Raw image storage

When you're making backup copies to CDs/DVDs it doesn't matter what kind of file it is.

I look at on the road storage in terms of "levels".

1) If you don't shoot a lot then just get a decent sized card and worry not. (Except about loosing your camera/card.)

2) If you shoot a moderate amount and tend to stay close to cities/tourist spots then burn to CD from time to time. (Perhaps you can find places to burn to DVD these days. Haven't checked.)

Good idea to burn two copies, check them on a different computer prior to erasing your cards, store/mail separately.

3) If you shoot a lot/tend to wander off the beaten path then carry your own storage solution.

... a) Laptop. Heavy, but handy. Can burn backup CDs with most laptops.

... b) Lots of cards. With SD prices dropping below $8US per gig this can be a viable solution for some. I shot under 10 gigs (Jpegs) on my last long trip. Could have gotten by with cards for less than $80. Reusable.

Could burn backups from time to time for a little extra security.

... c) Portable hard drive. A laptop-sized hard drive in a battery operated case with built-in card reader. Plug in your card and copy your files to the hard drive. The Epson you mention is one of these. There are lots of different ones.

Some photographers are now carrying two PHDs for redundant storage. Stuff does break. And if you can store one PHD somewhere separate then you've got a bit of theft/loss protection.

I use BobTrips "3c" option...a portable, hand-held 40 gig hard drive (Wolverine). I just pop my card into it at the end of the day and download. Then, I dump it all into my laptop when I return. It works well for me.

If you're shooting RAW, then I guess you'll be shooting a fair volume too?

I'm off to Morocco on Saturday, and am taking two standalone portable hard disk solutions with me - a 120Gb NextoCF ND2525 Ultra (which I love), and a 100Gb CompactDrive PD70X which drives me loopy due to it's user interface, but on the upside takes AA batteries. Took both to Hong Kong in Jan, and they did well. They're smaller lighter and cheaper than the Epson, but don't have colour screens.

The Nexto is fast: 12m56s to backup and fully verify 3.77Gb of data
PD70X is slower, but still very quick compared to most models, for the same 3.77Gb it took 24m50s

Using the standard battery configuration I'd estimate the Nexto battery life at about 60Gb inc verify - assuming largish fastish cards. I'm using a Sandisk UltraII 4Gb.

Personally I don't need the stress of trying to find a café, and then hoping it's virus free - so I'm going self contained. There are two of us, so we're going to carry one device each - so hopefully we won't lose all data should a mugging occur.

Memory cards are cheap, so for most users just buying more cards is probably the best plan. I mean really cheap, check them online to see just how cheap - the prices have tumbled over the last few months.

Yeah a year ago, a PSD was needed. The price of memory cards have come down so much in recent months, that it's possible for most shooters (even dSLR-types) to store an entire trip on less than $100 worth of flash memory.

I'd still bring a PSD for redundancy...but I've never lost an image from flash memory, so that really is just for peace of mind.

Examples of cheap memory: 8gb Sandisk Ultra II for $88. 8gb of off-label CF for $50.

Thanks everyone for all the input.

#1 I know it doesn't matter what kind of file it is to burn onto disc. Yet a friend of mine had this done in Ethiopia, raw files in an internet and lost all his images. Or rather whatever was burned, was useless. And he couldn't tell at the time. He's a photographer who does this all the time at home. It was most unfortunate.

It seems the PSD is definitely the best solution. Hopefully no camel will step on it!

Again, if you're burning CDs, best to check them on a different computer before you erase your cards.

Had your friend done so then he could have discovered that he burned coasters.

If you're worried about being able to view RAW images in order to check the CD, think about carrying some software on a USB memory stick.

Thanks. Lovely website by the way.

If you're shooting RAW in any quantity, a couple of stand-alone hard drives is the only way to go.

Internet cafes suck for RAW files.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

Thanks. I was coming to that conclusion. The Epson P-2000 is just quite expensive. Any other suggestions?