Just because your trusty old digital camera doesn't wirelessly transmit images to tablet computers and other devices, that's no reason to replace it, says a German industry group.
Savers can now add wi-fi interaction simply by popping a clever adapter into the camera's SD card slot. Multiple manufacturers have SD cards on the market that combine storage with wi-fi capability, according to the Imaging Association, a Germany-based photo industry group. Options include cards with storage capacities of 8 to 32 gigabytes and wi-fi modules using the n-standard, all for prices starting at 20 euros (22.50 dollars).
Just as one would when buying a normal SD card, check into the card's writing and reading speeds. If you're going to be filming video, you'll want at least Class 6, but will be happier with Class 10, say experts.
However, most SD/wi-fi cards will meet this standard. The only people who really have to be careful are those seeking cards for older model cameras.
If you plan to post pictures directly online, make sure your card can get into the desired wireless network. That means it will come with something called either an infrastructure or internet mode, so that photos can be sent to all devices. Without it, the card can only build a devoted network for transmitting images to certain other devices. But there are differences in the functions provided by different cards. While all of them can send JPEG data, not every card can handle the RAW format. Just about every card can handle the AVI, MP4 or MOV video standards, but check the card's specifications if you're going to be using other options.
The large data volumes required for video means that wi-fi transmission isn't always the best for such files, notes the association.
Some cards do offer the option of automatically transferring all photos to a predetermined device. And just about every one allows the option of viewing photos and downloads on mobile devices.
There are also a few that can be controlled via a browser or a programme installed on a computer. And also check whether the card offers the option of selectively transferring pictures, or if it requires that everything on the card be sent at once.