VST FTX20 Tech 20GB Flashtrax Image Storage
- x FlashTrax - 20GB HDD
- MP3 MP4 Player MP4 Player
Rating: 3 of 5
should have got something better
Rating: 3 of 5
Middle of the road - Look at the Epson P-2000 before you decide
I've owned a Flashtrax (40GB), Epson P-2000 & eFilm Picture pad & would rate the Flashtrax in the middle of the pack, with the P-2000 in the lead at this point when it comes 2 digital photo storage.
Advantages 2 Flashtrax
- One button download don't need 2 open cover 2 start download process
- Better raw file support, can rotate & zoom raw files & view histogram
- Offers a 80GB option
Disadvantages of Flashtrax
- Doesn't come with protective case
- Hinged screen seems vulnerable 2 breakage if you bend it back too far
- Menus & filelists are hard 2 navigate - buttons awkward
- Need 2 move rubber piece 2 insert memory card each time
- Compared 2 p-2000 the screen display is poor & protective plastic is flimsy
- Battery snaps on end near hinge & can pop out if you press buttons on side accidentally.
- Slow download speeds
- Awkward 2 hold & balance because you have 2 unfold the screen. Folding screen also makes hard 2 adjust screens angle of view if there is a glare.
Advantages 2 P-2000
- Menus & Buttons are visual, intuitive & easy 2 use. Browsing thumbnails display quickly.
- The display is large, sharp, bright & perfect 4 viewing photos
- Quick downloads
- Memory cards slot design makes it easy 2 load & remove cards with press of button. Accepts both SD & Compact Flash cards without an adapter.
- Comes with protective case, hand strap & display stand
- Battery is well protected - stored inside device with a door covering it
- Easy handling, no clumsy screen 2 unfold
Disadvantages 2 P-2000
- Can't Zoom or do slide shows with raw files If you shoot .nef +jpg, you can still zoom, create slide shows & it will auto rotate the jpg 4 you. Although you can't rotate raw files I didn't find it an issue since it's easy 2 turn the device sideways & that way it uses the whole large screen 4 a larger display anyway.
- No Histogram display on raw files (again if you shoot with a raw+jpg you can view the histogram on the jpg)
- Hard 2 find one in stock 2 buy!
Prior 2 buying the P-2000 I owned a Flashtrax & an eFilm PicturePad which I use 2 download raw digital photos. One day the eFilm stopped reading memory cards, but the other functions worked. Although it was under warranty the eFilm stopped making them & couldn't fix it so bought a Flashtrax 2 replace it.
I liked the Flashtrax a lot better than the picturePad since it's display, battery life & menus were much better than the efilm. When my husband dropped the FlashTrax on a grassy area, the screen cracked even though it was folded at the time. It still worked fine, the display was just cracked. So don't assume that the folding screen will protect the screen from breaking. SmartDisk replaced the screen but a few weeks ago my photo equipment was stolen so I was back on the market 4 a portable storage device. I must give kudos 2 SmartDisk 4 great warranty support! After reading a review of the p-2000 I decided 2 give it a try. (On the p-2000 the glass/plastic on the p-2000 screen & body seems much more solid than the FlashTrax so I think it would withstand rough play a little better even though it doesn't fold.)
Now that I've worked with the P-2000, I wouldn't buy another Flashtrax. The P-2000 downloads from memory cards much faster, & the screen display is bright, sharp & large enough (3.8") 2 get a detailed view of photos. The menu's are more intuitive due 2 the more visual nature of the menus & the buttons easier 2 use. The slide show feature also automatically will create transitions 2 make the show look polished without any effort. There's no folding & unfolding screens 2 view making it's easier 2 hold & adjust the screen 2 get a direct view without glare.
