Eye-Fi: A report from the field

ChrisPerry · #1 02-15-2008, 03:53 PM

I got to put the EyeFi thru it's paces under on location shooting conditions and I am pleased to report, it worked just fine!

I used a Canon 40D an a Jobo Sd-CF adapter, a Linksys WRT54G and a couple of HP laptops. Except for 120v power, nothing was plugged into anything else.

Before leaving the studio I set up the router with WEP, used the EyeFi software on my laptop and the EyeFi card to get it all set up. I was connected to the internet to do this as the EyeFi instructions say to do.

I just slept the laptop and packed up to go on location. Once there, I plugged the wireless router into the wall (set up the same as the router back at the studio), awoke the computer, the camera, and took a few shots (med JPG). It all worked fine! My assistant then used ProSelect on his laptop to show the clients the images immediately after they were shot, saving the ProSelect albums back to my laptop.

My laptop, as it's a Windows Machine, decided to reboot (due to some update) after the first client. Oh Oh was my thought - I've got no internet connection so I hoped it would all come backup. It did! I didn't even have to log into my computer for it all to work!

We didn't have a large distance to cover so I can't report on how reliable it works range wise, other than to say once you get back in range it will begin transferring files (based on studio testing).

Total cost for the card and adapter was $125 from B&H. A second router was $50 from walmart (or bestbuy - same thing, same price either place). I set the new router up exaclty teh same as the studio router so it would be plug and play.

Next challenge is to set the second router up as a relay unit to extend the range of the network.

GreggVicik · #2 02-15-2008, 04:33 PM

Chris,
Glad it is working out for you. I have had mine for over a year, with beta testing etc. and to date it has been a very, very good product. Even the early beta models were extremely good. I see that the new Canon Rebel will use the SD cards, so that would eliminate the need for the adapter and should help to increase the range just a bit. I am thinking of getting the new Rebel as a back-up to go with the Eye-Fi. Now the $64,000,000 question is, How well will it work if I have one Eye-Fi in one camera and one Eye-Fi in another camera, both shooting at the same time and both going to the same computer? Anyone try this yet???

Tony_Gamble · #3 02-16-2008, 02:38 PM

Chris,

I have WiFi on my laptop. Is it essential to have a router when out shooting?

I can see reasons why one might want an internet connection whilst setting up the linke between camera and laptop at home - but surely it is not necessary when on location?

Tony
London UK

DougAxford · #4 02-16-2008, 04:57 PM

Tony, the router is added to provide distance, not internet. You want to check the distance capabilities without a router before deciding whether you need one. From an earlier post i recall it was good within a studio but anything more will require a router with antenna.

Thanks for the update guys. I'm eyeing the new Rebel as a cost effective camera for event/sports and the SD card is an added bonus. The problem I see is that the 40D is moving down in price and I'm not sure that when the new Rebel hits the shelves, it will be a whole lot less in price vs. features.

Doug

Tony_Gamble · #5 02-17-2008, 06:11 AM

Thanks Doug,

Seems the way forward is to improve the power of the WiFi on the lappie.

Tony

ChrisPerry · #6 02-17-2008, 05:56 PM

I've not tried a non-router network, but MS says it's possible Windows XP: Set up a wireless network without a router

My assistant is trying this at home and so far is not having success.

I don't think the the EyeFi can be set up to work without a router. Googling for that info implies that as well, but I didnt' see any specific tests or statments to that effect, or not.

Ken_Shelton · #7 02-17-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggVicik

Chris,
Now the $64,000,000 question is, How well will it work if I have one Eye-Fi in one camera and one Eye-Fi in another camera, both shooting at the same time and both going to the same computer? Anyone try this yet???

According to ZyXEL's help mail (who have been very responsive):

quote
You do not need two computers for each card.

Simply plug in the Eye-Fi Card and configure the destination folder and wireless network onto your card.

Do the same with the other Eye-Fi Card but if you want to keep them organize, select a different destination folder for the second Eye-Fi Card. unquote

I'm still having some challenges getting it to work with a a ZyXEL access card but it probably has something to do with network sharing on my office network. When configured with my main wireless router, the eye.fi works fine. geting it configured with another router/access point, behind the main one is the challenge.

Ken

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