Take pictures directly from a camera into picdrop

ATTENTION

This workflow requires an FTP connection to you picdrop account. You can only use FTP connections with accounts that were created before June 2022.

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With picdrop it is possible to upload your pictures to picdrop while taking pictures or directly from the camera - without the detour via PC or other devices. This is especially practical if you are looking for speed, as in sports or event shootings, or if your client does not want to be personally present at the shooting but still wants to be there live. There are no limits to your imagination.

This article explains how to technically implement the upload to picdrop. Please note that you need a camera with FTP upload capability for this option. All major manufacturers now offer this function, but it is not installed in every model. Some models also require additional FTP devices or battery handles with built-in FTP function. Please check with your dealer, read your camera's manual or ask Google about your camera's capabilities.

Basics:

picdrop is completely folder-based. This is exactly the way you know it from the folders on your computer. You can retrieve this folder structure with picdrop in your browser or via FTP. Via exactly this FTP channel you can create folders, upload images, move them etc.... This is practical for large amounts of data or when no browser is available.

Above all, however, it is also practical, since some cameras also use this FTP interface. So you need to find out how to activate the FTP upload in your own camera and set it up for personal picdrop access. We have written down instructions for the most common manufacturers: Nikon, Canon, and Sony. In the following, you will find further tips for practical work in everyday life.

Nikon: Set up FTP upload

Connect the camera to your picdrop:

  • Open the camera settings

  • Select the Connection Wizard

  • Select FTP upload

  • Enter "PicDrop" as network profile name

  • Find the WLAN you want to use and enter the access data. Select "Automatic IP address" and click "OK".

  • Enter your FTP access data. You can find them here at any time:

    • Type: SFTP

    • Server: ftp.picdrop.com

    • User ID: Your picdrop username

    • Password: Your picdrop password

    • Port 22 for sFTP, port 21 for FTP

  • Enter the folder name in which you want the images to end up. Never select the option "Home Folder" here, because pictures in the Home Folder are completely ignored and deleted by picdrop.

  • Pictures are then automatically uploaded to picdrop

Canon: Set up FTP upload

Instructions for Canon cameras will be added shortly. But until then we recommend this very good video: (English)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/zCvPoUy8V3Y

Sony: Set up FTP upload

Our friend and professional photographer, Steffen Böttcher, describes very well (but in German!) in his blog how he uploads pictures directly from his camera to picdrop. Thanks, Steffen! An instruction from us will follow shortly.

More Tips: 

  • Find check beforehand whether there is good wifi connection at the location of your shooting and if you are allowed to use it. Your camera must always be online to upload.

  • Alternatively, set up your own wifi with your smartphone or a mobile hotspot device to be more independent of third parties. The choice of the right device and the right provider is crucial and depends on your location. Although cheaper network operators in large cities are often just as fast and good as expensive ones, in rural areas they often travel at an edge speed.

  • Book the often inexpensive "24-hour unlimited surfing" options offered by telecommunications providers during a shooting to set up a hotspot with your mobile phone and upload your pictures without a limit. Deutsche Telekom offers "unlimited data volume" for EUR 4.95 per day - a price that your clients will certainly be happy to pay for the service.