Bottom Line:
If you are a professional or enthusiast who shoots in raw format, you'll probably agree that Flashtraxs raw support is better than Epsons. Epson needs 2 add the capability 2 view histograms & zoom on raw files which I'm hoping they will do in a future software update that owners can download. Shooting in Raw+jpg does work around this but wastes memory space. Most the time I only check my histograms while I'm shooting 2 see if I need 2 adjust settings so this isn't a deal breaker 4 me. You'll still love the P-2000 4 it's great display & ease of use. Getting the Flashtrax or P-2000 is much cheaper than buying 40GB of compact flash cards & smaller & easier/faster 2 use in the field than a laptop. If you decide 2 go with the Flashtrax you'll be happy not 2 lug a laptop but learn 2 balance awkward devices in the field. If you need the capacity 4 80GB the Flashtrax is your only option at this point. Nikon owners may look at the Coolwalker. Although I haven't owned one the P-2000s screen & flexibility 2 use with non-Nikon cameras (such as my Olympus point & shoot) gives it a big advantage over the Coolwalker in my mind. Plus on the p-2000 & Flashtrax you can view videos & listen 2 music too!
If you are an amateur you'll love the p-2000 since its a slick device 2 store/view thousands of photos, listen 2 music & watch quicktime movies on. I wouldn't get the Flashtrax since you don't need the 80GB file capacity 2 store thousands of jpgs or raw file features. The P-2000 is easier 2 use too.
The only problem is it's hard 2 find a p-2000 in stock due 2 demand or Epsons lack of production so if you are in a hurry, you may need 2 get a FlashTrax instead.
**
Advantages 2 Flashtrax
- One button download don't need 2 open cover 2 start download process
- Better raw file support, can rotate & zoom raw files & view histogram
- Offers a 80GB option
Disadvantages of Flashtrax
- Doesn't come with protective case
- Hinged screen seems vulnerable 2 breakage if you bend it back too far
- Menus & filelists are hard 2 navigate - buttons awkward
- Need 2 move rubber piece 2 insert memory card each time
- Compared 2 p-2000 the screen display is poor & protective plastic is flimsy
- Battery snaps on end near hinge & can pop out if you press buttons on side accidentally.
- Slow download speeds
- Awkward 2 hold & balance because you have 2 unfold the screen. Folding screen also makes hard 2 adjust screens angle of view if there is a glare.
Advantages 2 P-2000
- Menus & Buttons are visual, intuitive & easy 2 use. Browsing thumbnails display quickly.
- The display is large, sharp, bright & perfect 4 viewing photos
- Quick downloads
- Memory cards slot design makes it easy 2 load & remove cards with press of button. Accepts both SD & Compact Flash cards without an adapter.
- Comes with protective case, hand strap & display stand
- Battery is well protected - stored inside device with a door covering it
- Easy handling, no clumsy screen 2 unfold
Disadvantages 2 P-2000
- Can't Zoom or do slide shows with raw files If you shoot .nef +jpg, you can still zoom, create slide shows & it will auto rotate the jpg 4 you. Although you can't rotate raw files I didn't find it an issue since it's easy 2 turn the device sideways & that way it uses the whole large screen 4 a larger display anyway.
- No Histogram display on raw files (again if you shoot with a raw+jpg you can view the histogram on the jpg)
- Hard 2 find one in stock 2 buy!
Prior 2 buying the P-2000 I owned a Flashtrax & an eFilm PicturePad which I use 2 download raw digital photos. One day the eFilm stopped reading memory cards, but the other functions worked. Although it was under warranty the eFilm stopped making them & couldn't fix it so bought a Flashtrax 2 replace it.
I liked the Flashtrax a lot better than the picturePad since it's display, battery life & menus were much better than the efilm. When my husband dropped the FlashTrax on a grassy area, the screen cracked even though it was folded at the time. It still worked fine, the display was just cracked. So don't assume that the folding screen will protect the screen from breaking. SmartDisk replaced the screen but a few weeks ago my photo equipment was stolen so I was back on the market 4 a portable storage device. I must give kudos 2 SmartDisk 4 great warranty support! After reading a review of the p-2000 I decided 2 give it a try. (On the p-2000 the glass/plastic on the p-2000 screen & body seems much more solid than the FlashTrax so I think it would withstand rough play a little better even though it doesn't fold.)
