Keep Your Digital Camera Up And Running

Problems that occur when you’re out taking pictures aren’t always easy to solve.Don’t get in that predicament!As the saying goes, “The best defense is a good offense.”  And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.

 

That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable.Many common problems photographers have out in the field, however, could be avoided with just a little planning.

 

Dead Batteries

 

There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.Don’t let dead batteries be a problem. The solution is to always keep spare batteries in your camera case.It’s not an issue of whether you use regular or rechargeable batteries, it’s a matter of needing to always keep at least one spare.. 

 

Also, bear in mind that if you’re outside shooting in cold weather, your batteries will die a lot quicker.If you like taking pictures outside in snow, a couple of extra batteries might be wise instead of just one. Digital batteries just don’t last as long when it’s cold.

 

Yes, batteries are expensive, but it’s worth the spending a little extra money to keep from beating your head against the wall because a dead battery made you miss that once in a lifetime shot. 

 

 

When Cards Go Bad

 

A while back I went on vacation and took all my pictures on one card.I thought I’d have some great pictures.I knew that card was jam packed with great pictures. 

 

The scenery was indeed breathtaking, but what really took my breath away was when I tried to load the pictures onto my computer and got one of those dreaded “ERROR” messages.The card wasn’t any good and all the files were corrupted.Since there was no way to access the pictures, I might as well have never taken them.

 

While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.That’s when you wish you had a couple of smaller cards instead of just one huge card for your digital camera.Get a couple of 1-GB cards, for example, instead of buying a 2-GB card. 

 

Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.But losing that one card would mean losing every one of your pictures.Don’t rely on one card and regret it later.  It’s better to have part of your pictures than none of your pictures. 

 

Remember, two cards are better than one.

 

 

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

 

The weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just like pictures of rain.Maybe you’re somewhere else, like at the seashore or on a boat, where there’s a lot of moisture in the air.  You want to take pictures but you don’t want to ruin your camera.What does a photographer do to keep a camera dry?

 

Well, you can buy protective gear to keep in your camera case for such times.  Places like B & H Photo or Calumet Photographic stores carry waterproof cases.If you only have the rare run in with a wet environment, you might not want to spend that much money on waterproof casing however.

 

For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.Forgot to put a plastic bag in your camera case? If you’re traveling, try looking in your motel room for a clear disposable shower cap to use.

 

Planning Ahead Saves Your Sanity

 

If planning ahead doesn’t save your sanity, it will at least improve your chances for good pictures with your digital camera.The best chance for good pictures is keeping your camera dry, the batteries charged and extra memory cards on hand.

 

And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?