I will taking a TON of raw images on an upcoming trip. The availability of wifi to upload them to iCloud is uncertain. I want to use my iPad to edit on the fly but I need more storage space. Can I, with a connector that has USB 3.0 to lightning cable, use an ext HDD? Thumb or flash drives don't to have the capacity I may need.
iPad (1st generation)
Connection of external storage devices is possible - with some caveats...
To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.
If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A
Additional information can be found here:
Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support
https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad
You may find that a third-party File Manager App will provide greater flexibility in managing and transferring data/image files between your iPad and external storage. Of those available from the App Store, one App that comes readily to mind is FileBrowser Professional by Stratospherix:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029
You would be well advised to review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.
Connection of external storage devices is possible - with some caveats...
To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.
If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A
Additional information can be found here:
Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support
https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad
You may find that a third-party File Manager App will provide greater flexibility in managing and transferring data/image files between your iPad and external storage. Of those available from the App Store, one App that comes readily to mind is FileBrowser Professional by Stratospherix:
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029
You would be well advised to review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.
If connecting USB storage to an iPad that has a Lightning port, you must use the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter as previously advised:
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A
This Adapter includes the USB Controller/Root Hub required to connect USB devices - and incorporates a USB Type-A port.
If your HDD has a USB mini-B connector, you simply require a USB Type-A to USB mini-B cable to connect the HDD drive - which you likely already have.
Lotus Pilot, thank you for your help. There is one problem I did not address. The HDD I want to use has a USB A-micro B to USB connector. So, I am looking for an adapter for the micro B connection to either the upgraded USB and the adapter you mentioned, or to a lightning connection on the iPad or to a C connection I have on my camera.
Can an iPadPro(1st Gen) connect to and transfer RAW images to an ext HDD?
