Digital Camera Basics

There are a few differences between 35mm cameras and digital cameras. The following are a few that we discussed. Shutter delay: There are two types of delay to expect in a digital camera. The first is the delay that the camera needs to auto focus.  The second is the delay that the camera needs to analyze the image and store it on a disk. When you take a picture with a digital camera wait a second or so before you move the...

What should I back up?

Recently, you have heard me talk a great deal about flash memory drives and there usefulness for backup. One of our listeners/newsletter readers, recently asked what files are important to backup. So, tip number one in backup is to backup only those files that you create. These include but are not limited to: Financial program data (Quicken, Money, etc)  Email and other address books  Saved email messages Important...

Simple Advice to Protect Your Computer and Your Sa...

This tip, if followed, could substantially limit the number of phone calls we get on the radio show and put a dent in my computer troubleshooting and training business. I can sum up the entire tip in one phrase you have heard me utter many times on the radio show: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."   I know ain’t isn’t a word, but if AOL can say "You’ve got...

How to Format Your Hard Drive and Reinstall Window...

WARNING:  I have done my best to outline the steps in this somewhat arduous task, but undertake this procedure at your own risk. Because of the vast differences in hardware and software, I cannot possibly cover every nuance. Please use this Tip as a guide and not the end all. AND BE SURE TO BACKUP ANYTHING YOU DON"T WANT TO LOSE PRIOR TO UNDERTAKING THE TASK! Since many of the sites that I used to refer...

Saving Pictures from Email II

With scanners built into sub $100 printers and the onslaught of digital cameras, more pictures are being sent via email than ever before. Search through our archives on the most efficient ways to send your digital photos and ways to resize photos that were sent to you too large. Today’s tip, however, focuses on the recommended method of saving those precious photos from getting lost. One thing I do not recommend doing...

Keep your system running clean

It’s easy to become a digital pack rat. However, using all this space on your computer can contribute to slower performance. Here are some tips of how to keep your system clutter free. * Use the Disk Cleanup utility (Windows 98 and Me users) to delete temporary windows and Internet files. * If you use a digital camera or scanner, archive your older images on a ZIP disk or CDR (also important for backups). *...

Use Your Digital Camera to Take Inventory

Planning for a disaster seems almost pessimistic to some, but in the long run, planning for the worst can save you. I talk about backup of your important digital data all the time, and this week’s tip takes the term backup a little closer to home. One great, practical use of your digital camera is to take inventory of your personal belongings. Use your camera to photograph your heir loom china, your classic car, your...

Turn your camera flash on in the daytime and off a...

All digital cameras have an auto mode that handles everything. The user doesn’t even need to think about shutter speeds, aperture, or any other settings on the camera and that is the way the photographer often wants it. This can also lead to problems though as certain light conditions can cause the camera to misread the lighting conditions. Two examples of this are your local Christmas parade of lights and anytime you...

Print your Digital Photos with a Developer

Digital camera owners typically take three to four times as many photos than their film counterparts. And why not…there are no developing or film costs. However, the printer industry would love for you to print out all those photos you are taking. With digital, the potential savings can be huge IF you approach the printing process as I outline below: Backup all your photos to a CD (preferably make at least two backups)...

Learn to Use Your Digital Camera’s EXIF Data

In the olden days of photography, a true student of the hobby would carry a note pad and write down the shutter and film speed as well as the lens setting and information such as whether or not a flash was used. The photographer would then use this information as a reference in becoming familiar with the camera. Even with digital it is extremely important to learn how your camera reacts in various settings. Digital cameras...

Is a Cordless, Optical Mouse in Your Future?

The two most used computer peripherals we use get the least amount of respect and thought…the mouse and keyboard. In fact, many of us shop for the cheapest possible mouse or keyboard when it comes to replace our existing one. If you still use a standard, corded mouse, you might want to strongly consider spending $30-40 on a new optical or cordless, optical mouse. The primary difference between an optical and standard...

Holiday Digital Photography

Nearly one out of every four homes in the United States own at least one digital camera. Chances are you are one of those households. And if you are one of those digital camera owners, you will probably be taking a few pictures this month. Following are some tips on how to take some interesting and fun photos during the holidays. * Keep your batteries charged or have extras available. “Kodak moments”...

Digital Cameras

The Photo Marketing Association show was last week in Orlando, Florida and there were dozens of new cameras announced for the consumer level. If you have been putting off purchasing a new camera because you wanted to wait for the latest models, now is the time to consider making that purchase. This is also a great time to buy the older models at a closeout price. Here are the important features that you want to look...

Why Don’t You Picasa 2?

This week’s tip is for everyone out there that says, “I have a lot of digital photos on my computer, but I don’t know where they are.” If this sounds like you, or if you would just like a way to view all your digital photos in an easy collective interface, Picasa 2 by Google just might be for you. Picasa 2 is a FREE program that scans your computer for digital photos and arranges them by the date they...

Give Your Digital Pictures an Artistic Flair

Whether you use a digital camera, scanner, get your film developed on disk, or just collect digital photos from your friends and family via email, learning to work with and edit your photo’s with your computer is great fun. One of my favorite (and easy) tricks to do with digital photos is convert them to black and white. Black and white photos offer a unique perspective and effect to almost any photo but work...