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Asmodeus
15th of June 2005 (Wed), 13:39
With plans to do a lot of traveling this summer, I decided that a non-computer photo storage device was a good idea, rather than adding to my 2GB & 4GB SanDisk Ultra II CF cards.

After a little shopping and research I decided to order the basic 20GB Smartdisk Fotochute, available from Buy.Com for $148.95 delivered (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10396598&loc=101&hdwt=22081&sp=1)

This is a very basic device; there is an indicator LED that lights when the device is charging, when files are being copied, or when the unit is connected to a PC/Mac. It blinks to let you know when data is being moved.

Connecting it to my 350D was simply a matter of connecting the Fotochute to the camera using a USB to Mini USB cable (not included; I used the one that came with the camera). It is necessary to put the camera connection in PTP mode, not standard PC Connection mode.

I moved roughly 1GB of data from the CF card in the camera; shots taken in JPG + RAW mode. Both the JPEG files and the RAW files were successfully copied and at decent transfer speed (roughly the same as moving the data files directly from the CF card using card reader or camera to PC).

The Fotochute then attaches to the PC; no drivers are necessary for Windows XP or Mac OS. It reports itself as an additional hard drive and files can easily be copied to and from your computer.

The unit weighs a little over 5 oz, comes with its own sheavy duty storage case, and should fit easily in any camera bag. There is a unit with an LCD panel that allows confirmation of the files and provides information about the available storage (but not photo preview) that sells at Buy.Com for $214.

Details about the Fotochute can be found at http://www.smartdisk.com/eWeb/smartdiskus/www/staticpages/fotochute.asp

The unit is fast, lightweight, inexpensive and copies RAW and JPEG files. I feel like it is well worth it's <$150 price tag.
formula4speed
15th of June 2005 (Wed), 14:05
For the same price, you can get devices that read memory cards rather than hooking up to your camera. That would be my preference as I wouldn't want my camera tied up while I was transferring pictures.
Asmodeus
15th of June 2005 (Wed), 14:12
For the same price, you can get devices that read memory cards rather than hooking up to your camera. That would be my preference as I wouldn't want my camera tied up while I was transferring pictures.

It also works reading data from my cards in my $9 USB CF card reader.
RobbTC
15th of June 2005 (Wed), 22:16
Not bad, but USB 1.1 so transferring back to your computer will be slow (I guess pulling from the camera would be too).
lostdoggy
15th of June 2005 (Wed), 23:15
You got rob!!! Here is one from Microcenter by Media Gear:
20GB
Build-in Flash Reader
Charge thru USB port or AC
USB 2
LCD display
all for: $149.99

Check it out: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0177556
Asmodeus
16th of June 2005 (Thu), 06:46
Not bad, but USB 1.1 so transferring back to your computer will be slow (I guess pulling from the camera would be too).

It's USB 2.0
Asmodeus
16th of June 2005 (Thu), 06:58
You got rob!!! Here is one from Microcenter by Media Gear:
20GB
Build-in Flash Reader
Charge thru USB port or AC
USB 2
LCD display
all for: $149.99

Check it out: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0177556

The media gear unit is 1/3 larger and more than twice as heavy.
ScottE
16th of June 2005 (Thu), 08:40
How can you be certain that your files were actually copied?

I had an Image tank that showed an LCD diplay when images were being copied, but there was no way to confirm what was actually copied.

On a trip to Jasper National Park I downloaded a full 1 GB card. The LCD display indicated that the copy was being done and switched off when it was completed. When I got home, the downloads before and after that had been done correctly. That one download was completely missing. I really wanted some of those pictures.

That is the reason I replaced the Image Tank with a Flashtrax. Now, I always have a look at what was downloaded and preview the first and last pictures before reformatting my CF card.

Scott
Asmodeus
16th of June 2005 (Thu), 10:16
Actually that would be one of the advantages of reading from the camera directly; the CF light flashes as the files are being transferred.

Doesn't protect from a hardware foul-up that reports erroneously that the files have been copied, but a gltch could also prevent the files on any device from being read back to a computer.

This is a simple and inexpensive device. When the P-2000 becomes more easily available, I'll probably pick one up, though I'll still use this when size and weight is an issue.
RobbTC
16th of June 2005 (Thu), 21:26
It's USB 2.0

The link he gave for Buy.com shows it as USB 1.1.

The manufacturer's site shows you can get it either way.

I guess you have to check the stock you get.
kram
23rd of June 2005 (Thu), 02:04
There is a version of the 20GB Fotochute with an LCD display to confirm file transfer - goes for around $50 more.

And from their own website, the devices are USB 2.0.

http://smartdisk.com/eWeb/smartdiskus/www/staticpages/fotochute.asp

You can get the LCD version from buy.com for $173 shipped with their 10% off coupon.
kram
23rd of June 2005 (Thu), 02:06
Asmodeus, I am looking at buying this before my Europe trip. How is the device powered? Direct connection to an AC socket? Can it handle 110v and 220v?
Asmodeus
24th of June 2005 (Fri), 21:59
The wall charger brick states that it handles 100-240v, so it should just be a matter of having the correct plug adapter. I was planning on using mine during a trip to the UK in August.