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General discussion

I need a backup solution for digital photos while traveling overseas

Jul 17, 2009 7:33AM PDT
Question:

I need a backup solution for digital photos while traveling overseas


I am going to Europe for three weeks in October with several friends and we each have digital cameras with varying types of memory cards. I would like to be able to download their photos to one backup storage device so we can capture a composite of all of our photos and make a book of our vacation together and keep them backed up just in case. I am considering either the Picture Porter Elite or the Colorspace UDMA hard-drive-type devices. I would appreciate any advice regarding either of these backup devices or others I might consider. Open to ideas and suggestions. Thanks!

--Submitted by Jane R.


Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

Travel portable storage --Submitted by hjfok
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3085604#3085604

My solution --Submitted by South.lodge
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3083785#3083785

The 'no PC' answer --Submitted by gcmsuser
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3083839#3083839

Backup options --Submitted by XSYLUS
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3083562#3083562

Look at the Archos devices --Submitted by guiri_too
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3083595#3083595

Digital camera card backup device? --Submitted by Kanga bill
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3083651#3083651

Laptop + burned DVD's = 100% results --Submitted by rlessmue
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3085841#3085841

If you have any additional suggestions or advice for Jane's please click on the reply link below and submit it. Please include as many details as possible in your answer and if referring to a product recommendation--please provide a link to the product whenever possible. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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MemoryKick is What I Bought
Jul 19, 2009 10:14PM PDT

If you are traveling overseas you should buy a MemoryKick because it fits in my pocket and weighs very little. I can transfer pictures too and from any memory card or thumbdrive which I cannot do with the Hyperdrive or the Epson With the MemoryKick, I can place most memory cards directly in the unit wihtout having to use any adaptors like I would with the Hyperdrive or Epson. Also, with the MemoryKick, I can transfer anything to a thumdrive quickly which I cannot do with the hyperdrive or the Epson.

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better to go for USB hard drives or internet services
Jul 19, 2009 11:00PM PDT

I strongly prefer to send the pictures on the net that is on the mail, through USB as you can make a compress file and then send it on the mail as their is a site named Picasa, where you can put or transfer your images through your digital camera that can be done easily by carrying laptop.

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How about a Netbook?
Jul 19, 2009 11:44PM PDT

Perhaps a Netbook would be a good idea? You can get a real decent one for under 300 with at least 160GB hdd plus wifi internet connectivity, and 3 USB ports. Go for one with Windows XP which will support all three cameras whereas Vista may not. They're very light and so easy to travel with. I've put mine in my purse. Average battery life is about 6 hours. Make sure to get yourself some power converters. Good luck!

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move pics
Jul 20, 2009 12:13AM PDT

I have found the best and least expencive way is a 4 GB $10 flash drive I purchased at Walmart. I have 1000's of pics on my computer and use the flash drive to save and show to all my family and friends. The best is any pics you want to give to them is easy to download to thier system for them to print or view.

Dan Langan
papanew222@comcast.net

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Flash Drives
Jul 24, 2009 10:40AM PDT

I would recommend a small (size wise, not storage space)hard drive. We just returned from a 7 week European vacation and a 4Gb flash drive would not begin to hold my wife's digital camera pics. First she has a Canon 50D SLR digital and each picture is approximately 2.3Mb in size. Since her HP laptop only has a 60Gb hard drive, she was quickly running out of space. We ended up buying a WD 320Gb hard drive in Stockholm to sort her problems out.

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I need a backup solution for digital photos while traveling
Jul 20, 2009 12:28AM PDT

Try Toshiba's HDDR400E03X Portable External Hard Drive - 400GB, USB 2.0.

Toshiba's External Hard Drives are a hassle free, simple and convenient solution to all your storage needs. It takes the mystery out of backing up your most precious digital memories by combining Toshiba's most reliable hard drive technology with simpe to use backup software - NTI Shadow?. The software allows you to easily conduct computer backup and enjoy peace of mind knowing all your critical data and cherished digital files are secure. I puchased 3 hard drives for $89.99 each. I also purchase 2 Western Digitals, but I like the Toshibas better because it is easier to use and the Toshibas had larger hard drives for less money.

http://www.globalcomputer.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4439610&CatId=136

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Backup solution
Jul 20, 2009 6:27AM PDT

