PSD\'s - Photo Storage Devices

[admin_old]

I have been looking a long time for a PSD. I have used a Ipod for shoot\'s backup. And have been happy with it, but after a year of hard use.... It is dying. It needed to be reformated 1 time because of HD error.
I do not errase the cards, I just upload them, while a shoot is going on, and when I don\'t have a laptop around. I figure migh as well get a backup while on the road.
Anyhow, I keep holding my breath waiting for the Epson p2000 to have ORF capabilities, but untill they do, I won\'t buy one.
So I have been looking else where.
I got poor reviews of the flashtrax PSD Because of the images, but they support Oly raw files.
Lately they came out with a XT version, here is the link to a Macworld review.
http://www.macworld.com/2005/07/reviews/flashtraxxt/index.php
(Mac world is not a good camera guide. I did not like their E-1 or E-300 reviews. They seem to not even understand the 2X crop factor in a lens.....
Anyhow I have also included a great link to a comparison page on PSD\'s in the links section under \"Other links\" Or hit the link below.
http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm
I would like ot know what you all think.
Thanks
Tony

Post edited by: tspore, at: 2005/09/07 03:09

[Ian]

I have the Innogy Phototainer, identical to the original FlashTrax other than badging. The biggest issue for me, someone who only shoots in RAW is that whilst jpegs and tiffs are displayed full size and at pretty good resolution, Olympus RAW files only display and enlarged (to 400%) thumbnail.

This makes the image too low quality to do anything other than check it has downloaded. I wonder if this is sorted in the XT, or indeed if it can be?

I would love to upgrade to something better myself - but what?

[marcof]

The main question is do you want to use the device for storage only, or do you want to be able to view images as well?
For storage, a very good one is:
NextO CF (http://twintek.nl/nextocf.html)

very fast, USB2+Firewire, lots of accies. I\'m going to get one next month.

Personally I don\'t give a *beep* about image previewing possibilities, neither mp3 or movie playing.
The current iPods support image viewing, but I think the solution is cumbersome to say the least.. the P2000 is brilliant, but as you said.. no ORF support..

[russ.will]

I just noticed this http://www.jobodigital.com/products/giga_vu_pro.htm 40/60Gb and supports RAW although not for Oly yet, but useful for jpeg/tiff shooters. Doesn\'t seem to support E-300 or Macs either, but is USB2 and has built in CF reader with 3.8 inch screen.

See what you think. For me, my 40gb ipod plus Belkin media reader answers all of my problems, but then there\'s always thems that want more.

Russell

[laingjd]

I use an RCA Digital MP3/PhotoVault/Video Player. 20 Gigs. Kind of slow but great. Compact Flash Card Slot too......or USB. ORF files no problem, as it works just like a hard drive.

Post edited by: laingjd, at: 2005/09/08 17:36

[wazza]

Even though it dosn\'t have RAW support, you can still store the .ORF files on it can\'t you?

Does it just mean you can\'t view them?

Can you view the embedded .jpg that is in the .ORF image, or does it simply treat it as a non-viewing file?

Cheers
Wazza

[admin_old]

You can still store .orf\'s on any of them. But If I was to \"upgrade\" from a ipod, then I would want it to .orf\'s. That is all. Not the jpeg\'s. I probably will just buy a new ipod soon. But I am always looking around.
T

[Kansas Ron]

I have an RCA Lyra, the 40 GB model, that I found on eBay for a very low price.

Disadvantages: No viewing of photos on device, no USB 2.

Advantages: Price, 40 GB storage, easily portable, works great for transfer of files from CF card to device, also a decent MP3 player.

[Dean]

I\'m looking for a unit that runs off AA batteries and has a CF card slot. Anyone know any units? I know Adorama camera sell one, but any other models?

[pixelmaniaman]

PSD\'s --
power up laptop & external hard drive from vehicle, download RAW or jpeg from card thro\' card reader, back up on external hard drive.
I Always carry 2-1gig, 4-512s plus SD\'s for D-Lux. When back at office
I upload to main computer and work at my leisure. Hey it works for me.
:dry: L

[gunnerx]

I currently use an Archos AV340 (40gb hd) with the CF and Multicard Reader adapters. It works great for SD on my Canon SD300, Sony MS for my F505v and soon the E300. Although, I bought two Kingston Elite Pro 2gb CF cards which should suffice in most cases. The downside is that the Archos can only view JPG files. The good side is that I can watch movies or listen to music when I\'m bored. :D It actually comes in quite handy when going on week long trips.

[doubliewkay]

Just to highlight two great PSDs which are currently available.

The first one is the ever famous CompactDrive.
It has the fastest transfering rate and supports 10 types of media.
http://www.compactdrive.com/

The second one is the recently launched, Creative Zen Vision.
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=210&subcategory=211&product=1 2985
It\'s a portable media player, where you can listen to mp3, watch videos, organize tasks and as such.

Check it out!!!

[admin_old]

a review of the CompactDrive:
http://fourthirdsphoto.com/content/view/44/2/
I like it a lot.

[Ian]

Hi everybody.

I just sold my Phototainer and bought a NextoCF. I have fitted a Hitachi 80gb HDD and it is compact, lightweight and awesome fast at 16mb/sec. Using it \'in the field\' is a doddle and I intend to get a second to run as a full \'in the field\' backup.

The NextoCF takes just a few minutes to download a full 2gb CF card and it is much faster to transfer images to PC than the CF reader and USB2 that I usually use or my old Phototainer.

I can recommend it. B)

[admin_old]

I saw that. It looks nice. But I decided to go for the Asian one instead of the UK one myself. :)
For a backup both look good. They are ranked to upload a CF card at about the same time.
Glad to see you around the forum.
T

[TonyB]

Tony,

Have you received the PD70X yet? Should be arriving today or tomorrow.

