Import How to import from Nikon camera using Snapbridge? Can it be done?

[PhilBurton]

Lightroom Version

Classic 12.5

Operating System

1. Windows 10

I'm "about" to upgrade to a Nikon Z8 (from an ancient D3) and I'm wondering if Snapbridge can be part of the import process. That would be a supplement or replacement from importing from a memory card. What is your workflow here?

Does anyone have either positive or negative experiences with Snapbridge overall?

 

[clee01l]

Short answer No, it need not be a part of the process. It certainly does not add anything to the process. I have a Z7. I tried SnapBridge and did not find it useful. WiFi on the camera drains the battery which I would rather use in taking photos. I keep the WiFi off in my camera settings.

My workflow consists of inserting a camera card and using the Lightroom Classic import function to import my NEFs directly into Lightroom Classic. When I travel (and when it is more convenient) I use Lightroom and import from the camera card into that app on my iPadPro. The workflow then syncs my images in the Adobe Cloud to my Lightroom Classic master catalog and sends a copy of the original to my iMac.

I find using the Lightroom app on my iPadPro very efficient for with a decent internet connection, my images imported in the field are available on my iMac by the time I get home.

 

[Califdan]

What are you hoping to achieve by using Snapbridge? Are you looking for the camera to phone part to not worry about full memory cards (rather worry about a full phone) or are you more intrigued by the phone to cloud storage (which has the same 20gb limit as Adobe's default cloud storage limit?

 

[GaryG]

You might want to look at the Nikonians forum for posts about Snapbridge. I've seen some problem posts that were unresolved and some that were user error. Looks like it might not be very easy to use.

 

[Gnits]

I am not sure if I am missing the point here. This is just a FYI comment.
There are rumours that the next iPhone Pro model will have a Thunderbolt port. If so, that might change a lot of my views re portable storage, backups in the field,, integrating to social media, web, etc. All futureware and dependent on how Apple might cripple or enable use of such a port. I am watching with interest as I am due to change my phone in the next few months anyway.

 

[PhilBurton]

What are you hoping to achieve by using Snapbridge?

Right now, learning more about its capabilities. My my now ancient D3, I place a memory card into the card reader on my PC, and then do an LrC import.

Please also see my other replies, below this one

Are you looking for the camera to phone part to not worry about full memory cards (rather worry about a full phone) or are you more intrigued by the phone to cloud storage (which has the same 20gb limit as Adobe's default cloud storage limit?

Unless and until I start shooting videos, with 2 TB SDXC cards available, I seriously doubt that I will fill up a memory card in one day's photography.

 

[PhilBurton]

Short answer No, it need not be a part of the process. It certainly does not add anything to the process. I have a Z7. I tried SnapBridge and did not find it useful. WiFi on the camera drains the battery which I would rather use in taking photos. I keep the WiFi off in my camera settings.

Thanks. Good info, based on experience. Are there any situations in which you would find Snapbridge useful?

My workflow consists of inserting a camera card and using the Lightroom Classic import function to import my NEFs directly into Lightroom Classic. When I travel (and when it is more convenient) I use Lightroom and import from the camera card into that app on my iPadPro. The workflow then syncs my images in the Adobe Cloud to my Lightroom Classic master catalog and sends a copy of the original to my iMac.

I find using the Lightroom app on my iPadPro very efficient for with a decent internet connection, my images imported in the field are available on my iMac by the time I get home.

So far I have been completely desktop-focused. I have not tried to use my iPhone or iPad in my workflow, even when traveling, since I always schlelp along a laptop. I recognize that I need to learn how to use the workflow you describe, but just not right now.

 

[PhilBurton]

You might want to look at the Nikonians forum for posts about Snapbridge. I've seen some problem posts that were unresolved and some that were user error. Looks like it might not be very easy to use.

Gary,

Thanks for this suggestion.

 

[PhilBurton]

There are rumours that the next iPhone Pro model will have a Thunderbolt port. If so, that might change a lot of my views re portable storage, backups in the field,, integrating to social media, web, etc. All futureware and dependent on how Apple might cripple or enable use of such a port. I am watching with interest as I am due to change my phone in the next few months anyway.

My current phone has a failing battery, but is otherwise entirely adequate for my needs. So, do I spend ~$100 for a new battery for an old phone, or $1100 + 9.7% sales tax for an iPhone 15 Pro?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordon...rice-cost-new-iphone-release/?sh=4af46981584a

 

[Gnits]

This article might be worth reading. https://bythom.com/newsviews/the-future-is-ours-to-see.html

The bottom line is that there is a current disconnect between what is possible with current technology and what camera companies and mobile tech supply.

Personally, I am not expecting a USB C port on an iPhone, if announced shortly will be an instant solution. Also, my personal experience so far, is that apps developed by camera makers to integrate cameras to mobile tech have been absolute disasters terms of usability, performance and stability, so in the short term we need the likes of established third parties with large customer bases like Adobe and Capture One to develop the apps we need.

Personally, again, I would avoid solutions to transfer data from camera to mobile device based on Bluetooth.

However, I do believe we should be getting closer to the situation where USB C ports on cameras will link efficiently to USB ports on mobile devices at relatively fast speeds.