I've used several online backup solutions while traveling, and I've run into issues with them when I stayed at places that had no-or-limited (dial up) internet connectivity. My current solution of choice for my digital pics is the Kingston DataTraveler 150, which is a 64GB flash drive, (some people call them "thumb drives"). I shoot in RAW, and 64GB, while not huge, holds a good-sized chunk of shots. These drives run about US$150.00 each at the moment - a little pricey, but they're reliable and take up almost no room whatsoever - it fits easily in your pocket along with your spare change. Figuring about 12MB per shot, the 64GB will hold about 5000 shots if my math is correct (64 / 0.012 = 5333.3). If you think you'll shoot more than that, consider buying two flash drives, or just bring along a second USB hard drive as many have suggested.

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Low Cost Solutions
Jul 25, 2009 1:17AM PDT

Most towns have internet cafes, with widespread wi fi access, also access through mobile phone networks (payable by the hour or gigabyte, from around $20), so you can upload to any site of your choosing. Arrange to upload to Kodak mypix etc and have someone at home download them for you.

I use my media player (lots of music, videos, photos, for no extra cost) Ipod need an app, other models don't so shop around.

Use DVDs, most hotels or cybercafes give you low cost access.

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Backup for digital photos
Jul 20, 2009 6:35AM PDT

Hi Jane.
I have been using a hard disk device from Amitech for some years with no problems. However, I do not know whether it is marketed in the US. It has no display of the pictures which sometimes is a little scary until you actually see them back home. I would advice a device where you actually can see the result, i.e. that the transfer has been successful. Another tip: Synchronize your cameras, it makes things much easier when you want to merge them. With the program ACDC you may include the date and time of the picture in the file name, so they sort automatically. You can probably do this with other programs as well. Have a nice trip, you may even go to Copenhagen.
Best regard Eigil Winkel, Denmark

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Travel portable storage
Jul 20, 2009 6:32PM PDT

I have tried 2 Archos (the Gemini and the larger 704 WIFI), a small tablet laptop (with built-in Wacom tablet for fine tuned editing), and the Epson P5000. I have to say the Epson P5000 is by far the best and easiest backup solution.

The Archos both have a nice screen but backup is slow, requiring either an optional adaptor or use USB transfer from the camera which uses up the camera battery quickly.

The ipod type devices cannot store a full size original file, so it is NOT a backup device, you only get a downsized compressed lower resolution copy. Besides you need a computer or laptop to backup the photos. So forget using this type of backups for travel on-the-go photos. I have several ipods and have never used them as photo backup devices.

The laptop is good but you also need to carry a memory card reader. If you don't mind carrying all the bulk or if you need internet access, then this can be a good option. You can also start editing the photos if you have spare time on the plane. The tablet laptop with built-in Wacom tablet function allows you to fine tune your editing without carrying an extra Wacom tablet.

The Epson P5000 (or its many other models) is the best in my opinion. They are more bulky and pricey than the Archos. But it comes with built-in memory card readers that read most types of memory cards. It will not waste your camera's battery. It also load the photos pretty fast and has a nice screen to view the photos. It has different capacities, for the P5000 it has 80GB, more than enough to store all your travel photos. And it function like a hard drive and is fast in transferring the photos to your home computer. It is the best backup device I have used.

Since I use the Epson P5000, I don't carry my laptop or Archos anymore. The Cruise and hotels usually have full internet service for a small price. And I usually end up feeling too tired to work on photo editing while traveling overseas. I'd rather enjoy the vacation rather than doing any computer work. In Europe it is easy to purchase SIMS card for an unlocked cell phone, which can be a much cheaper way to call back home than using your own US cell phone or even a world phone.

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What I did
Jul 24, 2009 11:46PM PDT

My lovely son bought me a Freecom Tough drive that you can literally bounce around with out it coming to harm. Not cheap though.

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Use an IPOD
Jul 20, 2009 9:14PM PDT

With the attachment to read your memory card, you can use an IPOD, and also see the pictures, listen music etc.

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Backup solutions for digital photos while traveling
Jul 30, 2009 10:52PM PDT

I have used a VOSONIC VP2160 portable storage divice. Operates on USB 2.0 it incorporates multi-card reader and 30G capasity and it fits in your back pocket! Try it.

