Apple's iPod Camera Connector

[Foocha]

If I get it right, the connector imports the whole DCIM folder to the iPod. And when you connect the iPod again to the Mac, you can again transfer the complete DCIM folder to your Mac. This implies that it can be used to empty your camera on the iPod including RAW-files and movies.!

The DCIM folder on the iPod is not identical to the one on your camera, since you can do multiple exports (or "rolls") from the camera. Here's a directory listing from my DCIM folder after 3 exports from the camera:

100APPLE
101APPLE
102APPLE
IPODMISC

within each of the *APPLE folders are the images, plus a folder called IPOD containing:

DATE
ORIGNAME.TXT
ROLL

I suspect that Raw is supported, since Apple appears to have implemented PTP between the camera and iPod, and then between the iPod and iPhoto (via Image Capture). Provided your camera stores RAW images in the DCIM folder and supports PTP, it may work, although I doubt it will be displayed on the iPod.

This Apple support article even indicates that movie and sound files in your DCIM folder will be transferred to the iPod.

 

[CalfCanuck]

I suspect that Raw is supported, since Apple appears to have implemented PTP between the camera and iPod, and then between the iPod and iPhoto (via Image Capture).

Foocha - thanks for your posts. Do you have a media card reader? If so, could you test the iPod / Connector's ability to read from the card reader?

Apple's web page with the compatible cameras notes "compatible cameras and media readers" - if we can figure out a USB 2.0 media reader that sync's up with the iPod/Camera Connector, it will solve problems for all those with USB 1.1/Firewire camera connections.

 

[Foocha]

I tested the iPod Photo Camera Connector with a Lindy USB 2.0 6 in 1 Card Reader and a 128MB Memory Stick - it didn't work.

On the iPod it read "No Card Inserted" and on the reader, the MS light came on. I suspect this indicates the problem, since the iPod Photo with Camera Connector only supports PTP - not Mass Storage.

 

[mackev]

hands on

I was hoping to get some advice from someone out there who's played with one of these or owns one and has first hand knowledge.

How does the iPod Camera Connector affect battery life, both of the iPod Photo, and the camera itself?

I ask b/c I'm planning an extended trip to Europe next month, and I was thinking about getting an iPod photo and the Camera Connector as a way of storing my photos while I'm there, as I wont have access to a computer. My plan is to take pictures as usual, and then transfer them as needed to the iPod, wiping the memory card afterwards (btw, does it do this automatically when you transfer?).

I may not have regular access to charge both the ipod and camera, however, and am worried that transfering with the Camera Connector will limit my ability to take photos and/or listen to music if it has a significant impact on battery life.

I've heard that the Belkin one really takes a toll on battery life, so I've kinda ruled it out (plus the need for its own batteries).

Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[CalfCanuck]

I tested the iPod Photo Camera Connector with a Lindy USB 2.0 6 in 1 Card Reader and a 128MB Memory Stick - it didn't work.

On the iPod it read "No Card Inserted" and on the reader, the MS light came on. I suspect this indicates the problem, since the iPod Photo with Camera Connector only supports PTP - not Mass Storage.

Thanks for the prompt test.

Actually, the Apple web page does say that it supports Mass Storage:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301052

I think the issue is that the media card reader must be externally-powered.

It appears that although the Camera Connector handles USB 2.0, it does not power the media card readers (and most expect to be powered through the bus).

I'm wondering if a unit like the Soyo could manage to be seen by the Camera Connector when it is powered from the AC adaptor. Of course it's not as sexy and requires an AC plug, but if it's higher speed and multi card compatible ...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...944&path=0:3944:3951:163385:186294#long_descr

 

[rexxxy]

Like many others I sure wish this would import photos onto other iPods than the iPod Photo. At this point I will wait to buy an iPod Photo until somone hacks this or a competitor introduces something similar that will work on other 4G iPods. However, I might upgrade to an iPod Photo if my work in photography increases. I can see how Apple might hope that enough of this do this that they don't offer support to others.

I am disgusted at this attitude. Just buy a new ipod, hundreds of dollars worth, just so you can use the internal hard drive to store some pictures. I'm not blaming you, I'm blaming Apple.

