Dropbox

[tcom]

Hi

A few months ago, I discovered the Dropbox service. At first, I used it mainly to share files between my PCs, but it has also become very handy when having to send photos to publishers or organizers of events. Now, especially with the 645D photos which are larger than the email limits, it is a very handy tool to send photos.


I wrote a short article about Dropbox under http://ipaimpress.com/dropbox/ for those interested.

[Frogfish]

I use this service as well Dominique.  Usually to send large shots to and from my daughter. It's excellent.

[calsan]

This is great.
I've set it up for my work and home computers.  Very happy with the interface.

[spyglass]

I liked the concept right up until I read the "drawback". I would not like people to be able to alter the actual files I placed in the drop box. Upload them fine, but to be able to alter them no. This sound like a huge security issue. One would think that the software would offer a solution. Like being able to assign permissions for files or subfolders (something that is basic and almost a given nowadays).


Spyglass

[tcom]

The drawback is really only for the shared folders, this is the only place where several people do have write access. So, as you will probably only share a folder with people you know well (enough), the security issue is limited. Dropbox is however working on this drawback.

[davidhampshire]

although,  never having used these kinds of services,    wonder if windows live mesh is a viable alternative ,  guess it depends on what the cost of added storage would be?   or ?   would this be a way of just keeping best photos ( i have about three so far   for years down the road,   vs a back-up drive , etc?     do they store raw files?      dave

[tcom]

I can't speak about windows mesh, I never gave it a try.

Dropbox comes, at least in the free edition, with 2GB of storage space. You can send invites to other users and if they do accept and do install the client, both you and the invited user will get another 250MB extra. You can do that upto 4GB of total storage space.

In regards of long term repository for your best photos or other important files, I would not rely on a storage service. You have no idea where these data are actually stored nor how good the backups are. I would recommend to use such storage services (especially the free ones) as a convienent way to have access to your datas from different machine, share files between friends or as a way to send a large amount of data to people, but never as long time storage.

[davidhampshire]

ok,   thanks tcom,   dominique.

[Ron Kruger]

For large files, such as to my agency and a couple of mags, I just use FTP (file transfer protocol). Very secure. Very fast. Dropbox, I believe, was designed for network sharing, such as when a number of contributors are contributing to a large project.

[Frogfish]

I also use Dropbox for some of my client companies. I've set up a folder and deposited 20 or so pdf brochures in there for anyone in those companies to set up their own dropbox and download them directly at their leisure. This works far better then email because a) I don't have to answer emails ! b) for large brochures they can upload and download in the background when bandwidth is not actively being used for other activity.

[terrytootall]

Hi all

My son (Scott) used DropBox to render about 90000 frames for a local theater production of Snoopy's Christmas. The rendering process took about 3 minutes per frame and time was of an essence (theater production was to run in 2 days - before Christmas). Scott used 2 PC's, 2 laptops, and my netbook. Scott split up the 90000 frames between the five computers, and the rendering took a whole less than doing on one computer.

The theater production went very well. Scott's part was to design the sky background with the Red Baron flying by, all from Snoopy's perspective. My wife & I saw the play and the video was choreographed perfectly to the music and actors.

I am so proud of Scott's production. Scott wants to be a 2D/3D graphic artist designer.

TTT (proud father)

PS - I gave Scott my K20 c/w 18-55 and 50-200 kit lenses. Scott takes some interesting pictures ....

Happy New year to all!

[materialsguy]

I have used DB for "work" and hobby as well.  And to transfer between Mac (iPad) and PC on an ongoing basis.  Works for me.  Set it up and forget it.

Shaun M

[qwoj]

I use dropbox for quick photo exchanges too. You don't need to give write permission to others for photographs, simply put them in the Photos folder and then extract the public URL for what you want to share. They have a nice slideshow interface too (also including the means to download the full size image).

Incidentally, right now they are beta testing new functionality for automatic uploading from cameras. Follow this link on slickdeals to see how to get an extra 5GB storage: http://slickdeals.net/f/3...opbox-online-storage-free
I just tried it and it works.

[JIMBO]

First, whne I was strolling thorugh the images I spotted Spyglasses name and thought he was back. Then I checked the date! Miss that guy. He was the heart of the forum. Drop box work so does You Sent It for large files. If I was in the business of selling my images, I may do that through my website. On some sites you can password folders or images for viewing and downm loading. Some sites restrict files sizes though so Dom may have issues with that. Cheers and someone tewll Spy to comew bakc! Earl, I think your hat finally got to him. JIMBO

[blackcloudbrew]

Clearly I'd be prepared to take the hat off if it would help his return...but by doing so, the view of me hat-less might drive away some others