Importing photos to iPad Mini 2 - with card reader

[Stuart-S]

Well, my bumpy start with an iPad continues.

As the title suggests, I want to transfer photos to the iPad using a SD card reader.

First off, the iPad is being a bit temperamental with it - sometimes it is saying that 'this facility is not supported by this iPad'.

However, when it does read it, the import screen pops up - but it's not seeing anything on the card. Nothing. There are photos there, alright - they came from my iMac.

I've tried a couple of storage cards - same result.

This is a big deal for me - the main reason I bought the iPad is for use as an electronic travelogue, typing up notes as I go and putting photos on.

I'm aware the iPad has its own camera, which would of course negate the need for a card reader, but I have no intention of replacing my DSLR camera.

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[chscag]

Since the iPad Mini 2 does not have an input USB port, I'm assuming you're using a connection kit? Are you using the Apple Camera Connection Kit or another third party kit? A better explanation of exactly what it it is you're doing to get the photos transferred would help.

 

[TattooedMac]

To transfer images to the iPad via SD Card, with the Camera Kit suggested by chscag above, you need to make sure that all images have a name NO MORE OR LESS than 8 characters. Like "image001.jpg" "image_01.jpg" and so on.

Now having made sure that they are all that format, they also need to be 1 folder deep. You should have a folder @root being DCMI and within that folder you should have your images. Anything outside that folder won't come up in the Import Widow on your iPhone/iPad.

 

[Stuart-S]

Thanks for your replies.

chscag - I'm using a 'Kiwibird' connection kit, with the ability to take various card types - SD, micro SD etc. I've tried it again this morning, and again the iPad mini seems to be very picky as to whether it will read it or not. It seems that if it doesn't work after several attempts, I have to power the iPad off before having another go. Then it usually works.

TattoedMac - of course I had no reason to question you, but - if I may say so - that seems to me to be a very restricted and exact requirement before photos can be accepted. And I see that you're quite correct - my Nikon camera saves each image in the format you mention, so - hallelujah! - the iPad has sight of it.

But now this leads me on to another query. There seems no way of renaming - or even typing a caption/footnote - to any of the imported images. Is this correct, or am I missing something? I'm looking at an imported image (currently without a name visible) in Photos, and there are a limited number of options - mark as favourite, airdrop, trash, and edit. The 'edit' option doesn't include renaming

I realise that this may look like someone with endless queries... but after 48 hours with a new iPad mini 2, it seems I'm being confronted with barriers - and considering my demands for this new gadget are really quite basic, that is disappointing to say the least.

 

[RadDave]

Thanks for your replies.

chscag - I'm using a 'Kiwibird' connection kit, with the ability to take various card types - SD, micro SD etc. I've tried it again this morning, and again the iPad mini seems to be very picky as to whether it will read it or not. It seems that if it doesn't work after several attempts, I have to power the iPad off before having another go. Then it usually works.

TattoedMac - of course I had no reason to question you, but - if I may say so - that seems to me to be a very restricted and exact requirement before photos can be accepted. And I see that you're quite correct - my Nikon camera saves each image in the format you mention, so - hallelujah! - the iPad has sight of it.

But now this leads me on to another query. There seems no way of renaming - or even typing a caption/footnote - to any of the imported images. Is this correct, or am I missing something? I'm looking at an imported image (currently without a name visible) in Photos, and there are a limited number of options - mark as favourite, airdrop, trash, and edit. The 'edit' option doesn't include renaming

I realise that this may look like someone with endless queries... but after 48 hours with a new iPad mini 2, it seems I'm being confronted with barriers - and considering my demands for this new gadget are really quite basic, that is disappointing to say the least.

Hello Stuart - my first iPad was the 2 w/ the 30-pin dock - I have the Apple CCK for that dock (no longer used - now own an iPad Air 2) - as already explained by TMac, recognition of image files requires the DCIM folder along w/ proper labelling of each image - that's the major limitation of these SD connection kits. I stopped using the CCK on my iPad 2 and found other means of transferring images, mainly 'wireless' options; of course, the device is useless on my newer iPad - if you are interested in considering alternatives to the device you now own, take a look at this THREAD in the iPad Forums - I'm 'giradman' there, so see my post describing a number of photo transfer options.

As to labeling your photos once on your iPad, that is another issue that can also be addressed - good luck! Dave

P.S. I now have a Panasonic Lumix DC w/ built-in Wi-Fi - a Panasonic app on my iPad Air 2 allows easy wireless transfer of my photos from the SD card left in place - also, so-called 'Eye-Fi' SD cards are available that can use the same wireless route, and are cheaper than buying a new camera.

 

[badshoehabit]

I gave up with card connectors and bought a wifi SD card instead (about £15, Toshiba 16gb which uses Flashair app). Only problem has been camera sometimes switching off (as it is programmed to do) before all photos have transferred. I go back and repeat.