Need a device to store images !!

[myloplex]

I have a friend's wedding coming up and I've only 1X1GB CF CARD
Thus it will be a whole day affair and need some way to store my images.

Thinking of getting something like X drive 2

Anyone got recommendations of brands and where to buy ?

Try to incl pricing if possible.

Thanxs guys.

 

[RuthBaby]

image tank?

 

[silver.wolf]

here's some info on X-Drive II
and you can wait for EastGear's MO

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33329

 

[kaipium]

It is better to have another CF card say around 256M as it will take time to upload the 1G data. This is just for a quick changeover.

This being the case, if you have a notebook, you can actually download the images into the notebook when u have the time. Else u can also find someone with a bit of knowledge to help download the data for you while u are taking the photo. (GFs usually are quite useful here.)

So u do not need any image tank or the likes. Just another smaller CF card and of course a card reader. Provided u have a notebook of course.

Just an alternative......

 

[myloplex]

Originally posted by kaipium
It is better to have another CF card say around 256M as it will take time to upload the 1G data. This is just for a quick changeover.

This being the case, if you have a notebook, you can actually download the images into the notebook when u have the time. Else u can also find someone with a bit of knowledge to help download the data for you while u are taking the photo. (GFs usually are quite useful here.)

So u do not need any image tank or the likes. Just another smaller CF card and of course a card reader. Provided u have a notebook of course.

Just an alternative......

Notebook abit hard to carry around. was thinking of something small and handy.

How long does it take to upload 1GB to let say X-Drive 2 ?
Any present users can help here ?

 

[Tweek]

if you can, borrow a small laptop, I think it's more secure. People have had experiences of corrupted data when copying over to X-Drive, and I think for certain models, there is no verification that data is transferred correctly. The last thing you want is to lose your friend's precious wedding photos.

If you use a laptop, you can immediately verify that data is indeed downloaded safely. And you can also review the photos when there is time for breather.

 

[myloplex]

Originally posted by Tweek
if you can, borrow a small laptop, I think it's more secure. People have had experiences of corrupted data when copying over to X-Drive, and I think for certain models, there is no verification that data is transferred correctly. The last thing you want is to lose your friend's precious wedding photos.

If you use a laptop, you can immediately verify that data is indeed downloaded safely. And you can also review the photos when there is time for breather.

Hmm wa ...then X-Drive not very safe also. Point taken. Looks like laptop is the best option !

But can X-Drive users comment on the product if possible.

Because you know sometimes when you are outdoors e.g Parks ...abit hard to carry a laptop around.

 

[Winston]

It seems the problem was more or less resolved in the X-drive 2 right?

Anyway, there is another product, called Nixvue Digital Album, like the X-drive 2, it copies the data to the harddisk but it has a verfiy data function and it shows more information like diskspace used and remaining compared to the X-drive 2.

It shows the list of files, by the filenames that you copied over, so you can be sure it's there, but it's more costly than the X-drive 2.

BTW, X-drive 2 was seen selling at SLS @ $199 w/o the HDD.

Link for Nixvue Digital Album.
http://www.nixvue.com/products/da/album2/

 

[Winston]

Forgot to add,

You must check the battery life of the device you are buying.

X-drive 2 claims it can be used for 1.6 hours thats 60+36=96 mins
and it takes 3 hours to charge full (8 hours for 1st charge)

Nixvue claims the battery will last 30 transfers on a 64Mb card

For a 1GB CF, it's takes 16 times longer to transfer than the 64Mb,
so 30 transfers divided by 16 is only 2 transfers of 1GB.

I am hoping for one of such device that runs on AA batteries, so I can replace the batteries when flat and continue to transfer.

So far, Xdrive 2 and Nixvue runs on internal Li-ion, but Xdrive 2 seems to be able to buy spare battery pack, but not sure the cost.


Any X-drive 2 users, care to share their experience with the device?
Any corrupted or missing images after transfering from the CF?

 

[ST1100]

i have an Xdrive2. Bought for $195 at Storage Studio, SLS. i put a 40GB fujitsu inside.

Pros: Portable, lighter than laptop. Cheap solutiuon.

Cons:

1. No verification. This is very dangerous. i also feel like a gamble when i delete my CF card after copying. This is a very impt factor. i suggest unless low price is major consideration, look elsewhere. If not, i can sell you mine and i go upgrade.

2. Poor battery life. Lasts for max 2-4 full 1GB transfers. In 10D, RAW mode, you're looking at about ~600+ max, with 2 full 1GB cards and a flat XDrive battery.