This is the last straw. I've bought an ipod, hundreds of dollars worth of accessories (both Apple and 3rd party - supporting niche industries) and even stumped up to try a mac mini. Now Apple are telling me my perfectly good 3rd gen ipod cannot use this connector to simply import some photos from a camera via USB. This is an absolute disgrace.

Words cannot express how disgusted I am with this practice. My ipod is not full, and I do not want a flashy colour screen. I just want to be able to listen to music, and use it with my camera to store photos on the hard drive. The sole reason I bought the ipod was for music and to use as an external hard drive. I choked when I saw the price of the Belkin media reader, and was so disgusted with the price (1/3 the price of a new ipod) I did not buy one. Now apple make a (very expensive) connector and deny over 3/4 of the ipod market, with older ipods, the use of this new connector. I could buy an external photo reader with 20GB hard drive for the cost of the belkin media reader, but who wants to carry around all those devices. So I waited patiently, desparately, to hear more about the ipod camera connector.

Perhaps someone can explain (without blind apple reverence) what "special photo hardware" is required to simply transfer files from a camera that all non photo ipods don't have. I don't believe that for a second. I believe it was typical apple marketing and a pure software issue.

I have been scammed once to often. All the best apple, no more money from me. If I sound angry, I am. Very angry.

 

[Foocha]

Hi Rexxxy,

I suspect that Apple's decision to only bring this functionality to iPod photo is driven primarily by marketing considerations.

The Camera Connector functionality has to be support by the software on the iPod. Since there are now a wide variety of iPods in circulation, each with a different software version (1.5, 2.3, Mini 1.3, 3.0.2, Photo 1.1), providing this functionality for these versions would involve additional development and support costs. These cost would need to be recovered from somewhere - probably by increasing the end-user cost of the Camera Connector.

From a marketing perspective, there's a trade off here - on the one hand, supporting more users could drive more sales, whilst on the other, a higher price tag will drive some users away. Ultimately the decision would be based upon the demand that Apple anticipates for the product - focusing support on only one version of iPod at this stage indicates that Apple anticipates only limited demand for the product.

If the Camera Connector turns out to be a hit, Apple may be prepared to accept a lower margin on the product in return for the higher volume of sales generated by increased support.

I don't think it's a cynical ploy on Apple's part - it's just business. I can understand why you're disappointed about the lack of support from Apple, but it doesn't seem as if they at any time mis-respresented the functionality of your iPod to you, and after all, you do still have a fantastic portable music player!

 

[neut]

I have been scammed once to often. All the best apple, no more money from me. If I sound angry, I am. Very angry.

scammed? did you read the box your iPod came in? does it say photo anywhere? did Apple ever say that it would handle photos?

sounds like you're expectations have scammed you.

i wanted Photo capability; so, i bought an iPod photo. regaurdless ... these little things a ****ing awesome. (can't wait for Linux on 4G!)


peace | neut

 

[rexxxy]

scammed? did you read the box your iPod came in? does it say photo anywhere? did Apple ever say that it would handle photos?

My "expectations" are that Apple have no technical (hardware) reason why they are denying a large percentage of their ipod user base the use of this pohto connector.

I believe (as do a lot of commentators it appears) that there is no hardware reason why they could not have supported all ipods (with the same connector). I believe it was purely a marketing decision. Perhaps I am just a money-sensitive PC user, but I am not prepared to buy the same device TWICE just to get the ability to use a photo connector. I do not need a colour screen to simply store some photos from my camera.

To those who think the connector is cheap, it is $48 Australian, which makes it quite possibly one of the most expensive connectors I have ever seen. This is in no way "cheap" for what it is. But compared to the ($199) Belkin media reader, it almost looks cheap.

But to then screw anybody without an ipod photo is just plain disgusting. The software required to support older gen ipods would be comparatively negligable. To say they can support updates for itunes and all old model ipods yet NOT for this photo connector is ludicrous. There are ipod updates all the time.

I do believe it was a marketing decision. I can afford to buy an ipod photo, if I thought it was justified. Think about the younger kids earning less money or who got an ipod for a present. They certainly can't just "upgrade" to a new $700 ipod on a whim. This is where I think my decision to invest in Apple, and to trust them to support me, was a mistake.

No, it didn't say "support photos" on the box when I bought my ipod g3 over 2 years ago. But it is simply an external hard drive, and it does support USB, so why can't it use this connector? I believe it is marketing gone mad.

