How to Transfer Photos from Camera to Tablet

One of the best things about living in a technological world is connectivity. However, transferring data from one device to another is not always a simple process. That’s especially true of moving camera photos to a tablet. Luckily, once you know the steps, it’s much easier than it first seems.

I’m a writer and tech enthusiast who has spent most of his life working with all types of electronic equipment. That includes cameras and tablets. Not only do I have first-hand experience, but I also conducted extra research to cover the processes in this guide.

Throughout the following sections, I will go over the different ways to move photos from any camera to any tablet by breaking down each step to help you the process.

Let’s see how they work below.

Things to Prepare

Though it can seem daunting, transferring photos is a relatively easy thing to do. All you need to get started is your camera that has the photos on it, the tablet you want to move the pictures to, and the necessary cable or Wi-Fi setup needed for the process you wish to use.

Depending on your method, you may also need a computer. That comes down to if you’re able to transfer the pictures at home, or if you need to move them while on the go.

How to Transfer Photos from Camera to Tablet (USB/Computer)

The simplest way to move photos from your camera to a tablet is through a USB cord on your home computer. If you’re at home and have the luxury of extra time, this method is quick, painless, and relatively simple.

• Step 1: Connect your camera to your computer through whatever connection it uses (typically a USB cable).
• Step 2: Locate your camera’s DCIM folder on your computer.
• Step 3: Copy and save the pictures to your computer.
• Step 4: Plug in your tablet to the computer.
• Step 5: Simply drag the saved photos from your desktop onto your tablet.

How to Transfer Photos from Camera to Tablet (SD Card)

If you want a specific method to transfer pictures through your computer that doesn’t involve using a traditional USB cord, you can always go with an SD card. This method isn’t as straightforward but is still easy if you have the right tools.

• Step 1: Plug your camera into your computer and transfer the photos off the device onto your hard drive. It helps to put them all into one folder.
• Step 2: Get an SD card reader and plug it into your computer.
• Step 3: Take your tablet’s SD card and put it into the reader.
• Step 4: Move the photos from where they are on your computer to the SD card. Dragging is the easiest, but you can also copy and paste by “Ctrl” and “A” to select them, “Ctrl” and “C” to copy them, and “Ctrl” and “V” to paste them where you need them to go.

How to Transfer Photos from Camera to Tablet (USB OTG)

Another method that works quite well is moving pictures from your camera to your tablet through USB OTG. This works well if you have an Android device.

• Step 1: Install the CR2-Thumbnailer app directly onto your device from the Play Store.
• Step 2: Link up both your tablet and camera to the different ports of the OTG. You will also need a USB cable for this process to work.
• Step 3: Wait for the Thumbnailer app to detect the connection and start its process.
• Step 4: Press the blue camera icon on the phone and locate the folder that holds all of the images. 
• Step 5: Select the ones you want, then tap the menu button and choose the “save” option.

How to Transfer Photos from Camera to Tablet (iPad)

If you’re someone who owns an iPad, Apple also makes it easy to transfer photos from your camera to the tablet. This is done through the Photos app and creates a streamlined process that any iOS user will appreciate.

• Step 1: Get a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, USB-C to SD Card Camera Reader, or Lighting to SD Card Camera Reader. The one you pick depends on what camera and iPad model you own.
• Step 2: Connect your camera adapter or reader to the Lightning or USB-C connector on the iPad. 
• Step 3: Either connect a camera through its USB camera to the adapter or put an SD card into the reader. If you connect a camera, turn it on and put it into transfer mode.
• Step 4: Open Photos on your iPad and tap import.
• Step 5: Choose the photos you want to import and select the destination.

Extra Accessories

No matter what method you use, always note that some tablets (such as an iPad) require extra accessories in order to conduct a proper photo transfer. That’s especially true if the model doesn’t have a USB port of the SD slot.

You can always get unique adapters that plug into the main connection jack or special connection kits to work with different models. There is also a wide range of third-party adapters that you can use as well.

Just be aware that not every tablet works with every adapter. Know what you need ahead of time and then purchase accordingly.

Final Words

Getting photos off of your camera and onto your tablet is much simpler than many people first assume. There are a few ways to make it happen, and all of them are easy to carry out once you know the different steps.

What type of camera and tablet do you have? What pictures do you like to take? Let us know in the comments below!