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Non-hard-drive photo backup for traveling:
Jul 20, 2009 11:18PM PDT

I chose not to use a hard-drive type storage solution because I do not wish to trust a hard-drive while traveling. One good drop, and your photos can be inaccessible or lost.

Instead, I chose a multi-function recorder (MFR) from Addonics. To backup your photos, you plug in a memory card into a slot in the MFR and push one button to burn its contents onto a DVD or CD. The commands are so sensible that you find little need for the manual.

The MFR can do sequential burns, so you can add new content to the DVD whenever you wish - after every day or photo session. It has batteries and a power supply, so you can tote it along and burn backups on the go. This feature is useful for long shoots or if you have smallish memory cards. It is also handy for making copies to share. Instead of emailing people pictures, I just burned their session onto a CD and gave it to them.

Besides using it for backup, the MFR can be used to play DVDs or music, it can hook up to a projector or computer for a photo show, and it comes with a remote. (It also comes with all the cords you need for the various hook-ups.) It made great backups of my photos; we used it to run a photo show for traveling companions on a computer on our cruise ship. I highly recommend using this type of photo backup device. -Merry

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Burning DVD
Jul 21, 2009 11:41AM PDT

If you like to burn DVDs, then taking a small compact laptop with built-in DVD or BlueRay burner will be a better choice. At least you can see and select what you want to burn on the DVD. The MFR does not have a screen, and needs to be hooked up to a TV or computer to see the photos, not as cool or versatile as a laptop.

Using flash drive or small compact external hard drive to back up photos will have have worse problem than MFR, you can't see or view the photos unless you hook it up to the computer/laptop.

Using a photo/multimedia device like Epson, Wolverine, Jobo Giga Vu pro, Nikon Coolwalker, etc is a fancier version of a external flash or hard drive with a nice screen. The advantage is its compact size and fast downloading of photos, with the ability to view photos (even the RAW files). But if you like to travel with a laptop, then you won't need this type of device. One problem traveling with the laptop is that you can damage it during traveling, and costs more to replace. The laptop may also contain your own confidential personal identity profiles and can put you at risk of identity theft if someone steals it. So do not bring your regular main laptop, and do not load any personal information on the traveling laptop.

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...Laptop + Burned DVD's = 100% results
Jul 21, 2009 2:44AM PDT

Having traveled to Europe and Asia with friends, we all had
different memory cards, but wanted to save our photos.

Due to the wide range of memory types, we found that a card reader
and a laptop seemed to do the trick.

We were able to mix/match and share our photos...and then burn
each of our photos to DVD's in the hotel room.

In all the countries I have gone, I have been able to find
DVD's that I could burn to. It was the responsibility of each of
my friends to bring there own burnable CD/DVD's which made it
a lot easier.

The back-up devices you suggested sound nice, but in my case the
laptop provided the needed Internet access that each of my friends
needed. If you don't need the Internet access, then my pick would
be the Colorspace UDMA device (with a large enough hard drive to
please all your friends). But any of these devices seem like you
would be "putting all of your eggs in one basket"...because if it
got damaged/broken...you might loose all of your/friends photos
that have been placed on it!

...so my suggestion is ...Laptop + Burned DVD's = 100% results!

Have a safe trip!

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Get a thumbdrive
Jul 21, 2009 11:11PM PDT

You can get a 16GB thumbdrive for less than $50, and it'll hold a lot of pictures. I keep one on my keychain at all times, just in case someone has a file I want to take home with me.

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Am I missing something?
Jul 24, 2009 11:55AM PDT

This suggestion is just one of several to use a "Thumb Drive".
My question is this: How do you get the information from the camera or camera media to the thumb drive without a computer?

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Am I Missing Something
Jul 25, 2009 12:59AM PDT

no you are not........a thumbdrive by itself is useless......you will still need a comp or a portable device such as the wolverine that was mentioned a few posts up

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(NT) how do you get your pics on the thumb drive?
Jul 25, 2009 1:51AM PDT
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how to get your pics on a thumbdrive
Jul 25, 2009 7:06AM PDT

if you are using a computer you can download the pics from the camera with a usb cable or if your computer has a media card slot just put in the card.............you can now either put the pics on your hdd or put them on the thumbdrive or you can do both..............hope this answers your question

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using a thumdrive
Jul 25, 2009 7:20AM PDT

use a computer and either plug in your camera with a usb cable or if your comp has a media card slot just slip the card in........now you can either copy or move the pics from the camera media to your hdd or a thumbdrive or both............for brevity I left some details out........am willing to go more into detail if need be....hope this helps

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An Alternative Suggestion
Jul 22, 2009 12:35AM PDT

If you are going to spend around $300 anyway why don't you invest in a netbook rather that a media storage device. They aren't much bigger either. Most come with multiple format memory card readers, large hard drives and all the software you could ever want, to view or manipulate your pictures on one of those rainy days. Seems like a more efficient use of your hard earned money.

