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Digicams
I have spent a lot of hours trying to figure out how to store large numbers of digital photographs without carrying a laptop computer around with me, and I ain't finished yet.
Some useful resources include:
www.crucial.com/library/how_many_pictures.asp - handy summary of the "how many pictures can I fit on my memory card" problem.
members.ozemail.com.au/~cumulus/travel.htm - Travelling With a Digital Camera
www.steves-digicams.com/digi_accessories.html#storage - image storage devices on Steve's Digicams
The options seem to include:
- lots of memory cards;
- one of the fantastically expensive high-capacity memory cards (> 2 gigabytes);
- portable CD writer with built-in memory card reader;
- portable hard drive device with built-in memory card reader;
- taking fewer pictures, and using lower resolution;
- going back to good 'ol film.
For each of these options, I've tried to assess their strengths and weaknesses by the following criteria - in descending order of priority for me:
- Power requirements (can it run off standard rechargeable AA batteries?)
- Cost
- Reliability
- Durability (strength)
- Storage capacity
- Portability (weight)
So, here we go....
| Apacer portable CD Writer |
| Power: |
Hmmm - has its own rechargeable Li-Ion battery, fine if you have a power hook-up but I'm not sure I can run it off my solar charger, which is designed for standard AA batteries. If I were clever with electrics I could probably work something out, but I'm not |
| Cost: |
£210, plus around £0.50 per CD. Or £199 from here |
| Reliability: |
I'm always a bit nervous about the quality of CD-Rs. |
| Durability: |
Probably wouldn't appreciate being knocked around too much. |
| Storage capacity: |
Unlimited, up to 800 Mb per CD. Can buy more CD-Rs easily in most places if necessary. |
| Portability: |
A bit clunky but not unmanageable. Also need space for all the CDs. |
| Summary: |
Looks reasonably cost-effective if I can get round the power issue. The ability to send CDs home easily in the post is nice, as is the fact that it would not be hard to make one master disk and one back-up for every photo. Also CDs can be read in more or less any computer along the way. |
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| Portable hard drive device |
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There are lots of models on the market, including the Delkin PicturePad and the Nixvue Vista, but I'll focus here on the Vosonic XS Drive because it seems to be the simplest and least expensive.
(There is also a "Version II" but the info here refers to the original version I. VII has a basic screen indicating file transfer progress, as well as being USB2.0 rather than USB1.1, and costs £20-£30 more. See www.xs-drive.com/)
This device supports all memory card types including CompactFlash I and II. |
| Power: |
Internal Li-Ion battery - the old problem. 3.6V x 2 (720 mA). Will need to see if I can rig up something to power this from AA rechargeables. |
| Cost: |
£99 without hard drive (add your own 9.5mm HDD)
£179 with 20 GB hdd
£199 with 30 GB hdd |
| Reliability: |
Not sure. No LCD or other screen so no way of "knowing" whether the backup has worked. |
| Durability: |
Contains HDD, so probably would not enjoy being dropped. |
| Storage capacity: |
20 GB / 30 GB / 40 GB. Plenty, I should think. |
| Portability: |
13 x 7.5 x 2.5 cm. Weighs 228g (including HD) |
| Summary: |
Not a bad option if I can get around the battery issue.
More details or purchase here. |
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| Memory Cards |
| Power: |
No problem - runs straight off the camera battery |
| Cost: |
64 Mb - £19
512 Mb - £110
1 Gb - £180 - or as low as £130 here.
(prices are for Compact Flash memory cards from here) |
| Reliability: |
Pretty good, from what I've heard |
| Durability: |
OK I would imagine unless you stamp on them |
| Storage capacity: |
What it says on the tin |
| Portability: |
Weigh next-to-nothing |
| Summary: |
If I can keep my photo-taking within reasonable limits, maybe this will be the best option after all. Certainly the simplest I think. |
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