I'm using DSLR Nikon D7000 to make photos. While traveling I would like to preview some photos that are critical to me. I don't have any tablet, so I am trying to make a research if it is possible to use tablet to preview .NEF/JPEG files that I get on my Nikon camera.
Unfortunately, I don't know much if tablet hardware allows to connect and use SD card readers and it tablet software allows to view .NEF files without copying them to tablet.
So I took all possible tablets that have good screens or have full-size SD card slots. Here is the list:
1) Toshiba Excite - has only 1200x800, but has full-size SD card slot. This table doesn't need extra hardware to view photos, but the resolution is a bit poor comparing to next tablets in my list. I believe it will be enough to view photos in 1:1 scale.
2) Asus TF700T - has only micro SD slot and Full HD resolution screen. But it doesn't have micro USB, instead it has it's own slot and there is "Male" USB cable in the box that comes with Asus. So, I wonder how to connect it to the external card reader.
3) Kindle Fire HD 8.9". It has micro USB slot and Full HD screen (IPS?)
4) The latest Ipad. I can buy extra kit for $29 to view photos. Probably the latest Ipad has the best screen.
5) I know that Samsung creates displays for current Apple devices, but unfortunately they didn't didn't do this for their Note 10.1.
6) Lenovo ThinkPad (with Android). It has full size SD slot and regular USB. It that tablet had a screen from Asus TF700T then it would be a perfect tablet for me, but unfortunately in the upcoming version they decided to remove full size SD and full size USB. I can't find any details of that since they removed info about the new ThinkPad from their tablets page. Anyway it seems they are stuck with 720P screens.
So I could easily buy Toshiba Excite and I don't need extra devices to view photos. Or I could buy an Ipad and buy an extra kit. The difference is $130.
But what about Asus TF700Tand Kindle Fire? Regarding Kinde I wonder if I will be able to use any micro USB card reader like this: Samsung-S2-Multi-functional-Connection-Kit (sorry, but I can't post links in my first thread)? I wonder if Kindle will recognize it and if it will be enough power to use that card reader? Anyway it's only available for pre-order.
What about Asus TF700T? I wonder it I can connect this device to that tablet: External_Card_Reader. It is located in Eee_Pad_Accessories section on Asus web site (sorry, but I can't post links in my first thread).
The next step is software. I don't know anything about iOS software and Im also going to Mac forums to ask about that. But what about Android software? From my HTS Sensation I tried to search for any software and only found this nef-Thumbnailer. I wonder it is usefull to view .NEF files (not embedded jpeg files) or at least regular jpeg files. Basically I need a software that will allow me to preview NEF/JPEG files without copying them to tablet. Until I find an appropriate software I won't buy a tablet since in most of my life I use either PC or phone.
Please could you help to make a decision decision.
I'd say the tablet with the highest resolution screen possible, definitely 10 inch. If a tablet doesn't have a way of connecting USB drives or have an SD-card slot, then it might not be suitable for your requirements.
I hate to say it on the Android Forum, the iPad might be your best bet. It's certainly got the highest resolution screen of all tablets at the moment, and can work with USB drives and SD-card readers.
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Last edited by mikedt; September 17th, 2012 at 03:57 AM.
Can you use Eyefi sd cards? You can wifi sync your photos to an Android tablet that way. There's apps for Cannon cameras but I don't believe for Nikons for seamless syncing.
As far as screen resolution, the Transformer Infinity has one of the best for 10in screens and the Kindle HD for 7in.
If this is your main goal also don't discount the new iPad.
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No, unfortunately, I don't want to buy additional wi-fi SD cards since I have already at least 6 32Gb SDHC cards which I plan to use in my Nikon camera.
Transformer Infinity - is it Asus TF700T? I will try to find out if Asus External_Card_Reader will be recognized by that device.
By the way Asus TF700T and the current iPad have the same price about $499. For that price Asus has additional 16 Gb VS iPad has more screen resolution.
So actually I don't care about +/- 16Gb since I don't plan to store photos on a tablet. If I travel I take my notebook + external USB HDD combo with me, which has much more free space than any tablet.
I can say that Asus and iPad are similar, but what really differs them is software. I still wonder if there is any good software for Android to work with Nef files?
I would look into software first as this might determine your OS. For doing what you want I have a netbook running Ubuntu that I use for previewing images. It has a 250gb so I also use it for backing those images up when travelling. While not as ideal as a tablet netbooks are dirt cheap these days
Can you use Eyefi sd cards? You can wifi sync your photos to an Android tablet that way. There's apps for Cannon cameras but I don't believe for Nikons for seamless syncing.
Laptops are great. I have old good lenovo 12" X61s where I can install any software (even photoshop) for viewing and editing photos. But I always leave it in a hotel while I travel, coz it's a bit heavy to carry in a photo backpack all day long. That's why I need something thin and light.
As I said before I don't want to use wi-fi SD cards since I already have at least 6 32gb regular SDHC cards. And since Asus and iPad (and samsung) allow to use cheap kits for working with SD cards then there is no need to use wi-fi cards.
Yes, software is important. I just wonder that even if some software which works with RAW files exists then does it really work with RAW or just work only with embedded jpegs?
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I know. But as of the moment, no tablet can support all your specific needs entirely. You will have to give something up one way of the other if you stick to either Android or iOS.
Using tablet to preview photos from DSLR
Can you use Eyefi sd cards? You can wifi sync your photos to an Android tablet that way. There's apps for Cannon cameras but I don't believe for Nikons for seamless syncing.
