lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

I have a Sandisk portable SSD. Can I export from my Z8 or Z7 to that disk directly? Or must I go through a computer. Thinking of using it on a trip for backup -- if possible. Can't seem to figure out if and how. I do use it for computer backup which is simple.

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

Maybe I'm not thinking clearly, but don't you need a computer to operate the external drive?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I think some might have a slot for a memory card and software to transfer files.
Mine don't, too old.

photoman43

There used to be products available to accomplish what you are trying to do: Sanyo Hyperdrive ColorSpace, various models. Most are no longer available. And GnarBox2 is another, but it is no longer available.

If you think you have found one, make sure it can accept the specific type of cards you will be using.

As a general statement, you are likely better off using a small laptop and an external hard drive like the one you have.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

It is possible with the right cables to use a tablet or your smart phone to drive the transfer and view the images. Takes 2 steps instead of being direct but not hard to do.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

You need something like the NewQ FileHub

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/ePCghOs

User ID

Direct transfer isnt such a great idea. With no screen to view your supposedly saved images on the SSD, you have no assurance that you can now safely delete anything from the card. Use a PC or a tablet with a viewing program.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Would it be possible to wait until the hike is over and save weight and hassle?
If not a small tablet with viewing capability would be better so confirmation of successful transfer can be seen.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

The simple answer is Yes, you will need something to power the drive to accept the files. but they do make self powered back up drives.
Google is your friend .

Red6

This question pops up every few months. There always seems to be some device that can almost do what you want but is either expensive, too large or both.

The most popular consensus is to just use multiple SD cards. They are cheap, and easy to pack and carry. In effect, you already have your external storage media. Just come up with a system to label them and then track what's on them by date, subject, etc. Swap cards out by day, subject or whatever suits you. SD cards are cheap, effective, and reliable.

That is what I and others that I know do. I do not think you will find any other solution as low-cost and effective. Depending on how long you will be traveling or how many images you take, just load up on SD cards.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

You already have the destination ssd. Chances are your phone can fill in as a small computer capable of powering the necessary drives. Only other hardware needed is a memory card reader and the 2 cables nedded to connect reader and drive to phone.

Software. If you dont already have it download a file manager program for your phone. Again, think of your phone as a computer.

Resources. You will need free space on your phone sufficient to cover daily shooting files. For me with giant landscape files, 4GB suffices.

Workflow. Using card reader copy the days images to phone. Swap to ssd and move images from phone to drive. I highly suggest starting next days shoot with a fresh subdirectory on camera so you can keep all the days separate and trackable.

Bonus points if you can get comfortable using camera wi fi to transfer directly through phone to attached ssd.

lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

Thanks, I was trying to get the right cables to do what you suggest. I think I am there.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

This is exactly why I purchased an iPAD yesterday. In order to transfer my snaps from my camera to my portable SSD. I don not want to be hauling around a laptop.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I got a Nexto DI from B&H for a photo safari trip that would do exactly what you want and you can even see tiny previews on the little screen. BUT the 1T model was $620-something, so very pricy. It worked flawlessly and others on the trip were jealous! I do photo trips with some frequency so it was worth the price. Buying a lot of memory cards would be cheaper!

photoman43

This is the product I was trying to think of when I posted earlier about the Hyperdrive. I used a Hyperdrive ColorSpace on two safari trips when I did not want to take a 15 inch laptop.

You have to read all of the info very carefully to make sure it will accept your card types directly or through a card reader as explained below. And the card reader has to have a port that is compatible with the port on the product.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1419022-REG/nexto_di_nv01p_1003_portable_all_in_one.html


"Once your desired card is inserted into the NVS2801-Plus, your data can be transferred to the internal 2TB SATA SSD at speeds up to 430 MB/s. You can also take advantage of the Multi-copy (M-copy) function to simultaneously copy memory cards to internal and external drives, and any external drives are connected using a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port. While the NVS2801-Plus only has SxS, CFast, and SDXC card slots, the SxS slot supports separately-sold XQD and P2/P2E adapters. You can also connect an external card reader to the second USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, so you can back up other types of cards that aren't natively supported.

To transfer data off of the NVS2801-Plus, NEXTO DI built this unit with a micro-USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, which connects to your host Windows, Mac, or Linux system using an included micro-USB to USB Type-A cable. Its internal 4400mAh lithium-ion polymer battery lasts for up to two hours and can be recharged in 5 hours using the included 12V / 2A AC adapter, or 9 hours using the included micro-USB cable and a separate USB charger.

Please note that the power adapter is required when an external USB drive is connected to the NVS-2801 Plus."

And you still need to think about backups. I would take extra cards even if I had this device on a safari.