact the screen is so good, it will blur your objective reasoning and drive you to purchase the thing impulsively.

Want to zoom into a RAW pic without having to shoot RAW+JPEG? Sorry Epson owners. Want features that are actually useful and, gasp, somewhat technical? Too bad, you only get basic functions and menus with the Epson. There's also the "promise of firmware upgrades." Well there's also the Phantom gaming console too. I'll believe it when I see it.

If you'd like a tool for backing up your CF onto a drive that includes file utilities, two data verification modes, presentation tools (IR remote, album creation on the fly), and a host of other features, get the SmartDisk Flashtrax. Oh and it's cheaper. My 80GB model was less than the 40GB P-2000.

If you like a really nice screen, get the Epson.

Sorry this post sounds short, but this info has been said over and over again in this very forum. I was once enamored with the Epson unit until I got the FlashTrax and did some objective comparisons of the two, side-by-side. I can do without the screen, especially since you can't even zoom a RAW (the jpeg embedded in it to be exact) and take advantage of the darned thing.


HTH

EDIT: It may sound like it, but I have no affiliation with SmarkDisk. I'm just so shocked that people take such a blind approach to two products and go for the bling.

[the.digital.guy]

And that screen is about the only thing the Epson has over the SmartDisk unit. In fact the screen is so good, it will blur your objective reasoning and drive you to purchase the thing impulsively.

Want to zoom into a RAW pic without having to shoot RAW+JPEG? Sorry Epson owners. Want features that are actually useful and, gasp, somewhat technical? Too bad, you only get basic functions and menus with the Epson. There's also the "promise of firmware upgrades." Well there's also the Phantom gaming console too. I'll believe it when I see it.

If you'd like a tool for backing up your CF onto a drive that includes file utilities, two data verification modes, presentation tools (IR remote, album creation on the fly), and a host of other features, get the SmartDisk Flashtrax. Oh and it's cheaper. My 80GB model was less than the 40GB P-2000.

If you like a really nice screen, get the Epson.

Sorry this post sounds short, but this info has been said over and over again in this very forum. I was once enamored with the Epson unit until I got the FlashTrax and did some objective comparisons of the two, side-by-side. I can do without the screen, especially since you can't even zoom a RAW (the jpeg embedded in it to be exact) and take advantage of the darned thing.


HTH

EDIT: It may sound like it, but I have no affiliation with SmarkDisk. I'm just so shocked that people take such a blind approach to two products and go for the bling.

It's not that I go for the "Bling";but a friend of mine had the Epson P-2000 and both of us shoot Youth Sports.He was telling me how much more money he was making because of the Epson P-2000 because it allowed the parents to see their children instantly(the parents were "WOWED" by the screen of the Epson).Not only did he sell prints on the spot but it has enabled him to shoot individuals on a per event or per hour basis.His income has more then tripled due to the Epson. I only shoot part-time and am hoping for the same results
My friend said his Epson P-2000 was paid in full within days!

[the.digital.guy]

KenE

I saw an earlier post from you speaking of the Epson P-2000;
"You lose out on a fantastic screen (i am very envious) and higher quality fit and finish."

[cruzyn56]

I just picked up the 20GB FlashTrax for an Alaska cruise next week. I have tested downloads from the CF and it seems fine so far. I too, didn't want to spend the money on the Epson especially when I would only be using for travel. I thought it was a pretty good deal at just a little more than what I would have spent for one of those hard drive only units with only a status dislpay. You need to weigh the options against the price and go for the one that will fit your needs. I am sure both of them are fine.

[MTalley]

Dell has a $70 off any $450 purchase coupon running. They want $469 for the 40GB Flashtrax. With coupon and free shipping, it can be on the way tomorrow for $399 total. I've added it and removed it from my cart twice now. Still pondering.

I'm usually never too far from my laptop and don't travel by plane much, so I'm debating the merits of the Flashtrax (or any other unit for that matter).

[Dante King]

I just got the p2000 over the flashtrax, well because of the screen and fit and finish. I dont care to about slide shows just verifying shots (which I shoot raw + jpeg any way to speed PP) so it seemed to me, like the best platform for viewing in this capacity. The flashtrax seemed very cheap when holding it. Sure it is less $$$. I am sure epson will upgrade flash rom and make other features availible in the future. They have to if they are to retain market share.

