Can I transfer and store video on an I pad from an SD card or a Sony SD camera?

I have recently purchase a Sony Camera that store on to an SD card. I would like to buy an I pad and store the information on the ipad whilst travelling. I am advised by the local Apple store that this is only possible if there is a computer used as the interface. This is obviously not practical for travel and I cant beleive that this is the case. Does anybody have a solution?