Is a wireless SD card worth it for a pentax k-30?

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-17-2017, 10:45 PM

I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

Adam · 02-17-2017, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012

I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

You could use the card to transfer files using whatever functionality the card supports, so you should look at the features of the card itself. The only downside would be slower write speeds, but this isn't that much of an issue with the K-30, which doesn't have that big of a buffer to begin with.

photolady95 · 02-17-2017, 11:00 PM

Does the K-30 even support wifi cards?

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-17-2017, 11:36 PM

Originally posted by photolady95

Does the K-30 even support wifi cards?

It was my understanding that these cards would work in any digital camera because the camera just writes to it like a normal SD card. Am I wrong there?

Unregistered User 8 · 02-17-2017, 11:53 PM

On cameras prior to the K-3, it works as a standard SD card, not wireless. The review on the forums makes good reading. Good luck.

Pentax FluCard O-FC1 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

photolady95 · 02-18-2017, 12:51 AM

I guess Peter answered that question for me. The reason I asked was that the review here on the K-30 didn't say wifi cards were usable on that camera, just SD, SDHC and SDXC.

JohnX · 02-18-2017, 01:59 AM

Look at the Toshiba Flash air.

**Larrymc** · 02-18-2017, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012

I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

Why in the world would you want to use a wifi sd card unless you are in a studio situation. How much time will you save using a slow wifi connection versus removing the sd card and inserting it into the card slot on your computer? If you want more capacity just buy a larger capacity card. Instead of spending time fumbling with a wifi sd card learn all you can about your camera and use it daily.

**YeOldePentaxian** · 02-18-2017, 06:58 AM

IMHO, as a long time gadget freak, wireless SD Cards add more complexity with an additional point of failure without any real added value.

I find that the two methods of 1) removing a card from a camera and putting it into a card reader or 2) connecting the camera directly by USB cable both work reliably.

JohnX · 02-18-2017, 07:40 AM

Wireless SD cards can/do give you remote operation and more importantly remote viewing opportunities, very useful if you want to shoot at low level or discretely.
?
I use one for macro shots of mushrooms, etc. I set the camera up on a table top tripod and I sit on a stool next to it, viewing the camera output via a phone or tablet. Saves me getting muddy knees! 😁

photolady95 · 02-18-2017, 08:44 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JohnX

Wireless SD cards can/do give you remote operation and more importantly remote viewing opportunities, very useful if you want to shoot at low level or discretely.

But not on a K-30, it works just like any other SD card. The K-30 doesn't have wifi via flu card nor does it have tettering.

Pentax K-30 - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

The K-50 does have wifi with appropriate eye-fi card. But it too does not have tettering.

Pentax K-50 - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications

So the only thing OPs K-30 and flu card is capable of is using the flu card just like any other SD/SDHC card does.

JohnX · 02-18-2017, 10:19 AM

Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l

OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard.

photolady95 · 02-18-2017, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by JohnX

Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l

OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard.

OP doesn't mention how he plans to use the card. I was giving you what Pentax says their K-30 was able to use a wifi card for that's all.

**Just1MoreDave** · 02-18-2017, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by YeOldePentaxian

IMHO, as a long time gadget freak, wireless SD Cards add more complexity with an additional point of failure without any real added value.

I find that the two methods of 1) removing a card from a camera and putting it into a card reader or 2) connecting the camera directly by USB cable both work reliably.

If the camera is finally locked down in the perfect position, say for a high-magnification macro, I might not want to touch it.

I bought an Eye-fi card when they first came out, and a later Pro version that could transfer RAW files, because 99% of my shots are RAW. I found the RAW file transfer to be too slow and prone to failure. These days I only use it for one purpose, photos of stuff my wife is selling on eBay. I can take JPG shots in one room and have them show up on her computer where she is creating the listings. That's more what the card was meant for.

Vicioustuna2012 · 02-18-2017, 10:55 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

OP doesn't mention how he plans to use the card. I was giving you what Pentax says their K-30 was able to use a wifi card for that's all.

I'm talking about any brand WiFi card, not specifically the flu card.

---------- Post added 02-18-17 at 11:56 AM ----------

Originally posted by JohnX

Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l

OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard.

So does the flashair work in any camera? I can't seem to find out for sure whether it works with my camera.

---------- Post added 02-18-17 at 11:58 AM ----------

Originally posted by pjv

On cameras prior to the K-3, it works as a standard SD card, not wireless. The review on the forums makes good reading. Good luck.

Pentax FluCard O-FC1 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I known the flu card doesn't work, but I was referring to the third party cards like EyeFi or Toshiba FlashAir. Do they work on the k-30?

02-17-2017, 10:45 PM	#1
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157	Is a wireless SD card worth it for a pentax k-30? I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them?

