Digital Photo Tips by Duane Brovan

Accessories for the Digital Photographer!

To get the most from your digital camera there are some important accessories one should have. These accessories are a Camera Bag, Spare Set of Batteries, Extra Memory Card, and a Card Reader.

Camera Bag:

The camera bag will be your center for all your digital camera needs, unlike film cameras, digital cameras require many accessories. The bag should be padded, water resistant and have plenty of storage compartments. The camera should fit snuggly to prevent it from being tossed around inside the bag. The storage compartments should have room for batteries, memory cards, card reader, cables and lens cleaning cloth. Because there are so many styles and designs of camera bags one has to see and feel them and make sure our camera fits in the bag and it fits your life style. Most camera bags can be small and still fulfill the above needs. Some local places you can find camera bags are Crown Camera, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.

 Spare Set of Batteries:

Digital cameras use a lot of power and can wear down batteries relatively fast. Thus, there is a need to use rechargeable batteries, and carry a spare set. Some cameras take AA size batteries and others take a specific style (usually specific to the brand of camera: i.e. Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.). Most digital cameras came with a battery charger, if not you will needed a specific charger for your style battery (check your owners’ manual). (look for a future tip article just on batteries)

 Extra Memory Card:

Digital cameras record their photo information onto a memory card. This is kind of like film, except you can use it over and over again. It is easy sometimes to fill up your memory card, so an extra memory card can be very helpful. Very rarely a memory card goes bad and having a back up can save the day. (Memory cards where discussed in the last issue “Digital Tip #3”).

 Card Reader:

A Card Reader plugs into you computer. You then put your memory card into the Reader and download your photos into your computer. There are many Memory Card Readers and Reader-Recorders CD-R. (see “Digital Tip #1). USB card readers are fast, the faster the better. Although you can download photos straight from your camera to the computer, it is easier and doesn’t use camera batteries to download your photos using a Card Reader. Most Card Readers have a much higher transfer rate then your camera, especially in cameras priced under $600. Get a USB 2 Reader because they are much faster then the USB 1 Reader and the USB 2 is downward compatible. Most computers purchased within the last year all come with USB 2 connections, and even if they don’t you have the ability to later upgrade your computer and then your USB2 will zip through your downloads.

Although all these accessories might seem overwhelming at first with a little practice and some good competent instruction you will be having a great time capturing life’s great moments. Once you learn the more you use your digital camera the cheaper your photos vs. film and each time you take a photo you won’t see money floating out of your pocket. Before you just go out to local stores to purchase the above accessories check reputable On-line stores (i.e. B&H Photo, Adorama, CameraWorld, etc.), you then know if the item on the shelf is priced right or over priced (always include shipping costs when comparing prices)!

For more information on Accessories go to web link: www.duanebrovan.com/digitaltips
Duane is available for digital photo consultations and tutoring:
Call 474-4041
Email: Duane@DuaneBrovan.com
Visit: www.duanebrovan.com/digitaltips