3. Unstable. Cannot move or knock the unit around when copying. ie, cannot start e copy, put in the bag and walk off. The copy will abort, and you will think it copied OK, bcoz when you take it out, it has auto-offed.

i get around the insecurity in two ways. 1. The approx copying time, should be about 30minutes for 1GB. If it's much shorter, something is wrong. i also copy twice if its impt data, but that will mean i run out of batt faster.

i think XDrive might be better than as a second backup.

Can try Nixvue or Portabin. Note: if you're going into the $800+ range, after spare batt, casings, and what not, might as well consider a second hand laptop. Laptop is still by far e best solution.

Another good solution for wedding. Get another 1GB. On a 10D, shooting at best res in jpg, i'm looking at 600-1200 pics, depending on ISO and compression. That's about 15-30 rolls, in film terms. You also get a backup CF if one fails. For my wedding coverage, i'm using 2 1GB microdrives, 1 Xdrive2, and i'll beg/borrow/steal a laptop.

 

[Mocha]

Recommend:

Nixvue Digital Album Lite

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0304/03040901nixvuedalitehdo.asp

or

Image Tank G2


Both models come with data verification.

 

[EastGear]

Hi,

we the official distributor of Nixvue Digital Albums, Image Tank G2 and X-Drive 2 in Singapore. We provide 1 year local warranty and servicing for all products bought. Our customers which include many ClubSnappers have always been very satisfied with their purchases.

Prices start from:
Image Tank G2 from $299
Nixvue Digital Albums from $350
X-Drive II (with car charger) from $219
External AA Battery Packs now available!

EastGear
Peninsula Plaza #02-08
Tel: 68371582

 

[Pinoy]

Originally posted by EastGear
Hi,

we the official distributor of Nixvue Digital Albums, Image Tank G2 and X-Drive 2 in Singapore. We provide 1 year local warranty and servicing for all products bought. Our customers which include many ClubSnappers have always been very satisfied with their purchases.

Prices start from:
Image Tank G2 from $299
Nixvue Digital Albums from $350
X-Drive II (with car charger) from $219
External AA Battery Packs now available!

EastGear
Peninsula Plaza #02-08
Tel: 68371582

Hmm.... if you only you would provide some units for rent... :wink:

I'd be very interested! :bsmilie:

:Later,

 

[myloplex]

Nixvue Digital Albums from $350
without HDD ? this one can preview pics on LCD yah ?

 

[StreetShooter]

Actually all you need is a power point, available in most places where weddings are held. Just plug in the Image Tank and copy the data while you're using your backup card. I've never lost any data.

You can also plug into the car's cigarette lighter to power the Image Tank. I seldom use the cheesy 6 AA's power supply that comes with the Image Tank.

For transfer to computer, I move the hard disk to a USB 2.0 portable hard disc casing and download. Much faster than the USB 1.1 on the Image Tank.

 

[MrBig]

Go get a X-drive II lor :gbounce:

 

[Winston]

Originally posted by StreetShooter
Actually all you need is a power point, available in most places where weddings are held. Just plug in the Image Tank and copy the data while you're using your backup card. I've never lost any data.

You can also plug into the car's cigarette lighter to power the Image Tank. I seldom use the cheesy 6 AA's power supply that comes with the Image Tank.

For transfer to computer, I move the hard disk to a USB 2.0 portable hard disc casing and download. Much faster than the USB 1.1 on the Image Tank.

I think the Image Tank G2 is an improved version and it's USB 2.0.
BTW it's not 6 AA's power supply any more, I think it's now 8 AA's power supply.

It needs 12V DC, so 8 x 1.5V = 12V

 

[EastGear]

Originally posted by myloplex
Nixvue Digital Albums from $350
without HDD ? this one can preview pics on LCD yah ?

Nixvue has 3 models

Digital Album Lite (from $350 w/o HDD)
- USB 2.0 basic model like the X-Drive 2 & Image Tank G2

Digital Album 2 (from $679 with 20GB HDD)
- same as Lite but with video out capability

Vista (Visual Storage Album) (from $749 with 20GB HDD)
- color LCD image preview and video out, USB 1.0, USB 2.0 & Firewire optional

 

[EastGear]

Originally posted by Winston
I think the Image Tank G2 is an improved version and it's USB 2.0.
BTW it's not 6 AA's power supply any more, I think it's now 8 AA's power supply.

It needs 12V DC, so 8 x 1.5V = 12V

Yes, the X-Drive 2, Image Tank G2 and Nixvue all use 8 AA's battery pack.