OTHER PREPARATIONS FOR GETTING THERE

(ALL THE SUPPORT ITEMS YOU MAY NEED FOR YOUR TRIP)

Photography's transformation from film to digital also brings a change of habits. No longer do you need to search for just the right film and have to deal with the extra bulk, temperature sensitivity, and expirations that film had.

Instead, you will shop for memory that comes with different record speeds and, of course, overall capacity. Will you be taking many pictures in rapid succession like on a safari or sporting event, where you need to spend more on faster cards?

How about capacity? Since memory cards are so small and easy to lose, is it better to get large capacity cards to reduce the number of cards you have to keep track of, or do you spread the "risk" around by not having too many shots on any one card?

Better yet, why not periodically download your photos to an online backup service so you don't have to worry about losing ANY cards!

MEMORY CARDS /  BACKUP

Memory Cards 

While they are so much more convenient than dealing with film, here are a few tips in dealing with them.

• Easy to lose - Since a memory card is so much smaller than a film cannister, they are very easy to misplace.

In a pinch, a ziploc bag can serve to hold your memory cards or, for something sturdier and more organized:

A large bag is a good way to keep all accessories to your camera together; keeping the manual with them is even better because you will be consulting that manual often.

Have a surplus - It never hurts to have too much memory with you, especially when overseas where it is much more expensive, if you can find it (especially in remote areas). Save yourself a headache by investing in several more cards than you expect to need; you will always use them and don't have to worry about them expiring, like film.

• Number your memory cards and use them in order. Include a small slip of paper with something to identify what is on each card. If you take a lot of pictures, the numbering helps you to not lose a card; you won't always remember how many cards you own after a while.

 

For the point-and-shoot digital cameras that use SD cards:
(remember, more is always better)

SD Card

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Compact Flash memory for a digital SLR:

Compact Flash

 

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Digital Camera Memory Cards at Amazon

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Downloading Image Files

Speaking of accessories, a hint regarding the downloading of your image files to your computer: I learned at a recent Nikon School that it is best to get a high speed card reader to download your photos directly from memory card to computer rather than from your camera to computer. Apparently, if your download should get interrupted, like from a low camera battery, the interruption of the download could harm your memory card. (Nikon School is a great 1-2 day investment in photographic education!)

 

Backup Storage Drives

Portable Hard Drive
- Most Popular

 

 "Another great invention from SanDisk, the microSD is about a quarter of the size of an SD card and is the newest standard of SD flash memory specifically designed for use with ultra-small mobile phones and other devices. Like the miniSD, the microSD is ideal for use in storing media-rich files such as music, videos, and photographs in compatible mobile phones" (from Buy.com):

Online Backup Services:

Online Backup Software

 

A valuable service for serious photographers who need:

• additional memory - ran out of memory cards for their camera and are in a part of the world where new cards are either too expensive or not available or
• backup capability - and don't have a way to back up valuable images in case of loss of memory cards or simply for peace of mind as cheap 'insurance'.

 

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