I'm a little confused about the various Lightning adapters (this is for a 1st generation iPad Mini)....
I'd like to attach it to an audio interface via USB and have read that I need to get Apple's "Camera connection kit" but there are numerous similar adapters. What are they for and what are their differences?
- Lightning to SD camera adapter
- Lightning to USB 3 camera adapter
- Lightning to USB camera adapter
I suppose the first one is just for reading SD memory cards and not for attaching to USB devices, but why two USB adapters?
And is there a good reason to get the (rather pricey) Apple adapter instead of a "compatible" one at eBay or other places?
Yep, the first one is only for SD cards; you will see only a SD card slot there
As for why there are two USB adapters, there are several reasons:
1. Historical: The USB one (the third one you mentioned) came first along with the SD one. The USB 3 adapter (the second one you mentioned) came much later, it came with the launch of the iPad Pro which is the first iOS device to have the internal circuitry to
fully handle such USB 3 peripherals.
2. Compatibility: As explained above, only certain iPad Pros (1st or 2nd Gen 12.9 inch, 10.5 inch) can make full use of the USB 3 adapter. Other iOS devices can only use it at USB 2 speeds or not even at all depending on iOS version. On the other hand, the USB adapter is usable by almost all iOS devices and on more iOS versions. Just that you will get only USB 2 speeds.
3. Electrical Power/Charging Capability: The USB 3 adapter has an additional Lightning port that allows you to charge (or quick charge depending on charger and iOS device) your iOS device and use the attached USB device at the same time. This also powers your USB device, meaning you do not need an externally powered USB hub anymore to overcome that "device uses too much power" error. The normal USB adapter does not allow any of this.
4. Price: The USB 3 adapter costs more than the USB adapter due to these reasons. Decide accordingly and buy the right one to ensure proper usage of your money
As for eBay vs Apple:
1. Reliability: You do not know how exactly reliable those are. You can get lucky, or get very unlucky like me. I got some of those before getting Apple's. All of them broke down literally; the Lightning connector just broke off from the adapter! It even got stuck in my iPad; had to use pliers to gently remove that.
2. Returnability: If you are situated close to an Apple Store, just check with them on their return policy! Mine allows any returns (as long reasonable of course; i.e. the item is not willfully damaged, in original packaging) within 14 calendar days, no questions asked. For eBay's however it is up to the seller's discretion usually. Sure, eBay has their return policies too but if I have to choose based on this, I'll go with Apple based on my past experiences.
Based on your needs, I think the USB one is the correct one since it is more compatible with your 1st gen iPad Mini and most probably it is on an older iOS which may not support the newer USB 3 adapter. Audio interfaces do not need USB 3 speeds usually (and some even have compatibility issues with USB 3 ports on computers, but this is another story for another thread).
That said, check with your Apple store nearby or online if too far. I see that you are situated in Norway so this should not be much of a problem? If the return policy is like what I mentioned, get both versions, test both out and return the unsuitable one!
Hope this helps!