Let us know your thoughts on it. I think it;s a winner and is on my short list after I get the 35-100.....

Tony

[admin_old]

Hey look at the home page.
http://fourthirdsphoto.com/content/view/44/2/
I did a quick write up last night.
T

[fotobram]

I use the Archos Gmini 400.
Is 20 Gigabyte
Has integrated CF reader.
Can load but not view ORF.
This is no problem since the E300 can store RAW (ORF) + SQ jpeg with same name.
That\'s only 2 ORF\'s less on my 2 Gigabyte Lexar CF
Reasonably fast too.

And ohhh, I forget to mention, it is a DIVX and MP3 player too.
Sounds like Ipod :P
I own the Ipod mini, no photo\'s :sick:

[TonyB]

Tony,

Nice write up on the PD70x !! Does it feel solid in the hand ? I think when I order mine I\'ll use a piece of \"static plastic\", commonly used for PDA or camera LCD screens, to protect the LCD screen and also get a \"micro Pelican case\" for it.

Do you feel the battery door is solid enough? or do you think it would be wise to order a spare @$1....?

Thanks again for the review !

Tony

[admin_old]

It has a soft case for it. And it seems solid enough. Its a aluminum case. I didn\'t order any other parts for it. I think its a winner. Before you order the Pelican case, try it out. However the pelican would provided extra protection.
T

[TonyB]

Tony,

Judging fron the \"PhotoZone\" site\'s rundown of PSD\'s, I think you made the best choice !!

http://www.photozone.de/2Equipment/portableHD.htm

Tony

[admin_old]

Do you think I should add a couple of the PSD\'s to the User Review\'s section?
I also like the one Ian has, but, I think AA\'s are a good choice, each to switch in a moment\'s notice for other things.

T

[totetuti]

is there a restriction on what type HD you can put in the PD70X?

[admin_old]

I don\'t think so. Just use a Laptop HD.
T

[alekko]

I’ve been using PD70X since it came to the market (early June). Many happy GBs of transferred files, about 480GB. Never had any problem. I dropped it once on the concrete floor during the transfer. No problem :) … Very durable and reliable.

I like it because it’s using AA batteries and it supports major cards. Very fast, it takes some 3 min 15 sec to transfer 2GB to the HD (145 E-300’s RAW files). It is always in the pouch on my belt, one hand handling. I have only one 2GB CF. It saved me bunch of money and allow me to be free to shoot.

Also, I tested battery charge once and I got more than 70GB of transferred files on one set of 2500 mAh.

It has two doors, one covering card’s slots. Very easy to use.

It is all what I was looking for - fast, reliable, durable, AA batteries, lots of transferred GB per battery charge, easy to use, portable and compact…

I bought just the unit from Eastgear and separately Toshiba 40GB, 4200 rpm, 8MB buffer. More MB is better than faster drive, it save some battery juice.

I can highly recommend this unit…

Cheers,
Alex.

[admin_old]

I just got a e-mail the Compact Drive is now avalible in the USA.
- FREE SHIPPING to any U.S. address via 2-3 days priority mail
- FREE 4pcs Sanyo 2500mAh NiMH Rechargeable Battery
- FREE Car Charger/Adaptor
- World\'s Fastest Transfer Speed (16MB/s)
- World\'s Longest Battery Life (Transfer 80GB of data on a single battery charge!)
- Advanced 24-bit hardware based copy verification
For customers who have previously purchased CompactDrive products
- FREE Technical Support within the U.S. for CompactDrive or similar OEM products purchased before 5th November 2005.

BUY NOW and get an additional 10% off (checkout coupon code: hd80)
For more information, visit us today at http://www.hyperdrive.com

[TonyB]

Thanks Tony.

Too bad they don\'t ship to Canada until maybe December...:pinch:

Looking at the website looks like they only ship the shell w/out HD. Took a look at TigerDirect.com (cheapest hardware distributor in CND) and it looks like the EastGear.com site at US$212 is a good deal better than the US$150 (shell price only) + $190 for the same 40GB HD, but faster seek time of 16MB.

Anybody know if 16MB of Seek time will make a difference over 8MB? Both are 5400 RPM.

Thanks again,
Tony

[admin_old]

I think that 16MB will make a difference. As long as the cards are fast enough. I know it does on my HD\'s on my desktop.
T

[OzRay]

I just bought an X\'s Drive VP6230 PSD, reads just about every card available, plays music, video and to my complete surprise, displays ORF files (E1 and E300). Super easy to use.

It\'s not the fastest in downloading CF cards (Lexar 1GB), but that might be due to the card.

Cheers

Ray

[Den]

I\'ve just taken the plunge and ordered USBTech\'s Camera Buddy enclosure directly off their UK website:

http://www.usbtech.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/203?osCsid=45a8ac351f111bfd552274e12495423b


Intrigued at the prospect of getting a cheap HD and getting 80gb of storage for less than £100... fingers crossed this isn\'t too good to be true!

[FlipG]

I have a compactdrive PD70X which I like quite a bit. It allows you to store images (jpgs, tiff, .orf - whatever) but does not allow you to view images. You can also use it like a portable hard drive and store/transfer any files you wish. It meets my needs and is very very fast at transferring images from CF cards. Also works with other card types and runs on AA batteries (NIMH are best).

You can get it from compactdrive.com, eastgear.com and also from hyperdrive.com under a different badge name but its the same product. You can buy it with or without a hard drive installed and install your own at any time. I believe Hyperdrive is about to introduce a smaller version this month (or very soon) as well.

I've heard good things about the NextoCF as well and suggest you consider it also.

If viewing images is required, be prepared to spend considerably more money on a psd with decent viewing capabilities and decent performance.