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Cuffs
07-13-2008, 15:12
With all the talk on which camera is best, and the difficult task of how to manage photos (upload at library, send memory cards to a transcriber...) I thought this was just a really cool gadget! http://www.eye.fi/products/explore/

Not the cheapest thing around, but for all that it does, it sure does take out alot of the work!

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 15:29
With all the talk on which camera is best, and the difficult task of how to manage photos (upload at library, send memory cards to a transcriber...) I thought this was just a really cool gadget! http://www.eye.fi/products/explore/

Not the cheapest thing around, but for all that it does, it sure does take out alot of the work!

That has got to be the coolest gadget I've seen this year. How the heck did they fit all that into an SD card? Alien technology, I swear!

Bulldawg
07-13-2008, 15:49
That is a pretty neat gizmo for sure.

Poozer
07-13-2008, 17:58
The geotagging feature of the card is pretty useless in the woods, unless there is a starbucks at the top of the mountaing you're hiking :)

kayak karl
07-13-2008, 18:00
With all the talk on which camera is best, and the difficult task of how to manage photos (upload at library, send memory cards to a transcriber...) I thought this was just a really cool gadget! http://www.eye.fi/products/explore/

Not the cheapest thing around, but for all that it does, it sure does take out alot of the work!
OK Cuffs, this is way cool:). im looking for the flaw and cant find it. the 2 gigs will never fill up if it sends out the pics.
do you know when they are sent?

even if you mail dropped 3 cards. 1 in camera, 1 backup, 1 mailed home thats $75 in cards not to mention mail.

if you damage your camera (drop it off kayak in Brandywine river:mad:) you would still have the GREAT photos you took.

This looks great!
OK, Who buys the first one:D

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 18:03
The geotagging feature of the card is pretty useless in the woods, unless there is a starbucks at the top of the mountaing you're hiking :)

The card probably caches that data in the 2gb storage for later transmission. :)

Bulldawg
07-13-2008, 18:44
I'm assuming it has to have a 802.11b/g wireless connection somewhere to upload the photos. I would not think you'd on top of Standing Indian uploading the photos you are taking back to your house. I would imagine it is a deal where you would get into town and upload them back home from somewhere with wireless. I basically do that now when on any trip other than a hiking trip using my laptop. But it would be cool to walk into Mountain Crossings for example, link up to their wireless signal, and empty your camera to a server back at home.

OK, who buy's the first one. I want a real live report.

mudcap
07-13-2008, 19:43
I'm assuming it has to have a 802.11b/g wireless connection somewhere to upload the photos. I would not think you'd on top of Standing Indian uploading the photos you are taking back to your house. I would imagine it is a deal where you would get into town and upload them back home from somewhere with wireless. I basically do that now when on any trip other than a hiking trip using my laptop. But it would be cool to walk into Mountain Crossings for example, link up to their wireless signal, and empty your camera to a server back at home.

OK, who buy's the first one. I want a real live report.
You go first:) I will buy the next one. Seriously though,looks pretty cool.

kayak karl
07-13-2008, 20:01
The geotagging feature of the card is pretty useless in the woods, unless there is a starbucks at the top of the mountaing you're hiking :)
? im understanding that this doesn't need a computer to upload. it will probably just give a gps coordinate, or nearest tower. im i reading something wrong:confused:

Tripod
07-13-2008, 20:09
Ok, after a bit of research, it seems there are 3 products, home, share, and explore. You can read about each on their web page:

http://www.eye.fi/products/

The home version simply connects to your home wifi network and places the photos on your computer.

The Share version also lets you upload the photos to a photo sharing site on the internet.

The explore version adds geotagging and wifi hotspot service.

So if you're hiking and come to someplace in town with an open wireless network and public computer use, you could connect to their network, upload to your site, then confirm the upload on someone else's computer. Otherwise you couldn't be sure all the photos were uploaded. The Eye-fi card replaces the need to have a card reader or a cable to connect your camera to a computer. Pretty slick.

One thing to think about. If you have a cell phone that can operate as a wireless router and a data plan, in theory you could upload your photos anytime you have cell service. For example, I have an AT&T phone (tilt) that runs on windows mobile 6. I also have a data plan for the phone. The last piece is a program that routes the wifi signal through the phone and to the internet. I already have this working with a laptop so it should work with the Eye-fi card. Pretty slick.

To me the geotagging is pretty useless. The hotspot service is also pretty useless because in East Tennessee there aren't many hot spots. But the "Share" version might be useful especially if it will work with my cell phone as described!

Might just have to give it a try!

