It takes a bit of work to get our attention on the Pro-Digital blog.  There’re a boatload of products out there that are, well, to be kind, less than professional-grade.  The Eye-Fi Wifi card is something that, at first glance, seems a little gimmicky, but when you take a good look at it, it’s actually quite remarkable, and a potentially powerful tool for the working pro.

It is, pure and simple, a memory card with either 2 or 4GB of on-camera storage.  It also has a WiFi transmitter that allows you to move files to a workstation, wirelessly. 

What’s not to like here?  First, on set, there’s one wire we can leave at home.  Actually, one complete setup- card reader, network configuration, whatever your preferred method of transferring files to the computer is.  The second key part of this is backup.  The card moves the files to the workstation, yes, but it also keeps a copy of the files in the camera.  Any little blips in the network that corrupt files, and you have your originals on the card. 

This seems like a perfect method for shooters who like to ramble about the set untethered (…see our Shoot Diary with Bill Gallery for an example of that.) You can feed the transferred files to the software of choice once they’re on the system.  File verification can be done as the photographer shoots, and really, once the files are verified on the workstation and backed up, the card can be cleared and shot over- limiting your card inventory requirements. 

The non-Pro versions need a wireless router to work, the Pro version will shoot right to your WiFi enabled workstation.

Take a look at the Pro version features:
    * 4GB memory capacity that stores photos and videos just like your existing SDHC card.
    * The freedom to upload anywhere. You can choose to upload through Wi-Fi networks, HotSpots, or to set up an Ad Hoc connection to send photos and videos to your laptop anywhere your camera takes you.
    * RAW power. Wirelessly upload RAW photos to any folder on your computer to streamline your workflow.
    * Share only the best. With the Selective Transfer option, you control what uploads from your camera. Simply use the ‘lock’ or ‘protect’ function on your camera to transfer only the selected photos and videos.
    * Automatic geotagging. Took a great trip to France, but don’t remember where half the photos were taken? With the Eye-Fi Pro’s lifetime automatic Geotagging service, photos and videos are automatically marked with location information, which makes it a breeze to organize your memories now and find those photos later – without any extra effort!
    * Works in hundreds of cameras. Check to see if yours is supported, here.
     * Convenience at the tip of your fingers. You can choose any folder on your computer, (or iPhoto for Mac users) and can change to a different folder anytime.
    * Choose where you want to share. Send your photos and videos to one of over 25 popular sharing, printing, blogging and networking websites. Click here for a complete list that includes Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, SmugMug, Kodak Gallery, Evernote and more.
    * Stay in the loop. Get notified when your photos and videos are uploaded online by text message, email or Twitter.
    * Get started in just minutes. Just set it up, pop it into your SD compatible camera, and enjoy seeing your photos fly into your computer.

Check back, we’re going to get hold of one of these babies and run it through our usual paces, but for more information, the main Eye-Fi site is here, the Pro version site is here.