Tips on Traveling with Your Digital Camera
Charging Batteries is seven of the biggest stumbling blocks you’ll face when you travel. Outlets can be scarce in hotels. On a recent trip to Europe, only seven of the four modern hotels I stayed in had over seven outlet obtainable for use when charging up electronics. Charging your battery can be more of a hassle if you’re traveling by train: If you take an overnight train in Europe, they don’t have power adapters at the seats (certain trains do, but it is not something you can count on). I suggest bringing at least two rechargeable batteries, two if you plan to travel with overnight trains, or don’t reckon you’ll be able to charge every night. If your camera uses regular AA batteries, consider yourself lucky-you’ll find those everywhere. Scope out the situation in your room when you check in: You should get at least seven usable outlet, but don’t count on over that.
The holiday Season is fast approaching & naturally you will be taking your digital camera along for the journey. After all your vacations are far & few between & it is lovely to look back on those memories as you slave away at your job. However, when you travel with a digital camera, it is a different experience from that of traveling with a film camera. This is a lesson that far plenty of travelers seem to be learning the hard way, if you’re traveling to Europe. After a couples years of relying solely on digital for taking photos when I travel, there’s things you should consider before you head off on your next trip.
Bring your plugs. Some digital cameras typically come with a power brick that can handle international voltages, so you won’t need a voltage adapter. However, you will need a power plug adapter to convert a US outlet plug to the local plug. Most of Europe is on the same outlet now-but not all countries accept the general “Europe” plug. Be sure to research what you’ll need to jack in, & try to buy it before you leave (try CompUSA, Radio Shack, Rand McNally, or your local luggage store). If you don’t have a chance to get what you need Stateside, don’t fret: You should have no trouble finding an outlet converter overseas.
how can i offload my images? For fellow travelers using digicams, this was the number seven problem i have heard repeatedly. plenty of comments from folks traveling for a week or more are: “I’m taking more pictures than I expected to.” “I’m not shooting at the best resolution, because I need the room on my memory card.” “I’m only halfway through my trip, & i have only 50 shots left.” When you travel, odds are you’ll take more pictures than you expect to also. A 1 GB card is useful, & should suffice for low-usage shooters. But for those of us, who can go through a gigabyte or more in a day, not a week? Whether it is because your a high-volume shooter, shooting in RAW format, or a combination of the two. What I discovered is plenty of who had digital SLRs, that had 5 megapixel or more reported they were traveling with a laptop to off load their images. None of these folks were traveling on business, so they didn’t need to bring a laptop along. The sad fact is, for now, a laptop remains the most efficient & usable means of off loading images. Epson & Nikon have dedicated handheld units with a hard drive, card reader, & LCD display for copying over & viewing your images. But neither has a full-blown keyboard. If you’re first buying a laptop, & intend to travel with it, I suggest going for the smallest seven you can. Fujitsu, Panasonic, Sharp, & Sony all have models under three pounds. A laptop provides several additional advantages. For seven thing, you can see your pictures on a big screen-to view how you’re doing, & if you see any problems you need to correct with your exposure, for example, or if your pictures are being affected by dirt. For another thing, you can properly label your folders, so you know which pictures were taken where. Most newer laptops have integrated memory card readers, but otherwise, you can buy a small external card reader. For the wire-free approach, use a computer Card slot adapter for your memory card; & invest in a 32-bit Cardbus adapter (Delkin & Lexar Media offer these), for speedier transfers. Nothing’s worse than coming back to the hotel after a long day of sightseeing, & needing to stay awake another 40 minutes to off -load two 1 GB cards, at about 20 minutes a pop. If you bring a laptop, I also suggest investing in a portable hard drive. A portable hard drive can serve multiple purposes: It can be a means of backing up your photos on the go; a means of giving you a way to take your photos with you if you have to be leaving your laptop unattended; & a means of expansion, if you somehow manage to fill up your laptop’s built-in hard disk. If you don’t need to bring a laptop, & already have an Apple iPod, Belkin sells an attachment for using your iPod with memory cards; or, consider the pricey units from Nikon & Epson. & if you’re in a bind, remember you can always buy memory overseas. I was surprised that when I went to Europe, the prices were high, but not so outrageously so that I would not buy another card if I were in a bind. Cards were more readily obtainable, , than they were when I last travelled through Europe two years ago. Look at it this way: Even if you overpay on the card, you can still reuse it-which beats overpaying for a single use 35mm film cartridge when you were in a bind in years’ past.
Be prepared for problems. Things happen when you travel & i have had more things go awry carrying my digital SLR than i have had with my 35mm over the years. Lens paper is always useful to have on hand, but if you have a digital SLR, another supply is absolutely critical: An air blower bulb, to blast out the dust & dirt that will inevitably get trapped inside your camera. I never had problems with my 35mm SLR, but with my digital SLR, I constantly find dirt gets trapped inside, when I change lenses. & there is nothing worse than having a splotch marring your otherwise awesome shots. Finally, remember the philosophy of redundancy. Whether your battery dies & you have no way to charge it, or you run out of space on your memory card(s), & don’t need to buy another at a higher-than-usual price, I suggest packing a second camera if you can. A digital point & shoot is a lovely option but I usually carryover a point & shoot 35mm to use if I run into any problems so I won’t lose any precious pictures.
