Wolverine FlashPac question + travel advice

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/15/2006 03:20:55 PM · #1

I'm heading off to Japan and Malaysia in a week, and should've done my planning further ahead in time.. but I didn't, so I need to make sure I have everything I need before I go. I'll probably take my whole camera bag, since I'll be spending most of the time with family anyway (as opposed to public transportation, hotels, etc).. I'm still not sure about the tripod, but I probably will if I have the space.

As far as portable storage goes, I've been reading old threads and think I've decided on the Wolverine 40GB FlashPac for its affordability. The P-2000 sure looks nice, but I sure can't afford that either! Anyway, I plan on ordering a backup battery from SterlingTek, since I've been very pleased with their replacement battery that I use for my 300D. But, just to be sure, the power cord that comes with the Wolverine will charge the battery that's inside at the time.. right? I just want to be sure that I don't have to purchase an external charger. I know that I'll have to get the converter so that I can charge overseas.

Also, any other small tips? I'll be taking my 18-55, 28-75, 50, 70-300, 105 macro, 2 flash cards (512 & 128), the portable reader, a spare camera battery, spare reader battery, filters, and possibly the tripod. I don't currently own a flash and don't anticipate that I'll be using one, but maybe I should get one.

cryan

Nikon D700

09/15/2006 03:22:59 PM · #2

Get a flash and get lots more memory, if you don't you will regret it.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

09/15/2006 03:24:31 PM · #3

I think once I get the 40GB portable hard drive, that should be enough for my needs. I'll be gone for approximately 2.5 weeks and since it's a family visit, I won't be out shooting all the time like I would if it were strictly for touring.

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:25:43.

cryan

Nikon D700

09/15/2006 03:27:44 PM · #4

I might be misunderstanding what this wolverine thing is. Isn't that an external memory storage unit. If so then I would go with at least a couple of 1 or 2 gig cards, just so you don't have to down load onto it all the time. If i'm wrong about this please tell me, I would be curious if were attached to the camera.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

09/15/2006 03:27:46 PM · #5

Deleted

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:28:55.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

09/15/2006 03:28:39 PM · #6

I think he meant get bigger flash cards. 40GB should be enough storage, depending on how long you'll be there.
2GB for $43.98

Grrrrr, to slow. Such is life. And yes, I'd get 2.

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:30:08.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

09/15/2006 03:34:25 PM · #7

Chris the Wolverine is a stand alone hard drive. Which had all the slots for almost all digital camera memory cards.

Found here:

Link

I have one myself and they are great.

Now Brian having a 128 and a 512 is going to be a lot of downloading. What I would suggest which is the way I carry.

I have 2 - 1GB cards and the Wolverine 40GB hard drive.

The reason I carry 2 - 1GB cards is beacuse I can download one card and shoot with the other. You don't want to miss THAT shot because you are downloading your images. 1 gig can take awhile.

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:34:34.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

09/15/2006 03:36:03 PM · #8

Originally posted by brianlh:

But, just to be sure, the power cord that comes with the Wolverine will charge the battery that's inside at the time.. right?

Forgot to answer this. Yes it will charge the battery.

09/15/2006 03:40:04 PM · #9

I was recently in Japan and during the trip it was overcast and or raining. I used the tripod a few times. Probably used it a lot more if I was on my own. Setup times and trying to compose and all that.

Flash was also only used a few times. Really depends on where you visit.

As much memory as you can bring would be helpful. I have a 20Gb Archos (no RAW viewer) and I knew that would never be enough since I planned to take RAW (glad I did because of the overcast). So I brought a 40Gb Hyperdrive (fastest downloading speed portable drive) also and filled it up during 10 days. It's nice because you can replace with a larger hard drive easily by yourself, but no screen to check if it was uploaded correctly.

The one thing I wish I had was a laptop, so I could go through the shots and delete or even go back to certain places to reshoot. I think it is worth bringing if you have one.

My buddy brought his FlashTrax and it was cool in that it can view RAW files without converting first.

