Support for CF cards to cater for D-SLR users

[shambuck]

Oh yes--making a second post here (I never post to these things, generally trusting companies/individuals are already hearing what I'd have to say)--
While I and the art directors I work with are still peeing in our pants that we can review, rank, upload, share, etc. images immediately from the ipad and therefore get more real shooting done, I remain VERY frustrated that my second camera (D700) can't get in the game. Often I need to be shooting w/ 2 bodies and having a second D3 right now simply isn't an option. I'm ready for EyeFi (or frankly any other company), to recognize the needs of a great number of professional photographers. You've done a fantastic job EyeFi--take the next step w/ a CF-compatible card or adapter that'll work in the smaller slot and charge the premium we have clearly stated we're willing to pay.
My suspicion . . . Nikon/Canon will enable their new pro-level cameras (and likely all cameras) to transmit w/o special cards or transmitter units (similar to what they can do now), making these eye-fi cards obsolete. But perhaps that's all the more reason to engineer a CF version to scoop up those of us unlikely to purchase a new camera if that feature is available with our existing bodies via eye-fi. I remain entirely satisfied w/ my D700, but if Nikon produces a new pro body that'll transmit, I'm likely to make that my next camera purchase--but I'd be very happy to hang on to the D700 for a long time if it's able to transmit images.

[ubique]

Have been using the Eye-Fi SD card and now upgraded my camera which takes CF format only - Nikon D300.

Would also like to see Eye-Fi being made for Compact Flash cards as using the SD/CF adaptor not 100% reliable!

[Ryzon]

Almost 29,000 views and still the request for a CF card falls on deaf ears! There is a huge community of CF card users out here screaming for a CF card! I specifically took the time to register on this forum for the sole purpose of hoping maybe someone at your company would get the message that there is in fact a market out here begging for this card. I am at a complete loss to understand why this thread has existed for years if you have no intention pursuing the production of a CF card - just make a statement one way or the other and put this issue to rest once and for all....jeez!

[jamez]

I've previously posted that I'm a huge fan, and would pay a premium for a native CF format. I've brought this up for over a year in various locations. Hopefully someday they'll give it a go.

But until they release something there are solutions for us.
http://vimeo.com/30075882
and
http://vimeo.com/30373749

It may not be elegant, or even supported but it does work on UDMA cameras and can help us bridge the gap. Just remember to crank up your power saving features like metering and screen review timing.

[pwp]

I use the SD size EyeFi cards with Canon 1D Mk4. The recently announced Canon 1D-X runs with twin CF slots, a welcome move that shows Canon does listen to user feedback which has constantly voiced a preference for a single card type...CF. There is unlikely to be an SD future in upcoming Canon pro releases.

The Canon 1DX camera will be in high use by professionals who will need CF card capability from EyeFi.

CF converters have revealed themselves to be a waste of time & money, particularly for professionals who simply cannot afford any glitches.

Is Eye-Fi developing a CF size EyeFi Pro to satisfy a potentially large Canon 1DX market? Other future pro level Canons will likely run with this twin CF configuration.

In addition, users of other CF-only cameras will welcome this development.

EyeFi...how about it? There are a lot of sales waiting for you in a CF EyeFi Pro future.

Paul Wright

[Jeff Amberg]

I, too, would like to see a CF card Eye-Fi. I plan to purchase the Canon 1DX when it's released and want to be able to use it with an iPad or laptop wireless.

Jeff Amberg

[Ryzon]

I wouldn't hold my breath. For at least 3 years people have been voicing their request for a CF version, and instead what they receive are excuses for why it won't/can't be done in either native or an adapter configuration, how the market analysis doesn't show the demand (albeit no actual data has been presented to justify the position), semantic debates over the definition of the word "professional", debates regarding transfer speeds, and a host of other meaningless responses. In a nutshell, this company is a one-trick pony which saw a niche, capitalized on it, and really could care less what the CF user's would like to see. They are after the point-n-click market who are interested in sending pics to their Facebook pages, and could care less about studio photographers who would have a real need to shoot untethered. The good news is that with enough outcry the camera manufacturers may in fact provide build-in wireless at some point, which will be much better than some third party hack, and hopefully put this company where it belongs......out of business.

[SimplyMonica]

I have a Canon Digital Rebel and could use one of these in CF Format.

My father could use one too (though he doesn't know that yet).

So that'll be two for my family so far. I'm sure I could drum up a few more potential users.

I have the SD version and I'm very pleased with it and with how it auto uploads to Shutterfly! But I'd like it better if I could do the same thing with my Canon camera that I use to take the wildlife photos I post on Shutterfly most often.

[Deadeye]

Another request for a CF version.

I've registered just to post this, as the response I got from Eyefi when I asked a couple of questions direct was to add to the feature request forum.

Since this thread is three years old, I'm not going to hold out much hope. It looks like it's the eyefi for one camera and the Canon WTF unit for the other.

Or I wait before I upgrade cameras and see of the Canon 5d Mk3 has wifi buit in. I don't expect it will because transfer times for RAW files will be a bit on the high side.


