iPod Tip #3
*note this does not apply to iPod mini or iPod Shuffle.
Digital Cameras and iPods can work nicely together. Maybe one of the things Steve Jobs was talking about when he described the “Digital Hub” and “Digital LifeStyle” years ago.

OK, you took a lot of pictures with your new digital camera, you have filled up that expensive memory card. Your computer is home. Oh, but you never leave your house without your trusty iPod, as you need your “tunes” with you. Your iPod can display pictures and can sync with iPhoto (Windows users can sync with Adobe stuff). Note that you require the latest iPod or an iPod photo to view on iPod. But even an older non color iPod can be used to store pictures from a digital camera.

What you need
How do you get those pictures directly to your iPod? Easy. You need the Apple iPod Camera Connector ($29), the Belkin iPod Media Reader (39.95), or the Belkin Digital Camera Link adapter ($29.95). Any of these will allow you to get those pictures off your digital cameras memory card onto your iPod photo or newer iPod (not iPod minis or iPod Shuffles).

With Apple’s updated firmware (check to make sure your iPod has the latest firmware) you will even be able to view them on your iPod instantly after transfer. You will then be able to sync them back to your computer when you get home. Why buy more of those expensive memory cards. Just use all that space your iPod has to store them and erase the memory card and shoot some more. You will run out of battery power before space I bet.

Comparing the Apple iPod Camera Connector ($29), the Belkin iPod Media Reader, or the Belkin Digital Camera Link adapter you will find a few differences. Here you go:

The Apple iPod Camera Connector is small, compact, and requires no batteries. You just connect it to your iPod dock connector and your digital camera using the USB cable that came with your digital camera.

The Belkin iPod Media Reader (39.95), reads directly from memory cards. This means that you must remove memory card from your digital camera and slide into the Belkin iPod Media Reader. It supports CompactFlash (Type 1 and 2), SmartMedia, Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, or MultiMediaCard (MMC). It requires batteries, 4 AAA batteries are included. You will not need to carry your cameras USB cable.

The Belkin Digital Camera Link adapter ($29.95), connects between your iPod and digital camera. So you will need your digital camera’s USB cable. It has LED’s to indicate power and data-transfer status, it requires 2 AAA batteries that are included.

How to Sync Pictures to your iPod
Simply connect the adapter of your choice to your iPod, and either connect your digital camera or insert the memory card in the case of the Belkin iPod Media Reader. Using your iPod, and you’re ready to start shooting again. When you get home, simply connect your iPod to your computer to retrieve the images. Depending on your platform and your choice of iPhoto or Adobe software you can sync with your machine at home.

The iPod is capable of displaying a nice slideshow instantly on its small screen or with the Apple iPod AV cable ($19) on a TV monitor. This cable may have been included when you bought your iPod.

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