Now that I've worked with the P-2000, I wouldn't buy another Flashtrax. The P-2000 downloads from memory cards much faster, & the screen display is bright, sharp & large enough (3.8") 2 get a detailed view of photos. The menu's are more intuitive due 2 the more visual nature of the menus & the buttons easier 2 use. The slide show feature also automatically will create transitions 2 make the show look polished without any effort. There's no folding & unfolding screens 2 view making it's easier 2 hold & adjust the screen 2 get a direct view without glare.
Bottom Line:
If you are a professional or enthusiast who shoots in raw format, you'll probably agree that Flashtraxs raw support is better than Epsons. Epson needs 2 add the capability 2 view histograms & zoom on raw files which I'm hoping they will do in a future software update that owners can download. Shooting in Raw+jpg does work around this but wastes memory space. Most the time I only check my histograms while I'm shooting 2 see if I need 2 adjust settings so this isn't a deal breaker 4 me. You'll still love the P-2000 4 it's great display & ease of use. Getting the Flashtrax or P-2000 is much cheaper than buying 40GB of compact flash cards & smaller & easier/faster 2 use in the field than a laptop. If you decide 2 go with the Flashtrax you'll be happy not 2 lug a laptop but learn 2 balance awkward devices in the field. If you need the capacity 4 80GB the Flashtrax is your only option at this point. Nikon owners may look at the Coolwalker. Although I haven't owned one the P-2000s screen & flexibility 2 use with non-Nikon cameras (such as my Olympus point & shoot) gives it a big advantage over the Coolwalker in my mind. Plus on the p-2000 & Flashtrax you can view videos & listen 2 music too!
If you are an amateur you'll love the p-2000 since its a slick device 2 store/view thousands of photos, listen 2 music & watch quicktime movies on. I wouldn't get the Flashtrax since you don't need the 80GB file capacity 2 store thousands of jpgs or raw file features. The P-2000 is easier 2 use too.
The only problem is it's hard 2 find a p-2000 in stock due 2 demand or Epsons lack of production so if you are in a hurry, you may need 2 get a FlashTrax instead.
**
Rating: 4 of 5
Flashtrax vs EpsonP1000-A Comparison
Owning both the Flashtrax 20g & the Epson P1000, I shall attempt 2 compare these two units, as they sell 4 about the same price.
Both units act has "hard drives" & are designed primarily 4 downloading photos from digital camera cards when the cards are full, thereby making room 4 additional photos 2 be added 2 the card.
Both units do this job very well. So what are the major differences between the units?
1. The LCD on on the Epson measures 3.8 inches, whereas the LCD on the Flashtrax measure 3.5 inches. The difference in size is minute, but the quality of the images is very different. The Epson's image is outstanding, whereas the Flashtrax's image is mediocre, at best. The backlighting on the Flashtrax is weak, even at the highest setting (which is not recommended as this runs down the battery faster). The resolution & the detail on the Epson leaves the Flashtrax in the dust.
2. Both units are quite user friendly. The Flashtrax has the edge here. In order 2 download photos onto the Flashtrax, one simply plugs in the card & presses a button next 2 the card slot. Everthing else takes place automatically. In the case of the Epson, one simply inserts the card, then navigates 2 the proper section of the built-in software, & downloading begins....not too difficult, but not as instantaneous as the Flashtrax.
3. Both units are able 2 present slideshows, either on the unit's LCD or on a connected TV. Each unit has its "special" feature here. The Flashtrax has a wireless remote, thereby making it possible 2 sit in your easy chair & run the show. On the others hand, the Epson has a rather cool feature of its own. You can run a manual or an automatic ordinary slide show, OR you can run a slide show whereby the photos fade in & out. The fader operates in such a way that the each photo begins as a somewhat magnified image which scrolls across the screen, This image then fades into a "still" image of the complete photo. This same "routine" is then carried on by the next image, & so on....This makes 4 a less boring slide show......but as I previously stated, no remote controller.