That I think is the real reason that Eyefi haven't released a CF version. Transferrring 20 odd Meg of file every second (not unrealistic for sports, or in my studio as a burst) puts a big strain on any wifi network, especially if it's competing with other wifi networks, bluetooth, microwave ovens etc (all use the same frequency band and interfere with each other)

[mang]

I am going to join in and voice the need for CF version of Eye-Fi so that I can use my DSLR cameras.

PLEASE make them soon.

[mang]

I wouldn't hold my breath. For at least 3 years people have been voicing their request for a CF version, and instead what they receive are excuses for why it won't/can't be done in either native or an adapter configuration,..... The good news is that with enough outcry the camera manufacturers may in fact provide build-in wireless at some point, which will be much better than some third party hack, and hopefully put this company where it belongs......out of business.

This is sad. Imagine all the sales they could be getting for the last 3 years have been going to SD-CF adapter sellers. People want it so badly they are willing to take chances.

So many companies are bending over backwards to get customers, and here there are thousands knocking on their door but they are ignoring them. Strange company. I really don't understand them.

[mang]

SD card slot has been REMOVED and replaced with now 2 x CF cards by Canon in their latest DSLR.
http://vimeo.com/31175496

[mddelman]

I would buy a CF version of this card to use in my Canon 7D, but I'm not interested in the hassles involved in using the current card with a CF adapter. Just another voice from the marketplace.

Thanks,

Michael

[pwp]

I have just had the very good fortune to have a 20 minute play with the new Canon 1DX at my local CPS (Canon Professional Services) which included a surprisingly frank conversation with the CPS representative.

What is relevant to this thread from that conversation is the fact that Canon has had long, detailed communications with Sandisk who were able to reveal that the greatest attention to future card development will be with CF. This fact in part led Canon to the decision to fit the EOS 1DX with twin CF slots, a departure from their previous EOS 1-Series bodies which ship with twin card slots, one for CF plus an SD slot. The other major reason Canon has shifted away from SD is the fact they have responded to professional user feedback which has expressed a distinct preference for CF.

I use EyeFi in my current Canon to stream low res jpeg files to an iPad for a client/art director/lighting assistant/grip/interested person/etc while the full size RAW files get written to CF. There are a bazillion photographers across the planet who would value this function with an EyeFi Pro CF card right now. With the factory Canon WiFi adapter for the 1DX likely to ship at around $1000, this is a volume sales opportunity for EyeFi just waiting to happen. When large numbers of professional Canon shooters are using 1DX and other upcoming Canon EOS bodies, an EyeFi CF card will be a must. The SD/CF adapters don't work. Are we getting through?

EyeFi, pull your heads out of the sand. It's CF time. We'll pay a premium. EyeFi Pro rocks. The EOS 1DX will start shipping in meaningful numbers in March 2012. Will you be there?

Paul Wright

[mang]

Paul,
Exactly, I'm one of those who want a client work flow with Eye-Fi but I need CF format. None of my 'work' cameras use SD. Only my 'social' ones do.
I still can't believe that Eye-Fi isn't interested in the CF $ gold mine. How old is this thread? Why are they so thick?
They must have some licensing issues or something and thus won't squeak a word.
Very unfortunate.

[Ryzon]

Well, I tried the solution jamez presented above, which is to convert a Type II SD to CF adapter to Type I. I was really excited in terms of the potential of the solution. After the conversion, I was able to get the card to fit in my D3S, but not in my D700. For some reason, it gets hung-up before inserting completely, and I didn't want to force it. I then tested the D3S setup, and met with limited success. I tried a few shots to the laptop, which seemed to load okay, but my attempts with the iPad were much less fruitful. The iPad cannot seem to maintain a connection in direct mode to the Eye-Fi. I would get a few images to load and then the connection would drop and the iPad would no longer see the Eye-Fi network. I tried both the Eye-Fi iPad application and another application (the name escapes me... "Shutter Snitch" or something like that), and neither provided a stable connection. I even removed my network from the iPad's list of available networks, but this did not help. I then tried the Eye-Fi card in a D5100 without the CF adapter, and got the same results. The long and short of it is that my hope to connect any of my cameras to my iPad using the Eye-Fi ended in failure. Alternatively, I picked up some CF card readers that work with iPad from M.I.C. Store, and they work great for reading in images! The only issue is that it is not a wireless setup, but it is a good solution for running some test shots to make sure your studio lighting is the way you want, without being limited to a 3inch LCD. Well, I guess another issue is that they are currently out of stock right now (hopefully they will restock). The store is located in China, but I received the adapters within a week using the express shipping. I certainly welcome any comments, especially if others were able to get the SD/CF adapter solution to work consistently with their iPads.

[monkeyman2279]

Well, way back there on page 2, on April 17, 2010 I posted about how I was happily using my Eye Fi x2 pro in my Canon 1Ds2 (and I still am!), but was concerned about what the future held for Canon Cameras...

If the 1D X is any indicator (and i feel pretty sure it is) the SD card format's days are numbered for Canon's mid and high end offerings...

This wouldn't be a big deal if Eye Fi gave us a CF card...or even their own branded (and backed) adapter...

