Don’t Let Common Problems Ruin Your Digital Photogaphy
Posted on October 21, 2008
Filed Under Camera Problems, Canon Problems | Leave a Comment
Coming up with solutions for problems while out taking pictures isn’t always possible. There’s a better way however!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.Planning ahead, however, would prevent many of the common problems photographers have when out taking pictures.
Dead Batteries
There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.To avoid the problem, always keep extra batteries in your camera case.Makes no difference if you use rechargeable or regular batteries, you need 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’d filled that card with loads of pictures from a memorable trip.
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 files were corrupted as the memory card was bad.With no way to retrieve the files, all those great pictures went up in a puff of electronic smoke.
While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.When that card goes bad and ALL your pictures are on it, that’s when it would have been better to have two or more smaller cards instead of just one big one.If you’re thinking of buying a 2-GB card, for example, get a couple of 1-GB cards instead.
Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.You can lose every picture if you only have one card.Be smart.Saving PART of your pictures is better than losing ALL 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.Picture taking is on your mind, but you don’t want to ruin your camera in the process.What can you do to keep your 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.You might not want to spend that much money if you only need to keep your camera dry occasionally.
For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.If you’re on the road and forgot to tuck a plastic bag in your camera case, look in your motel room for one of those disposable clear plastic shower caps.
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.A dry camera, charged batteries and extra memory cards will insure your chance to take lots of pictures.
And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?
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