I've mad my point. I will not be supporting Apple in any way in the future, which is disappointing, because my new mac mini was looking interesting. Oh well.

 

[neut]

Think about the younger kids ...

yes ... let us all think of the kids.

why don't you buy a device (or two), that satisfies your needs, with your money instead of an iPod that doesn't do what you want it to; or, buy an iPod photo.

the choice is yours.


peace.

 

[CalfCanuck]

I believe (as do a lot of commentators it appears) that there is no hardware reason why they could not have supported all ipods (with the same connector). I believe it was purely a marketing decision. Perhaps I am just a money-sensitive PC user, but I am not prepared to buy the same device TWICE just to get the ability to use a photo connector. I do not need a colour screen to simply store some photos from my camera.

I hear your frustration, but this is just an assumption (no hardware differences) that I'm not sure is correct.

I think you're confusing being an early adopter with full features. I'm on my 4th generation of digital SLR camera's, and I bought a 10GB hard drive reader for my compact flash cards back in 2001 for $500. The company went out of business within a year, and it always seemed a bit of a act of faith to use it.

So should I be complaining? Maybe, but that's what happens to the first users of a technology.

If you really need the adaptor, sell your older model on eBay and pick up a new iPod photo. Should we all be limited to the features on a 2002 laptop just so no one could have a "better" model than your 3 year old PB?

 

[senecaripple]

belkin camera link, $13.00 usd@buy.com

ther's only about 200 left @ that price. so i picked one up. should be able to work for 3rd and 4th gen ipods. i have a 40gb photo, i hope it will work. when that item runs out. they will sell them at 63.00.

 

[Foocha]

Hi Rexxxy,

I suspect that you're right in that there's no hardware reason why a Camera Connector could not work with other Dock Connector iPods. But I'm not sure that it's fair to say that the cost of providing software support for older iPods would be "comparatively neglibable" - you need to judge the costs against the potential income from sales of the product.

The development cost would be the same whether they sell one Dock Connector or one million - therefore their margins would be significantly impacted by the additional development and support costs if the Dock Connector sales are relatively low.

Again, it all comes back to what potential market that Apple sees in this product, and I guess Apple assumes that the vast majority of people interested in this functionality are likely to purchase an iPod Photo anyway.

If the Dock Connector turns out to be a runaway hit, it's quite possible that Apple will review this decision.

 

[rexxxy]

yes ... let us all think of the kids.

why don't you buy a device (or two), that satisfies your needs, with your money instead of an iPod that doesn't do what you want it to; or, buy an iPod photo.

I already mentioned that complete memory card external storage devices cost LESS than what the Belkin Media Card reader does on its own. I also made the point that carrying extra devices, cables, adaptors etc seems absolutely crazy when I already have a perfectly good ipod available, which is really just an external hard drive with audio software installed. Why should I have to? Of course I could, that's not the point. I also work at a school and see kids dreaming of owning an ipod, hence my comments specifically about children. It was not an off the cuff remark.

The notion that I should not have the same options available to me that (newer) photo ipods have is very disappointing. Proprietary systems that are purely marketing driven are anti-consumer. And if it proves correct that there is no technical reason why older ipods couldn't be supported, it will simply confirm my thoughts on the issue. I may be wrong, there may be legitimate reasons why they have done this - why not let us know? Why just a blanket "will only work with photo ipods" statement?

I must have 20+ adaptors/cables/covers for various devices hanging around my study. Devices that allow convergence and allow the consumer choice will always win in the end over proprietary "lock in" devices.

I do not dislike my ipod. But at the same time, I don't worship apple nor waste money upgrading devices on a whim. A little more support for consumers that spent the money raising the profile of the device (and raising profits for the company) seems in order.

 

[Foocha]

Proprietary systems that are purely marketing driven are anti-consumer.

You're touching on a very interesting area there. I fully support a standards-based open source approach, but I also think that there's sometimes room for propriety solutions.

A propriety solution is often more appropriate for an appliance - something that is a closed box and should "just work" like a games console, a PVR or a music player. It is the precisely the limitations imposed on the system by the vendor that makes it so reliable.

Something more utilitarian like a PC, which involves more expertise and hands-on management in order to use, benefits much more from openness.