4. The Flashtrax includes an MP3 player, & a very good one at that...Obviously, a speaker as small as the built in one will not produce much decent sound.....but add a pair of good compact headphones (I use the Sennheiser 200's) & you are ready 4 great sound....Yes, the unit is too bulky 4 jogging, but 4 sitting on a plane or in a motel room, it's great! The sound is as good as my IPOD!
5. The Flashtrax closes 2 protect the screen...a great feature; then it stores in an included bag...(I hate this bag & store mine in a felt bag that came with a bottle of Seagram's Crown Royal)...The Epson comes in a velcro closing soft case which seems 2 protect the unit quite well, although, like most PDA's, the screen is not protected by a hard cover. Both units appear 2 have very good build quality.
This, in a nutshell is my assessment of the two units..If you can afford them, buy them both...I use my Flashtrax 2 download my photos 2 then transfer them 2 my computer...oh yes, by the way, the transfer speed on the Flashtrax is USB 2.0, whereas, the Epson uses USB 1.1....quite a bit slower.
Once I have tweaked my images 2 my computer, I then reduce them 2 800 (using a JPG reduction program...I use JPGSizer, a piece of shareware that I thoroughly recommend...it's cheap & very functional....just do a Google search & find it).
Now I can permanently store & show others the photos on my excellent screened Epson P1000.
One more thought....Epson now has an upgraded viewer, the P2000. Unfortunately, it sells 4 $500, or almost twice the price of the Flashtrax...BTW, the storage capacity of my Epson P1000 is 10g & I own the 20g Flashtrax...But, unless you are a pro (or have no life & can shoot photos all day), 10g translates into 20000 photos at the size at which I store them....This space will outlive me!
Both units act has "hard drives" & are designed primarily 4 downloading photos from digital camera cards when the cards are full, thereby making room 4 additional photos 2 be added 2 the card.
Both units do this job very well. So what are the major differences between the units?
1. The LCD on on the Epson measures 3.8 inches, whereas the LCD on the Flashtrax measure 3.5 inches. The difference in size is minute, but the quality of the images is very different. The Epson's image is outstanding, whereas the Flashtrax's image is mediocre, at best. The backlighting on the Flashtrax is weak, even at the highest setting (which is not recommended as this runs down the battery faster). The resolution & the detail on the Epson leaves the Flashtrax in the dust.
2. Both units are quite user friendly. The Flashtrax has the edge here. In order 2 download photos onto the Flashtrax, one simply plugs in the card & presses a button next 2 the card slot. Everthing else takes place automatically. In the case of the Epson, one simply inserts the card, then navigates 2 the proper section of the built-in software, & downloading begins....not too difficult, but not as instantaneous as the Flashtrax.
3. Both units are able 2 present slideshows, either on the unit's LCD or on a connected TV. Each unit has its "special" feature here. The Flashtrax has a wireless remote, thereby making it possible 2 sit in your easy chair & run the show. On the others hand, the Epson has a rather cool feature of its own. You can run a manual or an automatic ordinary slide show, OR you can run a slide show whereby the photos fade in & out. The fader operates in such a way that the each photo begins as a somewhat magnified image which scrolls across the screen, This image then fades into a "still" image of the complete photo. This same "routine" is then carried on by the next image, & so on....This makes 4 a less boring slide show......but as I previously stated, no remote controller.
4. The Flashtrax includes an MP3 player, & a very good one at that...Obviously, a speaker as small as the built in one will not produce much decent sound.....but add a pair of good compact headphones (I use the Sennheiser 200's) & you are ready 4 great sound....Yes, the unit is too bulky 4 jogging, but 4 sitting on a plane or in a motel room, it's great! The sound is as good as my IPOD!