02-17-2017, 10:56 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012 I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them? You could use the card to transfer files using whatever functionality the card supports, so you should look at the features of the card itself. The only downside would be slower write speeds, but this isn't that much of an issue with the K-30, which doesn't have that big of a buffer to begin with. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

02-18-2017, 07:40 AM	#10
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Wireless SD cards can/do give you remote operation and more importantly remote viewing opportunities, very useful if you want to shoot at low level or discretely. ? I use one for macro shots of mushrooms, etc. I set the camera up on a table top tripod and I sit on a stool next to it, viewing the camera output via a phone or tablet. Saves me getting muddy knees! 😁 Last edited by JohnX; 02-18-2017 at 10:14 AM.

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02-17-2017, 11:00 PM	#3
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Does the K-30 even support wifi cards?

02-17-2017, 11:36 PM	#4
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by photolady95 Does the K-30 even support wifi cards? It was my understanding that these cards would work in any digital camera because the camera just writes to it like a normal SD card. Am I wrong there?

02-17-2017, 11:53 PM	#5
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	On cameras prior to the K-3, it works as a standard SD card, not wireless. The review on the forums makes good reading. Good luck. Pentax FluCard O-FC1 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews

02-18-2017, 12:51 AM	#6
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	I guess Peter answered that question for me. The reason I asked was that the review here on the K-30 didn't say wifi cards were usable on that camera, just SD, SDHC and SDXC.

02-18-2017, 01:59 AM	#7
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Look at the Toshiba Flash air.

02-18-2017, 06:35 AM	#8
Larrymc Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 5,252	Originally posted by Vicioustuna2012 I recently purchased a k-30 (my first DSLR) and I'm wondering if a wifi sd card would be worth it? I don't know anything about them other than I did a quick google search, and there seems to be a wide price range...which worries me. Does anyone here have any experience with them? Why in the world would you want to use a wifi sd card unless you are in a studio situation. How much time will you save using a slow wifi connection versus removing the sd card and inserting it into the card slot on your computer? If you want more capacity just buy a larger capacity card. Instead of spending time fumbling with a wifi sd card learn all you can about your camera and use it daily.

02-18-2017, 06:58 AM	#9
YeOldePentaxian Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Calgary Photos: Albums Posts: 652	IMHO, as a long time gadget freak, wireless SD Cards add more complexity with an additional point of failure without any real added value. I find that the two methods of 1) removing a card from a camera and putting it into a card reader or 2) connecting the camera directly by USB cable both work reliably.

02-18-2017, 08:44 AM - 1 Like	#11
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by JohnX Wireless SD cards can/do give you remote operation and more importantly remote viewing opportunities, very useful if you want to shoot at low level or discretely. But not on a K-30, it works just like any other SD card. The K-30 doesn't have wifi via flu card nor does it have tettering. Pentax K-30 - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications The K-50 does have wifi with appropriate eye-fi card. But it too does not have tettering. Pentax K-50 - Pentax K-mount DSLRs - Pentax Camera Reviews and Specifications So the only thing OPs K-30 and flu card is capable of is using the flu card just like any other SD/SDHC card does.

02-18-2017, 10:19 AM	#12
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard.

02-18-2017, 10:23 AM	#13
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by JohnX Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard. OP doesn't mention how he plans to use the card. I was giving you what Pentax says their K-30 was able to use a wifi card for that's all.

02-18-2017, 10:54 AM	#14
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by YeOldePentaxian IMHO, as a long time gadget freak, wireless SD Cards add more complexity with an additional point of failure without any real added value. I find that the two methods of 1) removing a card from a camera and putting it into a card reader or 2) connecting the camera directly by USB cable both work reliably. If the camera is finally locked down in the perfect position, say for a high-magnification macro, I might not want to touch it. I bought an Eye-fi card when they first came out, and a later Pro version that could transfer RAW files, because 99% of my shots are RAW. I found the RAW file transfer to be too slow and prone to failure. These days I only use it for one purpose, photos of stuff my wife is selling on eBay. I can take JPG shots in one room and have them show up on her computer where she is creating the listings. That's more what the card was meant for.

02-18-2017, 10:55 AM	#15
Vicioustuna2012 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 157 Original Poster	Originally posted by photolady95 OP doesn't mention how he plans to use the card. I was giving you what Pentax says their K-30 was able to use a wifi card for that's all. I'm talking about any brand WiFi card, not specifically the flu card. ---------- Post added 02-18-17 at 11:56 AM ---------- Originally posted by JohnX Sorry to contradict you Photolady, but the Toshiba FlashAir card doesn't need in-camera support, so will work in any camera that accepts a 32gb SD card as it sets up it's own local wireless connection direct to a combatible device.l OP is not asking specifically about the FluCard. So does the flashair work in any camera? I can't seem to find out for sure whether it works with my camera. ---------- Post added 02-18-17 at 11:58 AM ---------- Originally posted by pjv On cameras prior to the K-3, it works as a standard SD card, not wireless. The review on the forums makes good reading. Good luck. Pentax FluCard O-FC1 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews I known the flu card doesn't work, but I was referring to the third party cards like EyeFi or Toshiba FlashAir. Do they work on the k-30?