If you were to make an arguement for Apple being anti-consumer, I would look more closely at their attempt to lock users in to their own proprietary DRM system, rather than the close-box nature of their music player!

 

[ggr8]

On the iPod it read "No Card Inserted" and on the reader, the MS light came on. I suspect this indicates the problem, since the iPod Photo with Camera Connector only supports PTP - not Mass Storage.

I expect that the problem is that you are using a 6-in-1 card reader. For the iRiver HP320/HP340 MP3 players that support USB-on-the-go and card readers you must use a single-format card reader: eg just Compact Flash or just Memory Stick. The iPod Camera Connector is probably the same.

 

[footfunk510]

Has anybody gotten the camera connector?

Hi. I have a 4g (3g? not sure) ipod (non-photo). I was wondering if this new apple camera connector does NOT work with this gen. I've seen a lot of people complain that it doesn't but I haven't seen anybody explicitly say they've tried it and that it does not work.

I have read that that there may be certain hardware/software difference with respect to the USB host controller on the new ipod photos which the other gens lack. (Do a quick google and you can find articles on this. I recommend you who are complaining that Apple is being evil to read this before you start complaining.)

But instead of getting everybody's conjecture on whether it works or not the best way to see if it works is if someone has a non-ipod photo and tries it with the camera connector. That will answer this once and for all.

Peace out.

 

[boombashi]

Hi. I have a 4g (3g? not sure) ipod (non-photo). I was wondering if this new apple camera connector does NOT work with this gen. I've seen a lot of people complain that it doesn't but I haven't seen anybody explicitly say they've tried it and that it does not work.

I have read that that there may be certain hardware/software difference with respect to the USB host controller on the new ipod photos which the other gens lack. (Do a quick google and you can find articles on this. I recommend you who are complaining that Apple is being evil to read this before you start complaining.)

But instead of getting everybody's conjecture on whether it works or not the best way to see if it works is if someone has a non-ipod photo and tries it with the camera connector. That will answer this once and for all.

Peace out.

It WILL NOT work on anything but an iPod photo. I have an iPod photo 40GB, and a 3rd gen 15GB iPod. I plugged it into my 15GB just to see what would happen, and it does absolutely nothing...the only point for this thing is to back up large cards so you can keep shooting, unfortunately it takes about 45 min. to back up a 1GB card. Also, by the time it is done, your iPod photo will go from full charge to about 25% charge, so don't get this thing expecting it will be some great solution...it's not, unfortunatly. I just ordered 2 more 1GB cards from new egg. I wanted to get a 2 or 4 GB card, but there is no way to back up a 2GB card bacause the battery will die before it's done.

 

[CalfCanuck]

the only point for this thing is to back up large cards so you can keep shooting, unfortunately it takes about 45 min. to back up a 1GB card. Also, by the time it is done, your iPod photo will go from full charge to about 25% charge, so don't get this thing expecting it will be some great solution...it's not, unfortunatly. I just ordered 2 more 1GB cards from new egg. I wanted to get a 2 or 4 GB card, but there is no way to back up a 2GB card bacause the battery will die before it's done.

I assume that the speed problem is due to your camera, which probably has the slower USB 1.1 speed, correct?

 

[zac4mac]

Just got mine yesterday and tried it out almost immediately. Not only did it perform perfectly on my camera, Oly E-10, I was able to use it on another guy's camera. His was also an Olympus, though another model, with the same connector as mine. He managed to get shots of a custom Harley I wanted, but had left the show by the time I got back with my camera. Bonus!

Personally, I think this adapter is more useful for those of us with older equipment. Even with a newer camera shooting in raw format, 2-4GB should last for a day's shooting and be able to connect to a computer at the "home base". My E-10 is 4 years old and the biggest card I have is 64MB. Transfer time for that card is practically the same speed as when hooked to my Mac. Beats the heck out of carrying my iBook for offloading.

Biggest problem I see is it's so small. I'm worried about losing it.

 

[javiercr]

my review about RAW files

I just got my connector and I made a little page about RAW files and the IPod camera connector, here: ipod camera connector and RAW

 

[cyadmark]

Download speed

I have a Nikon D2H which I believe has usb 2.0 speed as when I hook it up to my computer. However it is dog slow when hooked up to the Ipod Photo. It takes me about 5 minutes to off load a 256 MB card