I'm using an sd card, and I usually format them, unless I forgot on this one. I tried with other cards when I first got the ipad though.
The camera is a GF1.
I am using the sd connector... it has the sketch of the sd card on the connector showing the correct way to insert it.
I only shoot raw files.
Diane, They told me about an Apple store about the same distance from me. They said it's a crazy place and you might have to wait a couple of hours even if you make an appointment.
All Apple Retail Stores are busy places these days. You sometimes do have to wait even with an appointment, but most of the time they are reasonably punctual and help you within a few minutes of your appointment time.
I've transferred data from Panasonic GF1 and G1 cameras to the iPad 2 using the Camera Connection Kit and the SD card connector. I suspect an error based on SD card compatibility. What brand, model and capacity cards are you using? I use Sandisk Extreme 2G SD and Sandisk Extreme SDHC Class 10 8G and 16G cards, as well as Transcend SDHC Class 10 16G cards. They all work fine with the Camera Connection Kit.
So ... either your SD cards are incompatible, are defective, or there's a problem with the iPad's port.
You might also try testing by formatting a card and switching the camera to JPEG+raw, make a few exposures, and see if that works. (Panasonic's EXIF formatting on the G1/GF1 is a bit screwy ... I've seen issues with that when using raw-only capture before.) Otherwise, try a different brand of card.
If neither of those things work, the iPad should be brought in for a hardware and firmware diagnostic checkup.