Using an iPad as a Backup Device

I have a few basic questions for those who use their iPads as a backup device. I have heard some disparaging remarks from several iPad users regarding the transfer of images from the camera to the device. I need to separate fact from fiction before I purchase an iPad.

Using the camera connection kit, are there any problems of transferring RAW images from either my 400d or G11 to the iPad either directly from the camera or using a CF card reader?

Is there any truth that updating to iOS 4.2 will not permit this transfer? It has been said, supposedly, that the power threshold to the camera connection kit has been lowered.

If so, will a powered card reader resolve this problem?

Are there any problems when transferring these RAW images from the iPad to my desktop/laptop Mac running Snow Leopard?

Thank you for your help.

Excuse me - but for me the whole number doesn't make any sense:

• the max memory capacity for an ipad is 64 GB - i wouldn't call that a backup device
  
• on an ipad you need also the OS and some apps/music, only the rest is for backup
  
• i do not think you can put a cardreader on an ipad, it do not have USB
  

I don't think the OP is buying it for storage alone (I might be wrong?). So although there are other back up options, maybe it's a "kill 2 birds with one stone" sort of thing.

It might not be a great storage device, but I'm pretty interested in those questions as well.

kitjv wrote in post #11924287
I have a few basic questions for those who use their iPads as a backup device. I have heard some disparaging remarks from several iPad users regarding the transfer of images from the camera to the device. I need to separate fact from fiction before I purchase an iPad.

Using the camera connection kit, are there any problems of transferring RAW images from either my 400d or G11 to the iPad either directly from the camera or using a CF card reader?

Is there any truth that updating to iOS 4.2 will not permit this transfer? It has been said, supposedly, that the power threshold to the camera connection kit has been lowered.

If so, will a powered card reader resolve this problem?

Are there any problems when transferring these RAW images from the iPad to my desktop/laptop Mac running Snow Leopard?

Thank you for your help.

I have not heard of any card reader that will work with the camera connection kit after 4.2. Your best bet is to try one out in a store ... But let us know if you get it to work

Transferring images from a DSLR to the iPad, including Raw, is no problem. I have no clue how to get them off the device though (OK, just figured it out ... For a PC you have to treat the iPad as if it were a camera and use the "Import pictures and videos" dialog when you plug the device in. Totally stupid approach that seems typical for Apple. Why they can't make decent software for PC users is beyond me)

iPad is not a backup device, they barely have enough storage for a few movies, some music and apps. Additionally, using an iPad means having to use iTunes. That alone doesn't make it worth it.

Much cheaper to buy external storage, if you want to buy a tablet for tablet reason AND copy pictures to it.. Go get a Motorola Xoom.

Thats a tablet.

I'd suggest you bring your camera, card reader and whatever else you want to connect to the IPad to an Apple store as see if you can get any of working. I'm doubtful, but let us know what you find.
A good source for Mac releated stuff is Macrumors.com they have a forum and a digital photography section, search it and you're likely to find someone who tried what you're interested in doing.

It's not an "ideal" backup device, but I'm planning to bring it along with me on my next vacation so that I can transfer images directly from my SD card (t2i shooter here) to my iPad and free up the card for the next day.

But yeah I think the only way you will know is by either bringing the CF card reader + Camera Connection Kit to an iPad (if your friends don't have one gotta go to the Apple store...)

But yeah let us know how it goes if anyone decides to do this. I had to jailbreak my iPad for it to read an external HD, but if that can be done I don't see why a CF card reader can't.

i had thought about upgrading from my lenovo netbook to an ipad but as said before, memory card reading is not possible, and even to get USB use you have to use an adapter, and thats $25 right there and then i dont even know if the camera is directly compatible with the ipad for drop and drag.

I have an Ipad and yes you can "put" your photos on it with the conection kit , it is slow and I am not sure raw is supported, It also is $800 for a 64 gig unit .

SO.... why?
The cameras you have use both sd and compact flash, only the sd plugs into the Ipad and compact may work with a card reader plugged into the usb Ipad connector but again... why?

brand name sd and CF cards are inexpensive compared to a Ipad and if you want backup just use a laptop or netbook that will simply trandfer all your card to the HD with no issues .

When I get paying gigs i use the card to about 80 to 90 % of full then take it out and place it in the plastic case and put in a new card, I then go to a quiet corner and take out my Mac and transfer all images to that and put the cards still full into a seperate place other than where my laptop is in case it gets lost stolen ect.

I have never lost images like others have by using some device to back them up then formating the card onsite, dam , just thinking about it makes me shiver!

I have an iPad. The camera connection hardware is small. I lost the USB portion while traveling before I ever even had a chance to use it – I’ve never tried the SD adapter it comes with. I’d much rather take a laptop for your needs. However, I see where you are going; I’d love to just pack an iPad for computing – it’s just not there yet.

SD/CF cards are cheap these days. Get enough cards to cover the trip duration and mess with them when you get home. I have 2x32GB + 1x16GB now (plenty for a wedding) and mostly leave my MBP home when I travel. The price of extra card capacity, especially if you trust Transcend, is far less than the hassle of carrying an interim storage device, ducking with it, and trusting that transfers to it are secure before wiping a lone card. Between the madness of airport security these days and an unruly toddler, I value compactness, weight, and simplicity a great deal when traveling.

I have to agree - what's the point of backing up to a device that has barely more storage than the device you're backing up from. Just buy another card!

there is an option that includes the iPad:

http://www.hypershop.c​om …iPad-Hard-Drive-s/183.htm

There's 2 types of HD case here. The one w/o the screen (as far as I can tell) has no memory card option - strictly iPad/PC/Mac connectivity.
The other HD case option has an LCD display, and can read cards - that one I suspect will allow you to transfer to your iPad...

Why?

When you can buy a pocket sized HD for 1/10th the cost?

As the OP, let me offer some clarification. My intent is to purchase an iPad 2 when released. When traveling (especially abroad), it will primarily serve as a communication & an online-access device. Having carried a laptop in the past, I really want something both smaller & lighter. It's use as a back-up device is merely secondary.

Indeed CF & SD cards are cheap. And I already have a fistful of them. But for simply backing up a limited number of RAW images, I thought that the iPad might be convenient. Of course, for a larger number of images a portable external HD would be a preferable option.

Back to the iPad .... it appears that a powered CF card reader will work with iOS 4.2 (at least a couple of users have testified to this).

Also, has anyone had any experience with the HyperDrive external HD for the iPad (http://www.hypershop.c​om …Pad-Hard-Drive-s/183.htm)

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts.