Product Idea: Media Storage for the Field

[sper]

Has anybody else read Tim Ferriss's book The Four Hour Work Week? I am right now, and while I don't think I want to live like a rock star and work for only four hours a week, I do like his idea about taking what you know, and making it into a business. I've discovered in the last few years how much more money there is to be made working for photography than in being a photographer. Right now I'd love to follow in the footsteps of Jim Domke and Gary Fong. I think Sperry Photographic has quite a nice ring to it!

Intro aside, here's my idea:

If you don't know the Epson P6000, educate yourself on the B&H website. I've always thought this product was too expensive, and did more than a photographer needs. Nobody is going to use this thing to watch video or play music. We have iPods or laptops or iPads now, or Zune's if you're a freak...just kidding! 😉

I want to simplify the idea. If we could combine the iPod and the P6000, I think there we'd have a great tool for field photographers working digitally. I envision what is essentially a hard drive with a screen, and a fire wire port at the bottom. On this fire wire port you connect a dongle that has card readers, SD or CF probably... The interface will all be based around easy file naming (or leaving unnamed) and storing, or quick preset file management. Basically it ingests the card into whatever archiving system you set up for it. Then once you get home you attach it to like a docking station or cable and import the files to the computer. Simple, easy. Carry fewer cards into the field or create a quick backup on the fly. You should be able to review the pictures on the screen, but I'll focus on simple storage before reviewing, if people wanted to do that I'd tell them to buy an iPad or a Macbook.

I would also focus on good product design and simplicity, because I believe design is extremely important in the value of a product...just ask Apple (or Leica). I'd like to hit a price point similar to the price of an iPod, about $250 bucks.

This product would be aimed at street photographers, wedding photographers, editorial, travel, and even folks going on a long trip without a laptop.

Any thoughts on my little dream product?

It's only a dream at this point because I currently have no knowledge of manufacturing, hardware or software design, or running a business larger than freelance photographer... Long road ahead of me on this one!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Has anybody else read Tim Ferriss's book The Four Hour Work Week? I am right now, and while I don't think I want to live like a rock star and work for only four hours a week, I do like his idea about taking what you know, and making it into a business. I've discovered in the last few years how much more money there is to be made working for photography than in being a photographer. Right now I'd love to follow in the footsteps of Jim Domke and Gary Fong. I think Sperry Photographic has quite a nice ring to it!

Intro aside, here's my idea:

If you don't know the Epson P6000, educate yourself on the B&H website. I've always thought this product was too expensive, and did more than a photographer needs. Nobody is going to use this thing to watch video or play music. We have iPods or laptops or iPads now, or Zune's if you're a freak...just kidding! 😉

I want to simplify the idea. If we could combine the iPod and the P6000, I think there we'd have a great tool for field photographers working digitally. I envision what is essentially a hard drive with a screen, and a fire wire port at the bottom. On this fire wire port you connect a dongle that has card readers, SD or CF probably... The interface will all be based around easy file naming (or leaving unnamed) and storing, or quick preset file management. Basically it ingests the card into whatever archiving system you set up for it. Then once you get home you attach it to like a docking station or cable and import the files to the computer. Simple, easy. Carry fewer cards into the field or create a quick backup on the fly. You should be able to review the pictures on the screen, but I'll focus on simple storage before reviewing, if people wanted to do that I'd tell them to buy an iPad or a Macbook.

I would also focus on good product design and simplicity, because I believe design is extremely important in the value of a product...just ask Apple (or Leica). I'd like to hit a price point similar to the price of an iPod, about $250 bucks.

This product would be aimed at street photographers, wedding photographers, editorial, travel, and even folks going on a long trip without a laptop.

Any thoughts on my little dream product?

It's only a dream at this point because I currently have no knowledge of manufacturing, hardware or software design, or running a business larger than freelance photographer... Long road ahead of me on this one!

And you've just given the idea away without a patent!

Cheers,

R.

 

[FrozenInTime]

My idea, which I will give away free, is for a card copier.
Copy those high speed SD/CF in camera cards onto cheaper slow cards.

Advantage is no delicate rotating magnetics - just a bundle of cards that can also be used in the camera in an emergency.

 

[Jamie123]

Has anybody else read Tim Ferriss's book The Four Hour Work Week? I am right now, and while I don't think I want to live like a rock star and work for only four hours a week, I do like his idea about taking what you know, and making it into a business. I've discovered in the last few years how much more money there is to be made working for photography than in being a photographer. Right now I'd love to follow in the footsteps of Jim Domke and Gary Fong. I think Sperry Photographic has quite a nice ring to it!

Intro aside, here's my idea:

If you don't know the Epson P6000, educate yourself on the B&H website. I've always thought this product was too expensive, and did more than a photographer needs. Nobody is going to use this thing to watch video or play music. We have iPods or laptops or iPads now, or Zune's if you're a freak...just kidding! 😉

I want to simplify the idea. If we could combine the iPod and the P6000, I think there we'd have a great tool for field photographers working digitally. I envision what is essentially a hard drive with a screen, and a fire wire port at the bottom. On this fire wire port you connect a dongle that has card readers, SD or CF probably... The interface will all be based around easy file naming (or leaving unnamed) and storing, or quick preset file management. Basically it ingests the card into whatever archiving system you set up for it. Then once you get home you attach it to like a docking station or cable and import the files to the computer. Simple, easy. Carry fewer cards into the field or create a quick backup on the fly. You should be able to review the pictures on the screen, but I'll focus on simple storage before reviewing, if people wanted to do that I'd tell them to buy an iPad or a Macbook.

I would also focus on good product design and simplicity, because I believe design is extremely important in the value of a product...just ask Apple (or Leica). I'd like to hit a price point similar to the price of an iPod, about $250 bucks.

This product would be aimed at street photographers, wedding photographers, editorial, travel, and even folks going on a long trip without a laptop.

Any thoughts on my little dream product?

It's only a dream at this point because I currently have no knowledge of manufacturing, hardware or software design, or running a business larger than freelance photographer... Long road ahead of me on this one!

So what you basically have in mind is a Sanho Colorspace HyperDrive?

The problem with your idea, other than that it already exists in the HyperDrive which is quite popular, is that you want to make a rather complex electronic device and at the same time you say that you have no knowledge whatsoever about the actual techicalities involved with such a device. The reason why GaryFong, Domke and all the other guys can make a nice, simple product is that it actually is a simple product. Gary Fong's products are basically just plastic cups with a hole in them. Simple but (apparently) it works. He probably built his first prototypes himself. Same goes for Domke. All he needed to make that prototype was some fabric and a sewing machine.
An electronic device for data backup is a whole other ball game. You need R&D for which you'd have to hire someone. Then you need to source the components from somewhere as I don't think you'd be able to build HDs or SSDs yourself and unless you order in very large quantities you'll probably have to pay retail. And you have a completely arbitrary price point which isn't really based on any calculations you've done yourself. What you basically have is just a wishlist for a product you'd like to have at a price you'd like to pay. That's like saying you have a brilliant idea for a 30mp FF digital RF for under $500. Anyone who could do that would surely have a hot seller but that doesn't mean that it's possible.

Anyways, buy yourself a HyperDrive and be happy that what you want already exists.

 

[bensyverson]

Yeah, it's a great idea, but unfortunately there are already dozens of these things already.

 

[sper]

*facepalm!*

Back to the drawing board...or maybe I'll just be stuck selling used cameras my whole life.

🙁