The iPod Camera Connector is Apple's official camera connector accessory for the iPod that allows you to transfer images directly from a supported camera to your iPod.
 Image of an iPod Camera Connector | |
| Developer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Release date | March 21st, 2005 |
| Introductory price | $29 USD |
| Discontinued | March 27th, 2010 |
Usage Notes
Upon plugging in this accessory into a compatible iPod, a menu prompt the end user requesting to read and import the files off the connected camera. The interface allows deleting photos from the camera once the import is complete. RAW images partially supported, as they will transfer but not display on the iPod. This same applies to videos.
iPod Camera Connector draws power from the iPod itself than having its external battery. The device does not need charging but comes with the downside of draining the iPod’s battery when transferring (battery drain is expected because of the hard drive reading and writing to the platter during the transfer).
The iPod creates thumbnail versions of every image, thus taking up more space than just the images. So, the last space taken up after transfer is going to be slightly larger than the file size of the images alone.
For the iPod Photo, firmware version 1.1 is required for device compatibility. Any version for the iPod Video is compatible.
iPod Compatibility
- iPod Photo (4th gen color)
- iPod Video (5/5.5 generation iPod)
Note: The iPod Nano, the iPod Mini, the iPod (1-4G monochrome), the iPod Classic (6-7G), and the iPod Touch do not support the Camera Connector
Camera Compatibility
The iPod Camera Connector supports most cameras that support either PTP, Type 4 (or Normal), or Mass Storage protocols.
- Archive.org Link to Apple's supported devices list (now legacy cameras): https://web.archive.org/web/20060816165932/http://www.apple.com:80/ipod/compatibility/cameraconnector.html
- Archive.org Link to Apple's supported devices guide: https://web.archive.org/web/20090623235734/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2211?viewlocale=en_US
Images
Image of iPod Camera Connector in use with an iPod Video
iPod Camera Connector Box
Image of menu when transferring images to an iPod Photo
Resources
Apple's Resources
Archived Apple support page on how to use the iPod Camera Connector: https://web.archive.org/web/20090706200653/http://support.apple.com/kb/TA38187?viewlocale=en_US
Archived Apple Store page of the iPod Camera Connector: https://web.archive.org/web/20050414084157/http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=M9861G/A
3rd Party Reviews
iLounge Review of iPod Camera Connector (offers many good images): https://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/apple-ipod-camera-connector-ipod
Cnet Review of the iPod Camera Connector: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-ipod-camera-connector-review/
MacWorld Review of the iPod Camera Connector: https://www.macworld.com/article/1044013/ipodcamconnect.html
The New York Times article on the iPod Camera Connector: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/31/technology/circuits/cable-lets-the-ipod-photo-link-directly-to-a-camera.html
MacWorld Article on what camera connectors were available in the market: https://www.macworld.com/article/1051821/camcondearth.html
Other Links
Apple Wiki page on the iPod Camera Connector: https://apple.fandom.com/wiki/IPod_Camera_Connector