Offloading a memory card on vacation

I take my laptop with me on vacation. I do this so I can transfer photos from my camera’s memory card. I use a Canon Rebel SLR, and the photo files are large. Is it possible to download my pictures directly onto an iPod? I don’t have one, so I know nothing about them. But I would buy one if I could use it for this. It would be easier to carry than a laptop.

You can transfer photos from a camera to select iPods. You must have a video iPod or an iPod with color display.

You must also purchase the iPod Camera Connector for $30. It attaches to your iPod. Your camera’s cable connects to the Camera Connector.

Unfortunately, the Camera Connector only works with certain cameras. And the Canon Rebel SLR is not included. So, you're out of luck there. You can view the compatibility chart here.

Belkin makes a media reader that connects to iPods with photo support. It reads from a number of media cards, including Compact Flash and SD.

The Belkin connector is bulky – about the size of the iPod. Also, online reviews have not been kind.

Some say it runs through its four AAA batteries quickly. Reportedly, it also drains the iPod’s battery quickly. It does not allow you to view the photos on the iPod. And it is pricey at $100.

The media reader is no longer listed on Belkin’s site. So it has probably been discontinued. You’ll still find it at retailers, if you’re so inclined.

But don’t despair. There are other solutions. A number of manufacturers make gadgets specifically for backing up memory cards.

These gadgets are often called portable photo storage drives. You’ll find them from Epson, Jobo, Nikon, Sanho, SmartDisk, Sony and Wolverine.

These gadgets read from a variety of memory card formats. Most, if not all, will read the Compact Flash cards used by your camera. However, check file compatibility before you buy.

JPEG files won’t be an issue. RAW files could cause you problems. Not all of the gadgets handle them. Even those that do may not read the RAW files from your camera.

Portable photo storage drives come with varying hard drive sizes and prices. For example, I saw a 60-gigabyte model for less than $150.

Of course, this was a barebones model. The least expensive models don’t include screens for viewing photos. They simply transfer the files from the cards.

At the other extreme, you’ll find ones with impressive widescreens. Some will play music files and videos. These are nice if you like to review your photos.

Media players similar to the iPod also may work. Archos, Creative and Coby are three companies that make them. Some accept memory cards. Others require your camera’s USB cable.

Again, if you’re shooting photos in RAW format, do your research carefully.

You also could take your card to a drugstore. Most can download the files to a CD.