File back-up in the field.. ipad?

[JamesBarry]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Ok, I'm exploring the most suitable highly portable device to use when away from my office based PC / Lightroom for:

 

1. a temporary back-up for DNG files

2. marketing my portfolio to potential clients

3. general communication

 

The ipad is looking like the front runner as zero processing will be required until I return to my office. Would however be helpful to know whether I will need any apps or software to allow DNG files on the ipad? I can of course shoot Jpeg + DNG to view the files

 

Thanks

[jaapv]

The iPad is not free of problems, like limited memory, no external disk and the inability to read DNG files.

I use a Macbook Air 11" with a small 500 GB external disk.(and cardreader obviously).

[bideford]

I tried an ipad with raw files from my X100 previously. Beware the ipad actually writes to the SD card (if I recall it may have been from generating the preview) - consequently if the card was reinserted into the camera it slowed down the start up of the camera considerably. Solution was to make the card read only (before inserting into ipad adapter) or (as best practice) reformat the card afterwards - not the best alternative when simply using the ipad as a back up.

 

James

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I use tablet (both IOS and android) as my travelling computers. Personally I prefer my Galaxy Note 10.1 over the iPad but that's a personal preference. Both do a good job in the field and both have strengths and weaknesses.

 

You are correct that you'll need raw+jpeg to view your files. On OIS you could also purchase Photosmith if you want to rate, sort and keyword images in a way LR will read when you get home.

 

Viewing images and sharing via social media on/from a tablet is a joy. On my last extended trip my iPad was handed around each evening and even the technically challenged could swipe through the days take.

 

If you gat an iPad, get the largest you can afford. If you gat an Andrioid unit get a 32GB and expand it with a memory card or small portable drive.

 

Gordon

[JamesBarry]

Great advice Gordon, many thanks. I am considering the ipad / equivalent or possibly a light weight laptop to carry LR. Too much choice out there!

[jip]

I Don't think tables are a good way to backup your images, a cheap MacBook or netbook it laptop or another device capable of running a 'real Operating system' and having USB for external drives is better in my opinion, or just use many SD cards.

[sanyasi]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I used the iPad for backup on a three-week trip when the iPad was first introduced. It was a kludgy process. I did it one more time and then bought an Apple 13 inch Mac book pro and two USB powered hard drives. Much better process. The iPad was slow, fills up quickly if shooting raw and I wasn't always confident that the files were there. iPhoto is a terrible program.

 

ipads are also expensive way to do things given the low price of laptops these days. One secret is to integrate your traveling camera bag into the calculation. I use think tank bags and they permit me to carry two m bodies, three or four lenses, a filter pouch, cards and batteries, plus the laptop and hard drive in a case that fits under my seat.

 

I am not a big fan of processing while traveling, but on every trip there is some downtime and doing some preliminary work is fun, at least for me.

[algrove]

Great advice Gordon, many thanks. I am considering the ipad / equivalent or possibly a light weight laptop to carry LR. Too much choice out there!

 

Get the light weight laptop. I use an SSD external drive for backup (actually two for redundancy) and then you have a drive you can point LR towards unless you want to go the smart folders? route in LR5.