As questions of speed go, with file transfers, I have gotten where mostly send smaller jpegs to either my imac or ipad...the actual RAW file gets uploaded later.

This workflow has been of tremendous benefit to me and my clients. Eye Fi has made that possible.

However, one day, whether because of an upgrade or accident or just the fact that someday, my camera will stop working, it's looking less and less likely, that I will be able to continue to use an Eye Fi card as part of my workflow. I don't like that idea!

I know Canon makes their own transmitter, but aside from the additional cost of the unit, one thing I don't like about its' design...in particular, the fact that it hangs off the side. I much prefer the simplicity and elegance of the card being inside the camera...all warm and cozy. I know it effects range, but for me, I am never transmitting more than a few feet away from either my laptop, desktop or ipad...so this isn't an issue for me.

please, Eye Fi, give us a CF card version...

or

at least give us some sort reason we CAN'T have one...

I respectfully say, for most of us, this silence is not golden

[aakoksal]

Like many others, just registered to add one more vote for a eye.fi in CF format, I own 5D m2 and 7D. Seeing that this was being requested for more than couple years now, and the fact that eye.fi doesn't produce legitimate excuses; I don't have high hopes...

But they should know this; I won't be changing my cameras because SD is said to be faster from CF... I never had issues with any of my current and previous EOS bodies with CF.

Final words; eye.fi; wake up, shake up... You guys are not running a government; as the market leader in this product like, listen to you customers and give them what they want...

[pwp]

Dear Mr & Mrs Eye Fi,

This long thread clearly indicates very strong support for a CF Eye Fi card, with a broad willingness expressed to pay a price premium if that is required.

Can you do us the courtesy of an official response?

We are the people who buy & use your products, and to a considerable extent form a valuable part of your marketing arm in the form of user referrals to other photographers who see your products contributing to productivity in a professional environment, not to mention the uncountable user referrals from non-professional users of your products. Without us your business wouldn't have made it past the starting line.

Is there a valid reason why there is no CF option, is CF in development, or is the door wide open to competition to come in and fill the CF void?

The certainty of an SD future has taken a sharp turn with Canon's commitment to CF in their upcoming professional EOS products.

Regards,
Paul Wright

[roc97007]

Echo that request. A CF Type 1 card should be easy enough to produce, considering it's roomier than the SD card. Pros and advanced amateurs really need this.

[solo_md]

I have not seen any replies from Eye-Fi, I just learned about the product at a recent photoshoot. I own a Sony A-900 and I was disappointed to learn of the lack of CF support. Can anyone from Eye-Fi respond to the thread on if CF is on their roadmap?

[mefromny]

I have 2 Eye Fi SD cards for use in my consumer-level Canons and have purchased two more as gifts for my sons. My husband has 2 professional level Canons and would love to be able to have Eye Fi CF cards. We would buy them in a New York minute! That said, I am disappointed that the Eye Fi management team seems to ignore the multiple requests for a CF card. I would expect the courtesy of a valid detailed response from them. I am going to post my request for a CF card on their Facebook page. Maybe some of you who are also on Facebook will do the same. They seem to be more active over there!

[Blackwaterphoto]

I am a professional photographer that has been aware of your products for a few years but am unable to utilize them in my current camera lineup. I am very disappointed with the lack of response from Eye-Fi on this matter. There are people out in the market who are willing to pay for a Compact Flash Eye-Fi card but are unable to get one. Many videos on how to bastardize a converter and get it to work should show you how popular this item would be.

PLEASE HELP US! I hope that Eye-Fi can respond to me, at least in a private message.

[France76]

I am a new user in this forum.

It is true what you say. When you go wireless, it is the SD (Secure Digital) card that makes it happen. I am Leigh from Wedding Photography Brisbane, and am constantly experimenting with ideas such as these to be able to pass on to them, the benefits of my efforts.

[Sharon Kay]

I own a Canon Rebel XTi that uses a compact flash card. I would also like this type of card available for my camera. I own a 4GB and a 2GB high speed compact flash memory card.

I have seen someone using the SD version and really liked it. I am hoping you will consider releasing one in the compact flash version.

[maxintosh]

I'd just like to add my vote to have CF cards as well. Currently I'm using a 4GB Explore Video in a CF adapter that I pulled all the metal off of in a Nikon D200 and it gets somewhat reasonable range. Strange but sometimes the preview on my camera looks as thought the picture is corrupt, but they upload just fine. Not sure if some RF noise from the camera is causing problems (or more likely the RF from the card is causing the camera to malfunction) but as long as the pictures look right on the computer then I can live with it.

mattnelson, what CF adapter have you got?

[Pollcrazy]

Amazing product, but the horror, this product isn't offered in a CF format. How can you ingnor the huge market in the D-SLR users that have CF as a format?

[Jean-François]

Hello everybody, from Orleans, France.
My 7D and I are very intereted by a native Eye-Fi CF.
It's today only a hope but ... I hope that soon, a CF will arrive !
Thanks to all in the Eye-fi team.

[tttedzeins]

Perhaps we should flood the forum with requests. Each person wishinig for a CF card start a new topic instead of adding to this one.

[tttedzeins]

Bump