The Image Tank - the name couldn’t be more apt; a hard disk based compact portable storage device for digital photographers. But just how good is it?Image Tank in pictures:Back to the main review page - click here The Image Tank unit is relatively compact, with slots for SmartMedia and Compact Flash (Types I&II, including IBM Microdrives). The large connector on the side is for the non-standard USB cable (modified to a standard cable since this review).Viewed from above, you can see the simple LCD display and control panel. The centre of the three green switches is simply the on/off button. To start a card download you press either the SmartMedia button on the left or the CF button on the right. The Image Tank is compatible with CF adapters for other card types, like Sony Memory Stick and SD/MMC. A segmented bar graph along the bottom of the LCD shows the progress of the download.The finish of the Image Tank was not thought to be very resistant to wear and tear and so the optional protective case is recommended. A case is also available for the external battery option.This view shows the non-standard USB cable. Lose it and you could be in trouble until you obtain a replacement (modified to a standard cable since this review).It’s a real shame the battery could not have been found a home inside the Image Tank. We suspect most users would opt for the battery and its external nature is not ideal with its long coiled power lead. But at least it can, according to the makers, double as a camera power supply. A mains AC power adapter is supplied as standard, while the Hipower 2000 battery pack includes a mains and cigarette lighter adapter.The Image Tank is a simple product that does the job without fuss or flourish. Its build quality rather betrays its Far Easter origins, it could be faster in use, the battery pack would be much better as a built in device and we wish the card slots would work as card readers when the unit is attached to a host PC. But the Image Tank does offer reasonably good value for money, especially if you fit your own hard drive.Back to the main review page - click here
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