Upload graphics files to camera?

[phantum]

As a backpacker who always carries a camera -- or two -- I'm wondering if it would be possible to upload files of maps and trail guides onto my camera to save weight and clutter in my pack? I can transfer photo files back and forth with my computer but haven't been successful in getting a jpg graphic to display. Is there a Photoshop (or other) format that's most likely to work for this? FWIW, the cameras involved are a Nikon D40x and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and I'm on a Mac. I could always go the copystand route but thought this might have some potential.

Thanks very much for any assistance! :thumbup:

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't think that I've ever seen a camera that could read/display images that it did not directly create. So you could probably load the images onto the card, via the camera, but you couldn't use the camera to view them.

You're on a Mac...don't you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?

 

[phantum]

Welcome to the forum.

You're on a Mac...don't you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?

Nope -- got enough invested in Apple stock as it is

 

[Malone]

Welcome to the forum.

You're on a Mac...don't you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch?

Nope -- got enough invested in Apple stock as it is

Any Smartphone would work.. Do you not carry a cell phone? Or some sort of PDA?

Or just take a picture of your map.

 

[phantum]

Or just take a picture of your map.

Yep, that's where the copystand comes in. One advantage would be a full-zoom view for details on the trail, but many maps and guides can already be found in digital form online so it would make it much easier. If it worked

I've probably opened the door here for some software entrepreneur . . .

 

[Vtec44]

I always print out hard copies and carry a compass when I'm backpacking. It's best not to rely on electronics that can fail under harsh environment.

As far as viewing, something like a trail camera viewer would probably do it but then it adds another thing to your backpack. lol

 

[enzodm]

I use Trekbuddy on a SonyEricsson k800i phone (suitable most phones with Java, non need for smartphones). It is meant at GPS phones, but it is not mandatory.
I prepare a map using a software made for it, and then upload on the phone.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

I think if it was a JPEG it would probably work. I have heard people recommend that you do that with pages from your manual and then you can refer to them easily.

 

[phantum]

I think if it was a JPEG it would probably work. I have heard people recommend that you do that with pages from your manual and then you can refer to them easily.

Back to the original post, I've tried Pshop jpgs with no luck. As Big Mike said, they can be loaded onto the card but don't display on the camera. This material would all supplement what I already was relying on, which would be my primary map(s). Not interested in packing additional tech gadgetry for a variety of reasons, the primary one being that backpacking is supposed to provide a certain freedom from day-to-day trappings. If I can't leave that stuff behind, I might as well stay home. But the cameras are another thing completely, as they're at the top of my "must have" list.

So the signals I'm getting are that my original question about loading the files onto a camera is not something people 1) have done, 2) know how to do, or 3) see a reason to do.

 

[vtf]

What if your camera breaks, drop it a river, or batteries run down in middle of wilderness.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Yeah, I guess I should have read thoroughly. Why not just take a picture of the map as the first pic on your camera before leaving? Also, if you connect your camera to your computer with the USB connector as opposed to removing the card and installing direct to computer it most likely will mount your computer as a USB drive. You may be able to add pictures that way. Also, check the file naming structure, you may have to name the files accordingly. Like I think Sony names all its files DSC07308, DSC07309 etc.

 

[phantum]

Also, if you connect your camera to your computer with the USB connector as opposed to removing the card and installing direct to computer it most likely will mount your computer as a USB drive. You may be able to add pictures that way. Also, check the file naming structure, you may have to name the files accordingly. Like I think Sony names all its files DSC07308, DSC07309 etc.

To the first part, BTDT. It's the only way I have to transfer files. Also tried naming files per Nikon and Panasonic protocol and tested the principle by uploading photos from each camera to both. The Nikon can't read the Pana but the Pana can read the Nikon. It just can't read its own photos after they've been through iPhoto. In both cameras, they show a black screen when there's an image on the card that they can't read.

 

[Gaerek]

It's possible the camera is looking for something to be present (or not present) in the metadata. It seems that as long as the photo is the right dimensions, the right file type, and named correctly, it should be able to display. You mentioned photos that have been through iPhoto won't show up on your camera. It seems logical that the metadata might be the culprit. I wouldn't even have the faintest clue as to what that particular piece of metadata could be, however. Here's a website that lists a bunch of different exif editors. Might be worth playing around with. EXIF editor

 

[johnh2005]

I would just suggest taking pictures of the maps. If the maps are large just take multiple shots of it. About the easiest way I can think of.

 

[fokker]

There is a free program that lets you do exactly this. I tried to do this a while ago when I was doing a shoot with a model and I have a jpg file of different poses, which I wanted to put on the camera to look at during the shoot. I tried just uploading the files to the camera, renaming them DSC_0001 or whatever it is, none of that worked. The program didn't actually work for me either, but I think my camera (5d) is not supported by the software.

Anyway let me try and find the name of it for you.