iPad Air M2 Air - can I download files via USB port?

[jz0309]

I know (I think I do) that you can say connect a SD card via adapter to an iPad Pro and download files - can that be done with the latest iPad Air too?
I am considering replace my M1 MBA with 13 M2 iPad Air and this would be a rare use case for me, specifically .CR2 files from a DSLR

 

[Slartibart]

yes.

 

[jz0309]

yes.

Thank You!
Also found this:

Connect external storage devices to iPad

On iPad, use files stored on USB storage devices and SD cards.

support.apple.com

 

[Slartibart]

You can easily connect a usb-c SD card reader and for example import photos from the SD card of your Canon. If that works with e.g. Apple Photos on your Macbook it will work on the iPad.
If you plan to do a lot of copying or even syncing between your iPad and external media consider investing in FileBrowser (Pro) or FE FileExplorer on the iPad.
Additionally: depending on the workflow you have currently on your Macbook, things might actually identical. But if you, for example, do the occasional Panorama stitching using Adobe PS on your Macbook, you currently have to switch to Affinity Photo to do that. Talking Affinity products - currently available for 6 month trials and unbeatable priced when going iPad-only. 🙃

Nota bene: excellent image processing apps are available from other developer too. Personally I would get Nitro on the iPad too. YMMV of cours. 🤜🤛🤓

 

[jz0309]

You can easily connect a usb-c SD card reader and for example import photos from the SD card of your Canon. If that works with e.g. Apple Photos on your Macbook it will work on the iPad.
If you plan to do a lot of copying or even syncing between your iPad and external media consider investing in FileBrowser (Pro) or FE FileExplorer on the iPad.
Additionally: depending on the workflow you have currently on your Macbook, things might actually identical. But if you, for example, do the occasional Panorama stitching using Adobe PS on your Macbook, you currently have to switch to Affinity Photo to do that. Talking Affinity products - currently available for 6 month trials and unbeatable priced when going iPad-only. 🙃

Nota bene: excellent image processing apps are available from other developer too. Personally I would get Nitro on the iPad too. YMMV of cours. 🤜🤛🤓

Thanks for your detailed response, appreciate it.
The usage for my MBA was the occasional downloading of photos when traveling, but, in the past 3+ years I had it, I never traveled with my camera, and I’m not sure that will change much. Thus, considering the iPad capabilities for those occasions.
I have 100k or so photos on my Mac Studio and I use LRC, yes, subscription but I like it, and my MBA was covered too.
On the iPad, Photos might do as I’d only use it for maybe 100s and only while traveling, back home, they will go onto the Studio.

Now that I do know I can download the photos, I’ll have to get the iPad and then play with the various SW to see what fits best.