There are many things going for the flashtrax that is very appealing. For me the choice was clear as the p2000's screen. But differences in need is what makes a horserace.

[jimtfoto]

Have had a 30gb FlashTrax for more than a year now. Used on trips to Florida, Barbados and Costa Rica. Very pleased with performance. Has not let me down yet. Would recommend, as have others, that you carry an extra CF card to continue shooting since download to FlashTrax takes a bit of time.
If your home computer (or laptop) is USB 2, download from FlashTrax is fast.
Friend of mine (a pro shooter) just picked up the Epson. It is an awesome little device, with a superb monitor. He uses it to preview pictures for clients. But, as has already been mentioned, he can zoom in only on JPGs, not RAW (which is generally what he shoots).
I don't really need the quality LCD since all I want to confirm is that the files have indeed been downloaded.
All in all, IMHO, you'll be happy with the FlashTrax.

[mdr]

You must be joking: the Epson doesn't have a file verification function? I'd rather have a poor screen and know for certain my files have been copied correctly before I delete them from the CF card, than a fantastic screen and loosing some of my pics due to incorrect copying.

Very happy with my 40GB FlashTrax. Can't fault it as a backup device.

[Tiger1]

Formula,

Is there still a rebate available and if so, please let me know how to get it and where to buy.

Thanks very much.

[the.digital.guy]

You must be joking: the Epson doesn't have a file verification function? I'd rather have a poor screen and know for certain my files have been copied correctly before I delete them from the CF card, than a fantastic screen and loosing some of my pics due to incorrect copying.

Very happy with my 40GB FlashTrax. Can't fault it as a backup device.

Please explain "file verification function"
How does this work on the FlashTrax?

[Jon]

I have a FlashTrax 80 that's very nice. One thing I prefer about it over the Epson is that the screen folds down - I'm not worried about it getting bumped and broken by a pointy object. The rebate (US one anyway - there was a Canadian one as well, IIRC) ran through May 31.

[Tiger1]

Jon,

Thanks for the info; looks like I missed it, but there'll be more.

Gene

[Alan Neilson]

I have a 40Gig FlasbTrax which I like, only used it a few times manly just to try it out as I still had enough memory with me, but at least people could view the photo's easier than just looking at them on the camera screen. Like Jon I liked the fact that the screen folded down giving it some projection.

I haven't used or seen the epson so can't make a comparison, just going by magazine reviews they are both good machines. You pays your money and takes your choice. Like others here I am more than happy with my choice it does what I need it to do, back up my photos.

[formula4speed]

It turns out I might not even need one, the reason I was looking is because I am flying cross country to see a friend. Then she reminded me she has a laptop I can put my pictures on and then burn them to CD. This will obviously be the least expensive option since I don't really travel much.

[MTalley]

The more I think about it, the more I think I might spend the same money on some good quality glass (not quite ready for L lenses due to budget constraints, though). I really need something to fill in the gap between the kits lens (55mm) and the low end of my Tamron (75mm). Thinking something in the 28mm - 90mm (or 105mm) range might be nice and flexible.

[Bamamike]

IMHO I think having a notebook (Averatec, 12.1" screen, $800) or a PDA (Toshiba Genio, 4" screen, $299) is more flexibel and for the saved money (going only w/ the PDA) you can buy more CF cards so there is no need to back-up on a HD. Going with the Notebook you have the biggest screen, burn it on CD's and have still the opportunity to add external drives for additional space. If you carry 30 pounds of gear you can add 4 pounds for the notebook. If you travel light you use the PDA.

[KenE]

KenE

I saw an earlier post from you speaking of the Epson P-2000;
"You lose out on a fantastic screen (i am very envious) and higher quality fit and finish."

You are correct. At the time I noticed the buttons were better built. They still are. I apologize for forgetting and leaving out that information in my rant. As to the use of that screen, your example is a perfect reason to go with the P-2000. I'd never thought of it as I'm not planning on taking money for my shots, so my brain isn't building scenarios like that. For weddings, or any on-the-spot sales it would be a good tool.