Pretty much had my 50-200mm lens on the camera the whole time. Hardly needed the 100-300mm lens. 18-55mm kit lens was hardly used because I also brought by PS for those types of shots.

50mm fast lens a definite. Especially if you go to temples. I wished I had one during my trip, but my 43mm pancake worked out ok.

Brought my backpack that held all my gear and also a day bag to put gear that I would definitely use that day, as we plan to go back to the hotel before any night adventures and shooting. A second lighter bag is a must.

I still have not processed many of the pictures I have taken in Japan. I think that is the problem when I shoot RAW :(

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:43:24.

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

09/15/2006 03:40:29 PM · #10

Yep it's an external memory storage device, but since I can download to it in the field I probably won't need TONS of memory. But you guys bring up a good point, I probably won't want to be switching cards back and forth all day long. Any idea on how long it takes to transfer approximately 1gb?

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

09/15/2006 03:42:01 PM · #11

Originally posted by brianlh:

Any idea on how long it takes to transfer approximately 1gb?

I have never done that much but I would guess and say 10 minutes or longer.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

09/15/2006 03:44:58 PM · #12

I f you buy in Japan you will get a good deal as you wont pay any taxes show your passport, The only chain who wont do this is Yodabashi as they are geared only for the domestic market

09/15/2006 03:48:25 PM · #13

Originally posted by brianlh:

Hyperdrive transfers a 1GB card in under 2 minutes. Super fast.

Unfortunately it took more then a month to have it shipped to me. Luckly I planned early. I received it 2 days before my trip.

With higher megapixel camera coming out and hopeful of buying one, I'm glad that it is easy to change the hard drive into a larger capacity one in a matter of minutes.

09/15/2006 03:49:20 PM · #14

Haha - I plan on shooting RAW also, and know all too well (as I'm sure many of us do!) the feeling of coming home and then uploading hundreds or thousands of images.. it could be months before I finish all that work! It would definitely be handy to have a RAW picture reviewing drive, since I could delete the images that I determine look better in similar frames that I shot and ultimately save space.. but I don't have the money for one of those right now :( And I wish I had a P&S to use, but my 300D is actually my only camera! I hate switching lenses all the time, but it's a necessary evil.

Good point about the tripod - I probably won't have much time to mess around with it if I'm with my family the whole time! But I guess it could be worth bringing (because once I leave it at home, I'll probably see the most amazing tropical sunset or something..)

10ish minutes sounds long, but I've never shot 512mb of shots within 10 minutes, so I may look into getting a 2GB rather than separate 1GB cards. That way I can use solely the 2GB when I go out shooting closer to home. And it's good to know it charges it. I thought once I knew that, I'd be ready to order.. but now I have to think about memory cards! haha.. this always seems to happen when I start shopping for photography gear.

And nick, are you referring to the flash or drive/cards? I'd be hesitant to wait to buy storage over there, just in case I can't get to a store right away! That might mean I lose some valuable shots. Perhaps for the flash.

Ahh.. yes, it would've been nice if I planned earlier! But as it is, I'm probably going to order via 2-day delivery from B&H, just to be safe.

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:51:41.

09/15/2006 03:49:24 PM · #15

Originally posted by kiwinick:

I f you buy in Japan you will get a good deal as you wont pay any taxes show your passport, The only chain who wont do this is Yodabashi as they are geared only for the domestic market

I shopped at Bic Camera and it was like heaven. I grabbed a ton of literature and catalogs.

Message edited by author 2006-09-15 15:53:36.

09/15/2006 03:52:43 PM · #16

Originally posted by brianlh:

And nick, are you referring to the flash or drive/cards? I'd be hesitant to wait to buy storage over there, just in case I can't get to a store right away! That might mean I lose some valuable shots. Perhaps for the flash.

Memory seemed to be a bit more expensive there then in the U.S. Only check SD cards, but not Compact Flash, so it might be the opposite.

As for digital wallet/external drives I looked for them over there but didn't find to many options.