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Solution for digital photos while traveling overseas
Jul 22, 2009 12:50AM PDT

We had the same problem as all five of us had different cameras.

We use a Lap Top (15 inch size as noone wants to carry a heavy one.)to do a daily trip log and our email and we all carry Memory sticks with us as we all have different needs as far as when we need to download our pictures from our cameras on the go.

Lap top has quite a few readers in it also and very good memory. We can burn the pictures when ever we need.

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Photo Backup for Overseas Travel
Jul 25, 2009 6:05AM PDT

My wife and I do a tremendous amount of international travel. We have been to 72 countries so I rely greatly on my photos backup system. I need to be as redundant as possible since my photos will be posted on my travel website as well as printing for family photo albums and submitting for contests.
My current system consists of carrying a laptop (Dell 700 Inspiron) or an HP Netbook Mini depending upon the weight restrictions. I also carry an 80 gig SmartDisk FlashTrax XT (The company was sold to verbatim so this model is no longer made.) and a 500 gig Hyperspace Color 0. I started using this system on our first trip to South Africa in 2004. It has really served me well. All of my photos are shot in Nikon Raw. At the end of each day I backup my pictures from Compact Flash and SDHC cards to the Colorspace 0, then to the FlashTrax XT. In these cases I only use the Netbook to access my e-mails, not to backup. Sometimes I will carry only the Colorspace 0 and the Dell Inspiron 700. In this instance I will backup to the Colorspace ) then to the Dell laptop. My travel photos can be viewed at www.CrazyAboutTravel.com

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Backup device
Jul 22, 2009 6:25AM PDT

A 8 or 16 GB memory stick (better 2 or more) connected with the proper cable should be enough

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Use your IPOD
Jul 22, 2009 7:27AM PDT

I purchased a USB camera adapter from apple for 20 bucks or so and turned my ipod into a HD that will d/l pics and you can see them too. I assume you have an Ipod...if not get one. So My 80 GB Ipod 5th gen acts as my tunes and also there is about 40GB for pics. Try it before you leave thought to make sure you know how to work it and if its going to work...the genious's at the Apple store are wonderful if you need help!

RHammerman

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Take a portable laptop 2.5 inch hard drive
Jul 24, 2009 10:33AM PDT

Take a portable laptop 2.5 inch USB hard drive

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My suggestion for you...
Jul 24, 2009 10:35AM PDT

Hi Lee,

Get yourself an MSI Wind NetBook (U100-432US).
The only thing you will need to add to it will be...

1 - Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module

and 2 - a travel power supply.

The MSI Netbook is small enough to slip into a messenger bag
and it comes with its own sleeve for protection.
It has a 4-in-1 media reader so your camera media can probably be read
and your photos downloaded on to the massive 160GB hard drive.

BEST OF ALL... You can view your photos on the 10" widescreen
LED backlit display, and with the 6 cell L-Ion battery,
you'll enjoy at least 4 hours of viewing time !!!

MSI lists this bad boy for $429.99 but you can find it
on the internet for at least $100 less.


Pete...

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From Experience the Notebook / Netbook is the best way to go
Jul 24, 2009 11:01AM PDT

Option 1
If you have a good notebook with a large enough HD then Purchase a $20.00 usb multi-card reader and you will be good to go. You can then download your pictures to your facebook account...
Option 2 - carry your own notebook and store the stuff on it.
Option 3
If you do not have a Notebook/Netbook buy the Toshibs E105-E1402 Notebook which was $1200.00 and is now on sale for $699.00 from BestBuys online/Store. It has 320gig and most importantly it has a multicard reader built in... I absolutely love mine and highly recommend it for lots of reasons... Awesome computer.
Option 4 - The other guys is right have some else take the pictures. Make note with your brain. The last for ever and never get erased, unless you drink to much while in europe...