The following entry contains my technical review of the new Apple iPod photo camera connector. If the thought of reading boring techno-babble makes you want to run screaming from the room, you may do so now.

Ok, for anyone remaining, the UPS man delivered my iPod photo cammera connector today. It didn't work right off the bat, but I discovered it was a bad USB cable. Baaaaad cable. Anyway, I found a different cable and connected the camera. The iPod photo display lets you know that a camera is connected and asks if you'd like to import "x" number of photos. I uploaded 17 photos rather quickly and efficiently. Once all the photos are on the iPod, the next time you sync the iPod with your computer, iPhoto 5 recognizes the iPod as a camera and asks if you want to import the photos. It basically treats the iPod like a camera giving you the option to keep the originals on the iPod or delete them. It transfers the photos pretty fast, since the connection is now Firewire or USB2 instead of the camera's native USB - not a big deal but pretty cool in my opinion.

The iPod photo then allows you to view any imported photos on the screen under the Import menu instead of your iPod photo library - probably because the imported photos are full size and the default library is compressed for viewing on the iPod or a television i.e. the full size photos are kept in a different place for later downloading to your desktop or laptop.

The cool thing about all this is that my camera never has to be left in my office next to the computer ever again. I have a bad habit of leaving my camera on my desk and then when I'm out and want to take a picture, I'm screwed. Now, as long as I have my iPod photo with me, I can download the photos to the iPod and then sync it all up later when I bring the iPod in to charge and download new tunes. I almost always remember to take the iPod with me *grin*.

I am impressed with this new accessory, like I had any doubt, and I highly recommend it if you are lucky enough to have an iPod photo rattling around in your pocket. That is because the new camera connector only works with the iPod photo. I would imagine that someday soon, the only "full size" iPod you'll be able to buy will be of the iPod photo variety or greater (ooooo! maybe a video iPod...) - meaning the old school monochrome display iPods will soon be antiques. Just my opinion, though.

Other photos of unpacking etc. can be viewed here.