My investment in an iPad Pro was a failure as the device I purchased did not have enough storage for my typical needs. This was compounded by Apple restricting use of external storage for Apple mobile apps. For the moment, my mobile tool of choice is a decent MacAir, which allows me use Lightroom Classic and no restrictions on using raw or jpgs on internal or external storage. I also bring with me an iPhone and an iPad Pro. That combination is a lot more expensive than just simply the replacement cost of an iPhone. No matter what happens I will always be travelling with a mobile phone and hope soon that wired interfaces based on non proprietary standards (eg Lightening Cable) will allow development of fit for purpose apps and workflows. I have no experience with Android… maybe there are good options in that space.

Your original question was wise … ie does anyone have practical experience in dealing with Snapdragon. Snapdragon is an app for mobile devices based on Bluetooth for Nikon cameras. I do hope members with real world experience will reply.

The article I reference to above tallies with my own experience of woefully inadequate mobile apps designed to transfer data / images, but the potential is there and not yet effectively implemented.

 

[Replytoken]

My current phone has a failing battery, but is otherwise entirely adequate for my needs. So, do I spend ~$100 for a new battery for an old phone, or $1100 + 9.7% sales tax for an iPhone 15 Pro?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordon...rice-cost-new-iphone-release/?sh=4af46981584a

It depends. first, does your carrier offer any plans where you get your phone for free with a three-year commitment? VZW offered us that deal if we traded in our old phones. I normally do not bite at such offers, but they gave us an $800 USD credit for each old phone, thus making the new phones free, and I suspect that after some time that value would have dropped by half. We were reasonably happy with our old phones (Galaxy S8's), but the Galaxy S23's that replaced them are quite nice, quite fast, and have surprisingly good cameras.

I agree with Cletus about not wanting to drain camera batteries, so I would look for a compatible card reader that can be plugged into your phone if you want to do any kind of transfer of more than a file or two. With that and an SSD, you should be able to move and copy files around pretty easily if that interests you.

Good luck,

--Ken

 

[clee01l]

Thanks. Good info, based on experience. Are there any situations in which you would find Snapbridge useful?

So far I have been completely desktop-focused. I have not tried to use my iPhone or iPad in my workflow, even when traveling, since I always schlelp along a laptop. I recognize that I need to learn how to use the workflow you describe, but just not right now.

I think of SnapBridge as an internet connection for the Nikon. There are other features that I do not address as these are available in Lightroom and other photo apps. Well first you need a reliable internet. As a worst case, that would be a Personal Hotspot thru your phone. I contend that the process would be faster if you imported to the phone conventionally and let the phone handle traffic. I see no benefit to using the camera as an internet device. Nikon has probably not spent the money, time and effort on battery life that the cell phone manufacturers have.

If you have ever used Lightroom on your phone to access the Adobe Cloud, you are one step away from making Lightroom an access to port your camera card images into Lightroom Classic and your master catalog file on your Desktop. All you need is a card reader that you can connect to your mobile device and Lightroom on the device. I use an iPadPro when I travel. It is the same size as a small laptop.

I am about to leave for a trip to Ireland and I will be using wifi where I stay to import my daily photos to the Adobe Cloud They will be in my master catalog at home on my iMac before I get back.

With Lightroom and Portfolio, I have the advantage of posting a curated collection for web viewing during the trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PhilBurton]

I see no benefit to using the camera as an internet device.

That's the key point for me. One could think of SnapBridge as a shiny new toy, but not every toy is worth playing with.

If you have ever used Lightroom on your phone to access the Adobe Cloud, you are one step away from making Lightroom an access to port your camera card images into Lightroom Classic and your master catalog file on your Desktop. All you need is a card reader that you can connect to your mobile device and Lightroom on the device. I use an iPadPro when I travel. It is the same size as a small laptop.

Any suggestions for search terms for such a card reader, beyond the Apple Connector?

I am about to leave for a trip to Ireland and I will be using wifi where I stay to import my daily photos to the Adobe Cloud

After inserting memory card to your phone card reader?

They will be in my master catalog at home on my iMac before I get back.

With Lightroom and Portfolio, I have the advantage of posting a curated collection for web viewing during the trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[johnbeardy]

Any suggestions for search terms for such a card reader, beyond the Apple Connector?

Check what connection is on your phone. If it has a Lightning connection, you'd search for "flash card to lightning".

 

[Replytoken]

Any suggestions for search terms for such a card reader, beyond the Apple Connector?

Assuming you have an iPhone since you mentioned the Connector. Is it with USB-C or Lightning? I believe that with the introduction of USB-C, many cables can now be directly plugged into the phone without power issues, but since I have an Android phone, I cannot verify that. So, if that is the case, you could find a XQD or CFExpress Type B reader (depending on which cards you want to use) that either has a USB-C connector or comes with a cable that has this connector and test it to make sure it works. Not all card readers work with Android phones, and I do not know if that is also the case for iPhones, so I always suggest testing and making sure you can return the reader if it does not work.

I have had success with Sony, Kingston and Lexar readers over the years, but others have also had good success with Delkin, Sabrent and Transcend. CFExpress Type B readers seem to run hot according to many reviews, but I am not sure if that is a problem or not, so do not be surprised if that is the case on a large transfer.

Good luck,

--Ken

 

[clee01l]

Any suggestions for search terms for such a card reader, beyond the Apple Connector?

It depends upon your camera card type. SDXC, XQD, CF Express. My Nikon uses both XQD and CF Express. I got a Sony CF Express card reader with a USB-C connector. This works directly with my iPadPro which has a single USB-C port. I also have a USB-A XQD card reader. I have purchased a USB-A to USB-C adapter to use this with my iPadPro. There are Card readers and Adapters that will work with the Lightning port on the iPhone