iPad Camera Connection Kit + Raw?

[AntMason]

I'm pondering the purchase of a tablet to function as something lightweight to transfer photos to (and view on a larger screen) while out and about.

I've been reading reviews on the iPad Camera Connection kit, and I've read conflicting information. Some reviews say it does work (both importing and viewing) with RAW files, other say it does not. Anybody have hands on experience with this?

Alternatively, anybody with hands on experience with Android have any comments if the Android market place has anything that can display / read raw files? I've read about the Xoom, but it sounds like some of its features aren't enabled until a software update (like the micro-SD card slot).

I know I could get a netbook for around $400 that would have the 10 hour battery equivalent of the iPad, but it'd be nice to have a convenient 10" e-reader too.

Thanks for any input!

[mikerob2334]

Steve Jobs says "YES"

Screen shot 2011-03-17 at 11.17.54 PM by mikerob2334, on Flickr

I think you need an app like PhotoRAW though. About $10

[beetwo77]

On a slightly different track, I did some research on Android apps and was disappointed at the functionallity available. However I must admit to not looking particularly hard. I did however notice that most of the android based systems and the Ipad as well are a bit week in the processor department and was concerned how they would handle raw files anyway.

In the end, I bought a 5 year old Fujitsu laptop with a rotating screen that converts to a tablet. It was $260 (Australian, though similar prices in US) including shipping. It has an 80 GB hard disk, 2 GB ram and a 1.83 Ghz dual core intel processor.

Its runs all windows software (i.e. either Canon or Nikon remote camera control apps).

On the downside it is heavier than an Ipad and has less battery life. But its much more useful in my view than a netbook as its got more grunt and has the convertible touch screen. Please note most of the older ones have touch screens that need a stylus.

Also its running Windows XP which is not well optimised for touch screen use.

Overall my experience however is very positive. I love having a proper keyboard. You really want a hard disk not ram storage for photos (especially raw). Being able to use the canon remote control software and third party focus stacking apps etc is absolutely awesome, I suspect alot better than what you will get on android or apple based systems.

just one alternative to consider but they are certainly not for everyone.

Here is an example, this is the exact model I bought with slightly different specs.

Fujitsu Lifebook TABLET T4215, Core 2 Duo 1.83Ghz, wtty (eBay item 280643569664 end time 19-Mar-11 19:00:19 AEDST) : Computers

Regards Ian

[Jim Poor]

The short answer is "Yes" it works. I've done it. That said, it's not fast and not good for any real volume.

[theosus]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

The short answer is "Yes" it works. I've done it. That said, it's not fast and not good for any real volume.

Works with my Canon T1i. Great little addition to the camera bag. Its a little slow, because it converts the pictures on the fly as it uploads. They wind up about 1200x something.

[AndyNJ]

I've found that transferring RAW files to my iPad 2 is slightly quicker than trying to do a dump to my netbook (I've declared these things useless at this point) and viewing them is mind-bendingly smooth and snappy.

Plus, with Photosmith nearing submission to the App Store, this is going to be pretty handy. They say that editing photos (RAW too) will come in the next version and I have no doubts that the iPad 2 has enough power to handle it.

[AntMason]

Thanks for all the help guys. A couple questions, one regarding this:

Originally Posted by theosus

Works with my Canon T1i. Great little addition to the camera bag. Its a little slow, because it converts the pictures on the fly as it uploads. They wind up about 1200x something.

You say it converts it on the fly? Does it just make a JPG version to use for thumbnails and viewing? Does it still transfer (and preserve) the RAW file?

I ask because part of my consideration would be that it would be nice while on extended trips (vacation, etc) to be able to dump the contents of the memory card to something small and compact like an ipad / netbook, format my memory card, and then procede to delete the really terrible shots from he iPad / netbook (I don't delete images from the camera as I really can't see it large enough to know if it will have at least some use later).

Its nice to know about photosmith / photoraw, at least I know there are a couple options on the table for iOS. I'm guessing there's not much equivalent for Android since Honeycomb just came out?

Also, I do already have a very powerful 17" Core i7 laptop, but as you can imagine it has a 1 hour battery life and I'd prefer to not carry it around if I don't have to, hence I was looking for a secondary device that was compact with a ludicrous battery life.

[theosus]

The files that get imported are converted to jpgs I think. It doesn't save two seperate files on the iPad itself. You can email them out... The files on the card aren't harmed Unless you tell it to delete them. It won't write anything back to the sd card.

[AntMason]

Originally Posted by theosus

The files that get imported are converted to jpgs I think. It doesn't save two seperate files on the iPad itself. You can email them out... The files on the card aren't harmed Unless you tell it to delete them. It won't write anything back to the sd card.

Hm, so you can't store the RAW files and format your memory card? That would be disappointing, although I suppose there's probably some jailbreak solution to that.

Can anybody else verify the original RAW file do not get stored on the ipad?

[theosus]

A bigger memory card is a crapload cheaper than an iPad....

Difference between 8 an 16 gb iPad? 100$.
8gb class 4 sd card? 12$.

I got the iPad for trips too... It's a hell of a lot more convenient to Carry vs. a laptop and with 3G when I need it, places like nice hotels that rape you for Internet won't get to charge me extra.