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iPad camera kit error "device uses too much power"

Got the camera kit....when I attach it I get an error that says the device uses too much power. I've shut down and restarted the iPad several times and still get the same error. Anyone know what I can do?

Ipad, Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Jun 12, 2010 1:47 PM

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50 replies

Jun 12, 2010 2:56 PM in response to kickinback

The USB version of the camera kit was made to connect a camera to the iPad to transfer files. I have read that some people have gotten external drives to work also, but if that is what you are trying and the external drive requires too much power - VOILA - you will get the response you are seeing.
Have not heard of any cameras being attached and getting that response.

Jun 14, 2010 12:07 PM in response to kickinback

Kickin,
Is there a setting on the camera so that the device/computer you are attaching it recognizes it as a disk drive?
I don't have any Samsung cameras, but I know that when attaching any of my Olympus camera to my Windows computer, the USB setting has to be either on AUTO or STORAGE, otherwise the computer will not recognise it as a camera. Perhaps that is what is causing the problem?

Jun 14, 2010 12:49 PM in response to swandy

I have a camera that uses compact flash cards therefore I have been experimenting with card readers to avoid draining the camera battery when downloading the images to the iPad.
I have been using the USB part of the camera connection kit with a multi card reader, at first I could not get anything to work, I thought ' the not enough power reason, I sorted out a powered USB hub to try, again no good, I disconnected everything and thought one last try, I put the card in the reader, connected the USB cable to the USB part of the camera connection kit and finally inserted the whole lot into the iPad, to my surprise the light on the card reader came on and a few seconds later 70 nef files were previewed on the screen.
I repeated the above several times with the same results, I then tried two other card readers again OK, but if I just removed the card and then re inserted it nothing happened, these card readers are no name supermarket specials.
I may have been lucky but I will continue to try my method and see if it holds up to regular use, so make the physical connection to the iPad the last part of the connection process, I hope this is of some help to others.

Nov 30, 2010 3:51 PM in response to kickinback

My Samsung CL65 won't work with the connector unless I take the card out of it and plug it into an adapter....Annoying to pay that much for the darn kit and still have to mess with adapters and such.
Oh--my camera is fully-charged when I try to connect it. I always get the message device uses too much power.

Message was edited by: Nicalaine

Dec 8, 2010 2:38 AM in response to BevL

I had iOS 3.2.2 when I got my iPad, and I plugged in my USB card reader with great success, no problems at all.

Now, I've upgraded to IOS 4.2.1 and I get exactly this error.

I think apple have changed the acceptable current settings for USB connections down from whatever they were in iOS 3.2.x in order to save on battery drain, especially for use by photographers out inn the field using the iPad as a backup device.

I think Apple should allow the user to have free choice here, and set whether or not they want. The USB to be able to power unpowered devices of relatively low current drain like USB card readers, or just use a low current mode for powered USB equipment.

Dec 9, 2010 5:49 AM in response to Alxlr8

I have just been given an iPAD (iOS 4.2)for my birthday. I love it but....
I bought a USB/SD card reader. The USB connection works fine with my camera but the SD card reader causes the error message "device uses too much power". I am amazed that they should change their software so that their own accessories don't work. I understand other pluggables have the same issue. I cannot find any solution from Apple. Have they responded to this issue?

Dec 28, 2010 12:56 PM in response to Alxlr8

I have had the exact same experience. After updating to current iOS the same keyboard which worked fine now gives this error message. I agree that Apple should have a hands off policy on these restrictions unless they will in fact harm the device. I am reviewing the iPad for my company and having to change my review and/or suggestions for corporate use every time there is an iOS update does not look good for a product to gain corporate support. If apple wants the iPad to remain a consumer product fine but I see so many more uses for it in the corporate world. For the record I am a long time Mac user and supporter...

Dec 28, 2010 4:12 PM in response to kickinback

I also have the same problem when using the camera connection kit to transfer photos from my Mophie (battery case) enclosed iPhone. It's a bit frustrating that the provided cable by an authorized developer that carries the "Works with iPhone" logo doesn't work with the iPad. Let me be clear, my iPhone (3GS) transfers photos fine to the iPad (neat feature) when it is NOT in the Mophie battery case. At all other times when syncing with iTunes or iPhoto to my iMac the provided Mophie cable works fine. Must remember to take two cables with me when traveling. Oh well I take everything now so this isn't a big deal.

Dec 29, 2010 12:41 PM in response to Alxlr8

Hi -- I am having the same experience that Alxir8 had. Since the iPad first came out, I have plugged a simple, non-powered compact flash reader into the iPad USB adapter. Has always worked fine, until upgrade to IOS 4.2.1 - Now I get the same "Device uses too much power" error. Unfortunate as I have found the iPad easy to bring along in my camera bag and use it to review images (This is with high end pro-camera, so much be compact flash.) Will try to plug cameras adapter kit via USB into the pro-camera and see if that will work, though this of course is not as good a solution as directly reading a card. Using the card approach allows one to keep shooting while assistant loads iPad. Or to just take the card and iPad and leave the big camera behind. Hope Apple will either fix this issue, or release a compact flash reader. - Peter

iPad camera kit error "device uses too much power"

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