5. The Flashtrax closes 2 protect the screen...a great feature; then it stores in an included bag...(I hate this bag & store mine in a felt bag that came with a bottle of Seagram's Crown Royal)...The Epson comes in a velcro closing soft case which seems 2 protect the unit quite well, although, like most PDA's, the screen is not protected by a hard cover. Both units appear 2 have very good build quality.
This, in a nutshell is my assessment of the two units..If you can afford them, buy them both...I use my Flashtrax 2 download my photos 2 then transfer them 2 my computer...oh yes, by the way, the transfer speed on the Flashtrax is USB 2.0, whereas, the Epson uses USB 1.1....quite a bit slower.
Once I have tweaked my images 2 my computer, I then reduce them 2 800 (using a JPG reduction program...I use JPGSizer, a piece of shareware that I thoroughly recommend...it's cheap & very functional....just do a Google search & find it).
Now I can permanently store & show others the photos on my excellent screened Epson P1000.
One more thought....Epson now has an upgraded viewer, the P2000. Unfortunately, it sells 4 $500, or almost twice the price of the Flashtrax...BTW, the storage capacity of my Epson P1000 is 10g & I own the 20g Flashtrax...But, unless you are a pro (or have no life & can shoot photos all day), 10g translates into 20000 photos at the size at which I store them....This space will outlive me!
Rating: 4 of 5
One of the better digital storage devices out there
-Easy User Interface. Plug & save 4 your compact flash card without having 2 turn the unit on if you are in a hurry.
-Nicely designed exterior & 3.5 inch display.
-The screen resolution in review mode wont allow you 2 determine sharpness absolutely but definitely will allow you 2 review pictures & show them 2 friends.
-There are smaller units out there but this is a nice compromise 4 size & functionality.
-This unit is a hard drive,so don't expect 2 take this running when you listen 2 you MP3 player.
-It has good sound quality when using headphones.
-My only complaint is the "case" is just a felt bag, I was expecting something more durable.
-Nicely designed exterior & 3.5 inch display.
-The screen resolution in review mode wont allow you 2 determine sharpness absolutely but definitely will allow you 2 review pictures & show them 2 friends.
-There are smaller units out there but this is a nice compromise 4 size & functionality.
-This unit is a hard drive,so don't expect 2 take this running when you listen 2 you MP3 player.
-It has good sound quality when using headphones.
-My only complaint is the "case" is just a felt bag, I was expecting something more durable.
FlashTrax is an innovative handheld device that allows you 2 expand the use of your digital camera & multimedia files. With simple controls & high-speed transfers, FlashTrax allows you 2 store, view, & play all sorts of media files, all in one palm-size, portable device.Why carry piles of flash media with you? When you've filled up your media card, just copy it 2 FlashTrax, erase it, & keep on shooting! When you're done, just connect FlashTrax 2 your computer 2 view, print, or store your pictures.With its large, vibrant screen, FlashTrax is great 4 previewing your digital images or sharing them with the world. Whether you're spot-checking on the site of your latest photoshoot or sharing your photo album with Grandma, FlashTrax has everything you need.With its massive storage capacity, FlashTrax has more than enough space 2 take your entire MP3 collection with you on the road. The convenient MP3 control panel on the side makes it incredibly easy 2 listen 2 your music anywhere.Unlike other devices that require custom drivers or complex interface software, FlashTrax was designed 2 be as friendly with your computer as possible - just plug it in & use it like a USB 2.0 hard disk! You can even use your FlashTrax 2 transfer data between computers.
($357.00)
Buy VST FTX20 Tech 20GB Flashtrax Image Storage Now!
-compact
-crisp colourful lcd screen
-easy controls
-mp3 player functionality
-verify your copied images directly on screen
-one touch copy memory card button
cons:
-short battery life, 2-3 hours using screen
-sluggish when flipping through high res images on screen
-screen malfunctioned on me after 5 months of off & on use, expensive out of warranty repair.
-can't listen 2 music whilst browsing photos
-issues playing long .avi's (2min+)