iPad card reader for quick photo transfer

[vsp]

I just started dabbling in photography. When traveling I'll usually only have an iPad with me.

I'm reconciled to not editing RAW files on my iPad. But there will be times I'll want to do quick work on a photo before I get home. For transferring file when a wifi connection isn't available is Apple's lightning-to-card reader cable the best option? I'm not finding many other viable options.

Transferring over a HooToo Tripmate is an option as well, but that may not always be easily accessible.

 

[admwright]

It is a convenient option with quick transfers. The import screen gives you thumbnails to select what images you want to copy. If there are lots on the card it is a bit of a pain selecting just a few, but they are in time order so the latest are at the very end. Also after the import watch out to press 'Keep' not 'Delete' to finish up.

 

[tgara]

Keep in mind, Apple's lightning card reader only reads SD cards. If you're shooting onto CF cards, it won't work, although there may be third party card readers for the CF cards (have not checked on this for a while). Also, if you are transferring RAW files, the memory on your iPad will get filled up quickly, as will your iCloud storage (if you have it enabled).

Personally, when I travel light (e.g., Canon SL1 and iPad Air only) and want to do quick edits or shares, I shoot RAW+JPG, import the JPGs onto my iPad, edit them in Photos, and share them via iMessage or a Photostream. It works great for that purpose. I save the RAWs for more substantial edits when I get back home and in front of my 27-inch iMac.

 

[vsp]

Thanks to both of you for the replies.

I did spend some time trying to figure out how to transfer RAW files, but it doesn't seem worth it...the lack of apps that take advantage of it, plus the space issue. It seems easier to do as you both are doing, which is keeping the RAW image on the card and deal with substantial edits later.

Just went on a 500 mile road trip...the lighting to SD reader was out of stock in every Best Buy/Staples/Office Depot, etc along the way, and not a single Apple store on route. I'm going to order one this week.

I used the WiFi connection on my phone to transfer photos during the road trip, but it only transfers to the Panasonic Lumix app, then I can import into another program...which was a hassle and the WiFi connection was spotty.

In case anyone else uses a HooToo tripmate, I couldn't get access to the SD card through a USB reader. Maybe I had something set incorrectly, but the Tripmate only seems to recognize the USB file system...not whatever file system the SD card uses.