Also you should be able to use the Eye-fi card in a SD/CF adapter for those cameras that use a CF card instead of an SD (like my Canon 5D)

Have fun,
Tripod

kayak karl
07-13-2008, 20:46
Ok, after a bit of research, it seems there are 3 products, home, share, and explore. You can read about each on their web page:

http://www.eye.fi/products/

The home version simply connects to your home wifi network and places the photos on your computer.

The Share version also lets you upload the photos to a photo sharing site on the internet.

The explore version adds geotagging and wifi hotspot service.

So if you're hiking and come to someplace in town with an open wireless network and public computer use, you could connect to their network, upload to your site, then confirm the upload on someone else's computer. Otherwise you couldn't be sure all the photos were uploaded. The Eye-fi card replaces the need to have a card reader or a cable to connect your camera to a computer. Pretty slick.

One thing to think about. If you have a cell phone that can operate as a wireless router and a data plan, in theory you could upload your photos anytime you have cell service. For example, I have an AT&T phone (tilt) that runs on windows mobile 6. I also have a data plan for the phone. The last piece is a program that routes the wifi signal through the phone and to the internet. I already have this working with a laptop so it should work with the Eye-fi card. Pretty slick.

To me the geotagging is pretty useless. The hotspot service is also pretty useless because in East Tennessee there aren't many hot spots. But the "Share" version might be useful especially if it will work with my cell phone as described!

Might just have to give it a try!

Also you should be able to use the Eye-fi card in a SD/CF adapter for those cameras that use a CF card instead of an SD (like my Canon 5D)

Have fun,
Tripod
i use a mini sd card with adapter or my camera so that i can plug the mini into pda and email photos (better then camera phone). would this eye/fi card pick up on the broadband from the phone?? or are u talking about sending pics TO phone.
i see alot of business advantages to this. pictures from storm damage could be back in office and e-mailed out before noon:)
but like you mentioned. will it work on the trail :-?

Bulldawg
07-13-2008, 21:11
Speaking of camera stuff. I am in the market for a new digital camera. My Sony is pushing 5 years old, is heavy, and out of date. I am leaning towards the Olympus Stylus 1030SW. I like it because it is waterproof and rated to 10*F. It is a 10.1mp camera. Anyone else out there that might recommend a better camera with similar features? One HUGE drawback to the Olympus IMO is the use of a proprietary battery. I like being able to recharge high powered AA or AAA for a camera. Thanks!

Cuffs
07-13-2008, 21:13
Ok, someone drop the money already! We need a report on this gizmo!

MOWGLI
07-13-2008, 21:14
I wish I had a reliable and cost effective means to geo-reference my photos. That would be great. Anyone have a cheap solution that works? Even in backcountry areas where there is no cell signal of WiFi?

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 21:20
I wish I had a reliable and cost effective means to geo-reference my photos. That would be great. Anyone have a cheap solution that works? Even in backcountry areas where there is no cell signal of WiFi?

synchronise the clock on your camera with one on a cheap gps.

MOWGLI
07-13-2008, 21:23
synchronise the clock on your camera with one on a cheap gps.

Yeah, I attended a workshop some years ago that talked about that. As I recall, there was a piece of software that was the third leg to that puzzle. Do you know what it is? I need to get more literate with my GPS. That's a goal of mine. I have a Garmin V that I may carry on the JMT. I just setup a bunch of waypoints for myself for the trip.

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 21:33
Yeah, I attended a workshop some years ago that talked about that. As I recall, there was a piece of software that was the third leg to that puzzle. Do you know what it is? I need to get more literate with my GPS. That's a goal of mine. I have a Garmin V that I may carry on the JMT. I just setup a bunch of waypoints for myself for the trip.

I've modified my photo's data by hand, entering the location data for the corresponding waypoints for that time, I'll see if I can find software that can do a batch job from a directory of photos and a waypoint file. If it doesn't exist I think that's a little piece of low hanging programming fruit I'll just have to pick :D

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 21:43
I've modified my photo's data by hand, entering the location data for the corresponding waypoints for that time, I'll see if I can find software that can do a batch job from a directory of photos and a waypoint file. If it doesn't exist I think that's a little piece of low hanging programming fruit I'll just have to pick :D

http://www.robogeo.com/home/download.asp

oh well. :D

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 21:55
http://www.robogeo.com/home/download.asp

oh well. :D

This one's free and simple, just point it to the directory of photo's and the .gpx file

http://www.grazer.de/img/screen1.png

http://www.grazer.de/index.php

kayak karl
07-13-2008, 22:10
Yeah, I attended a workshop some years ago that talked about that. As I recall, there was a piece of software that was the third leg to that puzzle. Do you know what it is? I need to get more literate with my GPS. That's a goal of mine. I have a Garmin V that I may carry on the JMT. I just setup a bunch of waypoints for myself for the trip.
i use my spot. on each location is a link to flickr. match up time stamps later. you need to cut and paste, but photos match location.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=112746510977574609048.00044e26670d6f0dcbafa&t=h&z=15

kayak trip has pics.

