Direct camera backup to external HD ?

[rmaciag]

I have been asked if I know if photos from a digital camera (memory card) can be directly backed up to the external hard drive bypassing the PC (WD Passport was mentioned but because it is powered via USB so it will not work anyway).
I have no answer to that question but I hope somebody here on hexus forum has ...

Most external HD I came across are designed to for connection to either a PC or a network.
The portable ones are even powered via USB so they have to be ruled out as a average camera would not be able to power them, most likely anyway ...

If one connects a desktop external HD, powered from the ordinary mains outlet, directly to a camera then would the camera's firmware be able to send pics from the card to the external drive ?
I guess the answer may all depend on the make and model of both the drive and the camera.
At this stage I would be interested to know if this kind of direct backup is practically possible at all so any practical experiences are welcome ...

Personally I would recommend the use of a cheap laptop but the guy specifically considered external HDs.

[Blastuk]

Not possible unless specifically supported by the camera itself.. an alternative would be to get one of these http://www.warehouseexpress.com/cate...spx?cat03=3129

[rmaciag]

an alternative would be to get one of these

Thanks for the reply.
I have just found out about similar devices from another source.
In few simple words, correct me if I am wrong, these gadgets combine an external HD with a memory card reader plus some firmware and a LCD display (and some connectors) in one functional unit.
Quite a neat and effective solution, I suppose, as long as it is not hugely overpriced.

Kind Regards

R.

[Blastuk]

Thanks for the reply.
I have just found out about similar devices from another source.
In few simple words, correct me if I am wrong, these gadgets combine an external HD with a memory card reader plus some firmware and a LCD display (and some connectors) in one functional unit.
Quite a neat and effective solution, I suppose, as long as it is not hugely overpriced.

Kind Regards

R.

That's pretty much it but some of them don't include the lcd to preview images, they are imo overpriced but if you need it small.. that's how you'll get it.. otherwise a small netbook with a large hd would do the same job for similar prices.

[toolsong]

It is possible:

1) One of these http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Thecu...and-AA-Battery
2) A 2.5" hard disk
3) 4 x AA batteries

You need to format the disk as FAT32

[Flibb]

It is possible:

1) One of these http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Thecu...and-AA-Battery
2) A 2.5" hard disk
3) 4 x AA batteries

You need to format the disk as FAT32

That looks handy, might get one myself and swap the drive out of my portable enclosure.
Review
http://www.jacurutu.org.uk/item/32

[Blastuk]

It is possible:

1) One of these http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Thecu...and-AA-Battery
2) A 2.5" hard disk
3) 4 x AA batteries

You need to format the disk as FAT32

I find that worrying, there's no indication that the files copied correctly or that even all of them copied.. and there's no low battery indication either.
Read the review posted above.. the guy almost lost his photos.
It just looks like a cheaper version of what I suggested anyways.

[peterb]

A quick Google came up with these:

http://www.allcam.biz/products/camera_storage.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/2430...html?srcid=867

http://www.comwales.com/eshop/produc...oductid=102066 (Looks like the same as the one above - but cheaper!)

Or - and looks to be the most versatile... (although I haven't studied the specs carefully)

http://www.card-media.co.uk/xs+drive+mp3+vp3650.htm

I should add that I haven't used any of these devices myself, or (apart from Pixmania) bought from any of the companies quoted.

[rmaciag]

All,

Thanks for the links and info.
I passed them to my friend.
Since I posted the thread I have learnt more about his requirements.

There will be a bunch of people travelling to some dodgy places.
They do not want to take a laptop because of its size -> heavy and tricky to hide in a hotel room ...
So they need something really small and portable.
Taking more memory cards may prove not economical.

Anyway, once again, thanks for your replies.