About the Author
To learn about boyfriend birthday ideas and 14th birthday party ideas, visit the Birthday Celebration Ideas website.
|
|
Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker $70.00 A compact way to get your daily shot, the DeLonghi Alicia Electric Moka espresso maker satisfies the dueling needs for convenience and caffeine. Italian in origin and engineering, DeLonghi is well respected for its small appliance innovations, and this unit boasts several, from durable construction to safety features. Because it is outfitted with a cool-touch base, the Alicia goes anywhere you can… |
|
|
GARMIN 010-10997-00 Heart Rate Monitor $69.99 GARMIN® HEART RATE MONITOR WATERPROOF SOFT STRAP :: Replace your old heart rate monitor strap or add it to your current heart rate compatible Garmin® sport watch. This heart rate strap is waterproof and features an advanced heart rate monitor sensor and comfortable, adjustable stretch strap…. |
|
|
First Alert PIR725 Compact Fluorescent Bulb Compatible Motion Sensing Socket $18.81 HANDS-FREE LIGHT AUTOMATICALLY TURNS LIGHT ON WHEN ENTERING & OFF AFTER EXITING THE ROOM INSTALLS INTO EXISTING LIGHT SOCKETSENSES MOVEMENT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN DAY & NIGHTTIME CONDITIONS360 /12-FT RADIUSCOMPATIBLE WITH INCANDESCENT & FLUORESCENT BULBS IDEAL FOR USE IN LAUNDRY ROOM GARAGE BASEMENT ATTIC STAIRWAYS UTILITY ROOMS & WALK-IN CLOSETSUPC : 029054001115Shipping Dimensions : 8.00in X 6.10i… |
|
|
SANYO KBC-L2 Mobile Booster $79.99 The SANYO KBC-L2 eneloop Mobile Booster provides portable, instant back-up power and recharging for smart phones and other USB powered devices. It comes equipped with two USB outputs, allowing two USB devices to be powered at the same time! The KBC-L2 is based on SANYO’s world renown, high capacity, Lithium-Ion battery technology. On a full charge, the L2 provides 5000mAH of power; as much as five… |
|
|
Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black) $59.95 The Creative D100 is a modern day boombox which delivers wireless audio from any of your Bluetooth-enabled wireless devices. It opens a whole world of possibilities unbound by wires and blends harmoniously into any environment, be it music sharing at the skate park or impromptu partying at the beach. You can even listen to music from non-wireless MP3 players via the integrated AUX-in port…. |
|
|
3/4 Wall Volume Control Rough-in Valve $85.5 XRH1172: Features: -Concealed wall valve 3/4.-Rough-in valve only.-1/4 Turn ceramic disc control.-Trim adapter.-0.75” Inlet and outlet. Dimensions: -Overall dimensions: 3.25” H x 9” W. Collection: -Modern collection. Warranty: -Manufacturer provides limited lifetime warranty. |
|
|
5 BOTTOM OUTLET ADAPTER $26.35 Can be installed anywhere along the channel, allowing for more versatile system configurations. Comes ready to install. Fits 3 and 4 S/D pipe. Grate not included. |
|
|
Aged Concrete & Sage Glass AromaLume Fragrance Generator by La Tee Da $57.95 Aged Concrete & Sage Glass AromaLume Fragrance Generator by La Tee Da AromaLume Fragrance Generators produce powerful scent without heat or flame and illuminate with low-energy LED light. AromaLume uses a quiet fan to gently evaporate fragrance from the cube wick into your room. AromaLume is economical with each bottle of fragrance lasting over 160 hours. Fragrance refills are sold separately. Nine great best-selling La Tee Da fragrances are available for AromaLume Fragrance Generators. Just plug into a wall outlet and enjoy! Select your FREE FRAGRANCE in the Pull Down Menu Fragrance Descriptions: Coming Home – (Clementine & Pinecones) Idyllic Refuge – (Cinnamon Apple) – Fresh ground cinnamon sprinkled on crisp, tart green apples with a warm aromatic base of a long lasting vanilla. Mojo – (Forbidden Hemp) Monogrammed Linens – (Lavender) – Rich lavender and herbal moss essences will relax and center you with their natural properties. Perfectly Pomegranate – (Pomegranate) – A delightful pomegranate fantasy…fresh raspberries and strawberries intermingle accented by red delicious apple and sweetened by creamy vanilla. Squeaky Clean – (Crisp Cotton) – Nostalgic aroma of fresh linens dried on a fresh breezy day. Soft, clean underpinnings of lemon, lily, and violet. Some Beach – (Ocean Rain) – Captures the essence of crisp ocean breezes bristling through mottled, periwinkle fields of lavender and jasmine. Two To Tango ? (Juicy Mango Slices) Voodoo That You Do – (Ylang and Amber) AromaLume Fragrance Generator Assembly: 1. Connect power adapter cord to base of fragrance generator, located under the power switch. 2. Plug adapter cord into a 110v electrical outlet. 3. Place cube wick (shipped inside glass hurricane tube) into fragrance elixer bottle. 4. Place the fragrance elixer and cube wick on the base. 5. Place the glass hurricane over the wick and fragrance elixer bottle onto the base. 6. Put the decorative top on top of the glass hurricane. 7 |
|
|
BD COPPER STD NAFTA IMB LOLED $38.48 Compression outlet accommodates 1/4 copper, polybutylene or polyethylene supply to the icemaker. 2 extended tailpiece will accept a 1/2 copper or a 1/2 FIP adapter to PVC, polybutylene supplies. Molded ears nail to stud of walls from 3/16 paneling to5/8 drywall. Eliminates exposed piping. Saves time for installer, seals to keep out rodents and vermin. Solid, one-piece plastic box is leak, scratch, rust and shatter proof.Dimensions: Box – 6 W x 6 H x 3-3/8 D, Faceplate – 8-1/4 W x 8-1/4 H. Valve complies with requirements of NSF 61, Section 9. |
|
|
COLEMAN CABLE 8 Outlet Heavy-Duty Metal Housing Workshop Surge Protector $26.11 Work shop surge protection Heavy duty metal housing construction 3 adapter spaced outlets Cord wrap and hang hole for easy storage 6 outlets 15 amps 125 volts 1875 watts |