Cuffs
07-13-2008, 22:23
This one's free and simple, just point it to the directory of photo's and the .gpx file

http://www.grazer.de/img/screen1.png

http://www.grazer.de/index.php


Great... something else to play with... and I have to work tomorrow!:D

MOWGLI
07-13-2008, 22:27
Thanks folks. I'll have to spend a little time and figure out the best solution for me.

Tripod
07-13-2008, 22:32
kayak karl : The program I have is called WMWifiRouter (WM Wifi Router). I makes the phone act just like a wireless access point to any wireless (802.11) devices and routes the data through the phone to the internet.

http://www.wmwifirouter.com/

One thing for everyone to keep in mind is that indications are that you have to register the particular wireless network for the Eye-fi to work. There seems to be some differences of opinion about if the device will work with "any" open wireless network. One article I read said that the new high end version "Eye-Fi Explore" will work without this registration process and will work with any open access point but the mfg web site is not really clear. It will work with the "Wayport" network points but who knows where one of those might be.

Guess we'll see when someone takes the plunge....

Tripod

Cuffs
07-13-2008, 22:39
OR: How about just a wifi camera? http://http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/4-to-5-megapixel/canon/PRD_348241_4337crx.aspx (http://http//www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/4-to-5-megapixel/canon/PRD_348241_4337crx.aspx)

Anyone have one of those?

kayak karl
07-13-2008, 22:52
OR: How about just a wifi camera? http://http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/4-to-5-megapixel/canon/PRD_348241_4337crx.aspx (http://http//www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/4-to-5-megapixel/canon/PRD_348241_4337crx.aspx)

Anyone have one of those?

link dead!!

ps i ordered an eye/fi explorer card. will tell yous how it works.

if it doesnt work ill post my findings at a site that allows offensive posting that includes use of illegal substances, racism, sexism, or posts that ridicule, belittle, taunt, mock, or assault the character of other members :D
OK Cuffs:)

Odd Thomas
07-13-2008, 22:56
link dead!!


http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/4-to-5-megapixel/canon/PRD_348241_4337crx.aspx

wahoo
07-13-2008, 23:24
Tripod's right on track with this one. WMWifiRouter works great, but will eat the battery up in your phone in just a few hours. Also, I think the weak link in all of this is the availability of cell coverage, not to mention *gasp* EVDO or some other broadband service while on the trail. Will it work in conjunction with a cell/data plan? I think so, but I'm not sure the possible complexity, battery drainage (it has to use battery power of your camera too), and spotty service are things to take in to consideration.
I use a Sprint Mogul on the trail all the time. I use it with an app called Run.GPS for logging and for live tracking. (Sorta like the SPOT, 'cept no monthly plans) Used in conjunction with a Holux bluetooth GPS, works good. Where decent broadband coverage is available, I sometimes do some real-time streaming video from the Mogul as well. Neat stuff!

wahoo
07-13-2008, 23:32
I think so, but I'm not sure the possible complexity, battery drainage (it has to use battery power of your camera too), and spotty service are things to take in to consideration.


Whoops, I meant to say something along the lines of "take the possible complexity, battery drainage, and spotty service into consideration"

Something like that. It's late, folks. Sorry..!

Cuffs
07-14-2008, 11:45
ps i ordered an eye/fi explorer card. will tell yous how it works.

if it doesnt work ill post my findings at a site that allows offensive posting that includes use of illegal substances, racism, sexism, or posts that ridicule, belittle, taunt, mock, or assault the character of other members :D
OK Cuffs:)


WooHoo! Will be eagerly awaiting your report!

Just make sure you link me to that site!:D

Poozer
07-16-2008, 12:17
? im understanding that this doesn't need a computer to upload. it will probably just give a gps coordinate, or nearest tower. im i reading something wrong:confused:

This is not a GPS device. It can only add geotagging to your photo if you are within range of wireless hotspots. Essentially the card uses wireless networks to triangulate your position using the unique addresses of each of the networks (from which locational data can be obtained).

So if you are in the middle of the woods, there is not going to be any wireless networks (cell service does not count) for it to use to gather geographic data for your location. If you were in downtown New York City... this could prolly pinpoint what city block you took a photo from and add it to the image's EXIF data, but in the woods its a useless feature.