As to data verification, per SmartDisk's tech info on their site-

"Verification of a Flash Card Backup

A flash copy verification featurehas been added to the File Explorer menu. You can use this feature to double-check that a COPY from a flash card was successful, or to compare the contents of a flash card to the contents of any backup folder (“did I copy this card yet?”). To use this command:

1. Insert the flash card to be verified, if not already inserted.

2.In File Explorer, navigate into the FlashTrax backup directory and highlight the name of the backup folder you wish to verify against the inserted flash card.

3.Press Fn and then Right several times to highlight Verify.

oIf you highlight Quick and press ENTER, the names of all files and folders on the inserted flash card will be compared to the names of all files and folders in the selected backup folder. If any name does not match, a pop-up will indicate so and halt the comparison.

oIf you highlight Full and press ENTER, the contents of all files in all folders on the inserted flash card will be compared to the contents of all files in all folders in the selected backup folder. If any file does not match, a pop-up will indicate so and halt the comparison. Note that a Full Verify takes the same length of time (and battery power) as the flash COPY itself."

Hope that helps

[the.digital.guy]

You are correct. At the time I noticed the buttons were better built. They still are. I apologize for forgetting and leaving out that information in my rant. As to the use of that screen, your example is a perfect reason to go with the P-2000. I'd never thought of it as I'm not planning on taking money for my shots, so my brain isn't building scenarios like that. For weddings, or any on-the-spot sales it would be a good tool.

As to data verification, per SmartDisk's tech info on their site-

"Verification of a Flash Card Backup

A flash copy verification featurehas been added to the File Explorer menu. You can use this feature to double-check that a COPY from a flash card was successful, or to compare the contents of a flash card to the contents of any backup folder (“did I copy this card yet?”). To use this command:

1. Insert the flash card to be verified, if not already inserted.

2.In File Explorer, navigate into the FlashTrax backup directory and highlight the name of the backup folder you wish to verify against the inserted flash card.

3.Press Fn and then Right several times to highlight Verify.

oIf you highlight Quick and press ENTER, the names of all files and folders on the inserted flash card will be compared to the names of all files and folders in the selected backup folder. If any name does not match, a pop-up will indicate so and halt the comparison.

oIf you highlight Full and press ENTER, the contents of all files in all folders on the inserted flash card will be compared to the contents of all files in all folders in the selected backup folder. If any file does not match, a pop-up will indicate so and halt the comparison. Note that a Full Verify takes the same length of time (and battery power) as the flash COPY itself."

Hope that helps

KenE,

Thanks for the info on "file verification"

Gene

[MTalley]

Well, I bit the bullet today and ordered a 40 Gig Flashtrax from Dell. Use a $40 off on-line coupon and the free shipping, no taxes. Came to $424 delivered. Imagine my surprise to find a $50 rebate coupon, still good until the end of this month, at the SmartDisk site.

I got to thinking about it more. I'm not ready for another lens right now - I really need to discover all I can about what I have. On the other hand, I got to thinking about my statement of my laptop usually being nearby. The main reason it is nearby when I'm traveling with the camera is simply for the hard disk storage and big-screen viewing of images (mostly the former).

Given that I can't do much with the images until I get home anyway, it seemed logical to have something more portable and, to be honest, less expensive than a laptop along with me when I'm hiking, camping and generally roughing it.

I'm trying to think up more good excuses before the unit arrives the first of next week, so if you come up with some good ones, let me know. That way, I can print them all out and hand them to my wife when I walk in the door with a DHL box next week. :D

[CleanShot]

I need some feedback/recommendations, please. Here's the skinny.
I shoot about 1000-1500 frames a day with my EOS 1D MII on 4GB CF cards. I have a FlashTrax running the newest firmware so I wouldn't have to tote my PowerBook G4 with me. It is painfully slow when copying directly from the card. After reading this section, I timed an upload of 35 frames (223 MB) at 3 minutes 20 seconds to the FlashTrax from a CF card. That's less than 1MB/sec. It already takes 20 minutes to upload a full 4GB CF card to my PowerBook (only has USB 1.0 slots). I left the FlashTrax in the truck after 10 minutes, the bar barely moved. Is anybody else's this slow? I am looking for a firewire card reader that reads CF and SD cards. Anybody know where I can pick one of these up, or do I have to buy both separately? I haven't seen one on the Internet yet. Suggestions? Comments?