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Trail Camera Card Readers for iPad (Guide)
In this article I take a look at 4 trail camera SD card readers for iPads. The readers will also work with any iOS device with a lightning or USB-C port.
If you are not sure which type of port your iPad uses, I have included a comprehensive table at the bottom of the article as a quick reference guide.
The first 3 card readers in this review will work for iPads with lightning ports.
The Boneview and Campark reader do have a USB-C interface. I would suggest you take a look at the Sandisk reader if you have a 2018 model iPad Pro or later.
The reason for this is down to far greater read rates on the Sandisk compared to the other 2 readers with USB-C interfaces.
A final note, is to remember iOS devices will not import AVI video files. Some older trail cameras record using the AVI file format. In this case you will only be able to import still pictures recorded on the trail camera.
Let’s now take a look at these 4 SD card readers for iPads and other iOS devices.
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Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mospro Trail Camera Viewer SD Card Reader
This little card reader from Mospro is a 4 in 1 dedicated card reader for trail cameras. It comes in both black and camo colors.
The reader has 2 card slots, one for the standard size SD memory cards. The second card slot is for TF (micro-SD) cards, which is neat as you don’t need a micro to standard SD card adapter.
The Y-section end of the reader has both a lightning, plus a USB C connector for iPad and iPhone devices. The USB C connector will work with iPad Pro version 2018 onwards and the lightning connector with iPad fourth generation onwards.
At the other end of the connector you have a USB and Micro USB interface. These can be used with a MAC or PC computers, plus android devices too.
Free downloadable app
Using the reader is just a matter of plug and play. Well almost, you’’l need to download the free i-FlashDevice from the Apple App store.
The i-FlashDevice app is compatible with iOS version 8 or later. This means it will run on any iPad generation 4 or later which includes all iPad Air models.
Final thoughts
Overall, this reader from Mospro works well on any iOS device with a lightning port. The read speed when using the USB C with an iPad PRO is quite slow.
I’d suggest using the Sandisk card reader if you’re lucky enough to be using a 2018 or later iPad Pro, which I give an overview of later in this article.
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BoneView SD Card Reader
Unlike the Mospro we looked at earlier, this reader from Boneview only has a lightning connector for iPhones and iPads, plus a USB connector for computers.
Boneview as a company really has the trail camera user in mind. They also make shockproof memory card holders, scent eliminators and electric hand warmers to name a few.
Their customer service is also renowned to be very good if you do need to call on them.
This reader comes in bright orange only which is great if you do happen to drop it when out on site amongst the grass.
There is only one card slot, which accepts the standard size SD card only, so for TF (micro-SD) card users you’ll need an SD card adapter to read the smaller cards.
Download the free proprietary Boneview app from the Apple App Store and you’re good to go.
Instantly start by browsing photos or even trail camera videos in full screen or thumbnail mode. This allows you to quickly manage your trail cam images in the field.
Final thoughts
If you have an iPad with a lightning port then the Boneview makes a lot of sense. Transfer speeds are quick and the app works very smoothly in practice.
If you do run into problems, which is unlikely, the customer service from Boneview is very efficient in sorting out any problems, which gives you peace of mind.
Last update on 2024-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Campark 4 in 1 SD Card Reader
This 4 in 1 card reader from Campark is not quite as ergonomic in design as the Mospro’s 4 in 1 reader it has to be said. But what it lacks in design finesse it makes up for in performance.
If you’re not familiar with the name Campark then take a look at some of my Campark trail camera reviews. The company has built a reputation for providing quality trail cameras that don’t cost a fortune.
The 4 connectors include USB, micro USB, USB -C, plus a lightning connector for iPads. The reason this reader has 4 “branches” is due to the USB connector being a solid type, unlike the Mospro which you can flip open to reveal the micro USB connection. Hence the rather clumsy design on the Campark.
There are 2 dedicated SD card slots for both standard SD and micro SD cards. Which is handy for those with multiple sizes of cards from various trail camera models.
Your iPad will need to have the free i-FlashDevice downloaded and installed from the Apple App store prior to using the reader. Alos make sure the app is running first before you plug the reader into your iPad.
Final Thoughts
The data transfer rates with the Campark 4 in 1 reader are about as quick as a lightning connector will allow. Expect to see just under 6 mbps when transferring files from SD card to iPad.
If you have an iPad Pro with a USB-C port, I would suggest using a Sandisk card reader instead, as you’ll see far greater transfer data speeds from the Sandisk reader.
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SanDisk Extreme PRO Reader
I’ve been buying Sandisk SD cards for years, overall they over the best value for money along with reliability in my view.
When I switched to an iPad Pro 2018, I did my research to find the best SD card reader for my trail cameras and GoPro camera. This Sandisk reader was the best option available and I wasn’t disappointed.
The read speed is super fast at 500 Megabytes per second, in practice I’d say that’s pretty accurate.
This reader transfers a 30 second video clip recorded on either my Campark or Browning trail camera in a fraction of a second.
There’s no fancy app to use with this reader. All you do is use Apples Photos App and tap on import at the bottom right of your iPad screen.
That’s all there is to this reader from Sandisk, fast, efficient and simple to use.
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
iPad Devices using Lightning connectors
- iPad Air
- iPad Air 2
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad (4th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad Mini (1st generation)
- iPad Mini 2
- iPad Mini 3
- iPad Mini 4
- iPad Mini (5th generation)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch, 10.5 inch and 12.9-inch models)
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