Backup during travel without requiring a computer: Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*. I prefer not to take my laptop...

iamimdoc

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

1: Carry enough cards that you can get all the photos you need while traveling.

2: Use a camera with dual card slots and set the camera to store images on both cards.

3: There exist standalone disks that will enable you to duplicate the card files. I have never used one so I can't recommend anything specific.

jcboy3

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

Some cameras can copy memory cards from one to another. Every night, copy your card to a backup card.

While you may consider writing images to both cards, it's not really a backup strategy unless you swap cards daily; the idea of a backup is to also prevent loss of images if your camera is lost or stolen.

There are also disk drives and routers that can copy to backup. Some can be operated with a smartphone.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

If you bring a SSD hard drive for storage you can use the iPad as a transfer tool. The Camera Connection Kit can be used to download from camera to iPad. Then connect the hard drive and transfer from iPad to SSD. Delete files from iPad and repeat next time you want to download from camera.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I have a My Passport wireless SSD that does not need a computer. I have not used it much at all.
I will sell it, pm me if interested.

Key Features
500GB Storage Capacity
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A Port
1 x USB 2.0 Micro-B Port
1 x SD Card Slot
Built-In 802.11ac Wi-Fi Connectivity
Dual-Band Wireless Support
Up to 10 Hour Battery Life
Up to 1.5A Power Output
My Cloud Mobile App Support
Password Protect Important Files

Back up your photos, videos, and other important files from a variety of devices including cameras, drones, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices to the 500GB My Passport Wireless SSD from WD.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

There used to be drives you could plug a card into and dump your images.
I would think there should be something out there.
Google it.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

I have never had to back up on a trip of any kind. I just put my memory card in as usual and go. After 20 years of travel and over 100 destinations, never had a problem yet. GO, ENJOY, WHAT ME WORRY.

Red6

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

Leaving today for a long cruise, with many stops and photo opportunities. I am taking 5 memory cards which will store several thousand raw and jpg files. Easy simple and virtually foolproof. I usually will relax in the evenings and sort my photos on the camera and delete the obvious bad shots thus saving some space. All memory cards are numbered and I keep a simple log indicating which card was used when. That has been my usual practice.

I am also going to experiment on this trip by linking my camera up to my phone or iPad via wifi and downloading files to them and then to Dropbox. It is a little more complicated and I will still use the memory card method but it could be a secondary backup. It would also allow me to share some images with family or friends back home through Dropbox.

Red6

billnikon wrote:

I have never had to back up on a trip of any kind. I just put my memory card in as usual and go. After 20 years of travel and over 100 destinations, never had a problem yet. GO, ENJOY, WHAT ME WORRY.

I agree. Simple, easy, and not much can go wrong. No need to carry extra cables, chargers, and extra gear.

As one who tends to travel as light as possible, this is probably the best option out there. Good quality memory cards are cheap. The only thing I would add, not necessary but handy is keep a simple list of what card was used when or where.

Hip Coyote

The RavPower device is the perfect solution. You attach it to a portable SSD drive, put in your SD card and it automatically backs it up to the SSD drive. The other thing is that it acts as a wireless bridge so that when you are in a foreign location it rebroadcasts Wi-Fi securely for your use. It also has a battery back up. I have read that there are several iterations of the RAV power so you need to pay attention to that. I suggest you search this forum for the postings on it

I can’t say that I did not take it on my last international trip and wished I had. Not so much for the file back up but for the secure Wi-Fi bridge. I had to move some money around on the internet unexpectedly and could have used a more secure connection.

Charlie7

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

When I travel and wifi is available, I upload to my iPad through a
card reader directly to my iCloud account.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

iamimdoc wrote:

Are there techniques that allow backing camera memory cards that *don’t require access to a computer*.

I prefer not to take my laptop on longish trip. I’m with using my iPad but it has very limited memory and would not get me much storage.

Thanks

Devices such as you seek have come and gone with no real degree of success. The laptop is the only thing that will do what is needed. Your phobia is costing the best solution so there is not much we can do for you other than suggest many blank memory cards. That solution can be problematic but you insist on using it so accept the limitations. Your assessment of the iPad's limitations is why you might reconsider your laptop. Experience usually dictates policy.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

I lug my MacBook Pro everywhere I go.
Take photos, download, review to make sure there are no issues, use Nikon transfer to identify each days session.

Nothing like not reviewing them on a big screen to find out you had a big hairball on your sensor from the beginning of your trip. Or your settings were not what you thought they were etc.
Yes, you can review on your camera screen but that is not sufficient enough to spot a slight out of focus or spots on your sensor etc.
Safe travels!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Hip Coyote wrote:

The RavPower device is the perfect solution. You a... (show quote)

It’s no longer made by RAV Power but the NewQ Filehub is the same thing. You’ll also need a portable SSD to go with it.
NewQ Filehub AC750 Travel Router: Portable Hard Drive SD Card Reader & Mini WiFi Range Extender for Travel | Wireless Access External Harddrive & USB Storage Device to Backup Photo & Files from iPhone https://a.co/d/aZPC00A

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

Wolverine had a drive into which you inserted your card and it would copy the files automatically. It was rechargeable and worked great. I have one "somewhere".