Application 1: Downloading Photographs from a Digital Camera

Application #1: Downloading Photographs from a Digital Camera

Connecting a digital camera to your new PC is extremely easy, especially if you're using Windows XP and have a relatively new camera. Most new cameras connect to a PC via either USB or FireWire, and are Plug and Play compatible. Just use the cable that came with your camera to connect the camera to one of your PC's USB or FireWire ports, as shown in Figure 12.1.

Figure 12.1. Connecting a digital camera to your PC via USB.

When you turn on your camera (and switch it to "PC" or "transfer" mode), Windows should automatically recognize your camera and install the appropriate drivers. If Windows doesn't recognize your camera, you can use the Windows Scanners and Cameras utility to install the camera on your system. Or, better yet, just run the PC setup program that came with your camera.

"Mike Sez"

If you have a choice, go with a camera that offers a FireWire or USB 2.0 connection. USB 1.1, although completely functional, is a tad slow when it comes to downloading megapixel digital photographs from your camera to your PC.

For many users, a better approach is to not connect your camera to your PC at all. Instead, you can add a memory card reader to your system (typically via USB connection) and download photos directly from your camera's memory card. This approach has the advantage of treating your memory card as another drive on your system, with the attendant ease of operation.

Here's what you need, then, to prepare your system for digital photo downloading:

Upgrade Checklist for Digital Camera Downloading

USB or FireWire connector (see Chapter 3, "Ports Ahoy: Upgrading System Inputs")

or

Memory card reader (see Chapter 4,"Bigger Is Better: Upgrading System Storage")

40GB or larger hard disk (see Chapter 4)

Digital camera