Just got a Flashtrax XT . . . got some questions . . .

Hi all -

just picked up a Flashtrax XT to bring with me to my upcoming honeymoon to Hawaii . . . I have a couple of questions about it:

1. Do I really need a spare battery if I plan on charging it every night while away?
   
2. It seems pretty slow to scroll/view through the RAW photos (from my G6) . . . are all PSDs like that with large RAW files?
   
3. Is there a way to only copy the .CRW files from the card and not the .THM files? I ask because I have to view 2 pictures (one clear and one no so clear) for every photo that i scroll through. OR . . . is there a way to not have the G6 create that .THM file when shooting RAW?
   
4. Is it OK to just pull out the CF card when it's done copying? (i.e. I can't find anything about an "eject" command)

The only thing I know is that once it doesn't say "copying" anymore, you can take the card out whenever you like.

thanks ronald

You got married? Congratulations!

"upcoming honeymoon"...to me, that says "not yet"

1 MORE WEEK . . . . AARRRGGGHHHH!!!! . . . I mean . . . . WOOHOO!!!

I have the FlashTrax model before the XT.

1. I have a spare battery, but very seldom use it. What I found more usefull is the adapter that lets me plug it into a car cigarette lighter.
2. Yes it is slow to view RAW images, but I got it for a travel storage device. Most of the time I just use the display to check that I successfully downloaded my CF card before I format it in the camera. (I usually just look at the firs and last images.) Occasionally on a slow day I will review images and just put up with the slow transition from one image to the next.
3. It just copies the entire contents of a CF card. There is no method to specify one file extension. You could always go back and delete the jpg files, but that would be a pain in the butt. Why shoot RAW and JPG anywany? I just shoot RAW and if I need a JPG I convert later.
4. I have never had any problems pulling the CF card out after downloading. I usually ensure the FlashTrax is turned off first.

Mark, get all the gear you want NOW, or register at B&H. LOL, NOT KIDDING!

Thanks a bunch for your help, Scott! Trust me, if it were up to me, i would just shoot RAW . . . but the G6 automatically creates that .THM file when you shoot RAW.

I also just got it for the storage, so the slow viewing doesn't bother me a whole bunch . . . good call on the car adapter . . . i wonder if I could just got one at RadioShack or do I have to get one from Smartdisk?

Thanks again!

LOL! I know you're not kidding, you addict

I had the regular Flashtrax for a while (then sold it to help finance my L glass). I actually found that it would display RAW files much quicker than full tilt JPG's from my 300D. Probably because it was displaying the embedded (small) JPG from the RAW file in that case.

As soon as the device is done copying, you are free to remove the card with no problems.

I don't see a need to get a 2nd battery if you plan on plugging it in each evening. Have you priced the spare battery yet? Ouch.

I'm not sure if all PSDs are that slow to process and display large/fine JPGs and/or RAWs. But, the Flashtrax (both original and XT) are not the fastest devices on the block.

I think I read somewhere that, with the XT, the FlashTrax has turned into more of a general media storage/playing device -- less photo-centric -- and that some of the photo-specific stuff has disappeared (aperture and shutter speed display, I think it might have been -- stuff like that). Is that correct?

i bought it for the storage aspect, but it does have the capabilities to play video, FM radio, etc. photo-wise, you can view photos, but exif info isn't available (i think).

thanks, malcolm

markubig wrote:
LOL! I know you're not kidding, you addict

Listen to Dante man!! Get ahold of yourself while there's still time!!