There are many millions of consumers who do not own a digital camera. They have not yet experienced the convenience of being able to edit and print their own pictures at home. For many who are less experienced or simply less enamored with technology, the thought of having to go through the multi-step process of getting images from their camera on to the computer, edited, and then printed isn't enticing. For others it would even involve added expense to purchase a suitable computer and any editing software.
What many of these people don't realize is that printing from a digital camera can be a very simple process and does not have to involve the use of a computer at all. This can be achieved by either purchasing a digital camera and printer that are compatible or ones that have Pictbridge technology which assures compatibility regardless of brand. Either way printing without a computer can be faster, easier, and less expensive if you don't already own all of the necessary hardware. For those who do own a computer, printing without it can still be wise as valuable hard drive space can be saved to leave it out of the equation in the photo printing process.
Some printers have a card reader which allows users to insert the memory card from their digital camera directly and print pictures from there. These printers are a great tool for anyone looking for simplicity. For those who don't want to purchase a printer, a similar option is available in many drug stores via a kiosk although this does take away from the at-home convenience.
With Pictbridge technology a small cable is used to link the camera up directly to the printing device. The great part of this option is that it doesn't require much study to be sure the camera and printer will work together to produce prints.
Of course, for an increasing number of people their cell phone acts as their digital camera. For these individuals, a connection to the printer can be made through an adapter that communicates with Bluetooth. Printing then can be achieved directly without the use of the computer.
When connecting the camera, or its memory card, directly to the printer the option of editing is not lost. These printers offer simple editing functions such as adjusting contrast, and brightness as well as red-eye reduction and can be performed with the printers LCD screen much as they would on a computer.
Printing pictures from a digital camera should not be a complex or time intensive task. Removing computers from the equation simplifies the process and is easily achieved by connecting the camera or its memory card directly to an appropriate printer.
Printing From Digital Camera
Since the introduction of the digital camera, consumers have hailed the convenience and immediacy of their work. Snapping pictures and being able to view them on the camera to determine if a retake is needed, sharing them online within moments of recording images, and producing prints at home without the time involved in filling an entire roll of film, transporting them to the photo lab, and awaiting their development are among the best loved features of the digital camera.
Beyond the convenience of a such a camera however, the question of how well images printed at home would endure the years has been a significant concern. In the early years, the quality of the various types of printers, inks, and paper were much less reliable than the photographic processes used in a photo lab. Many years have passed however and progress has been made in developing more durable materials. Although only time will tell, in today's market, some printer manufacturers tout a life span of 75 to 100 years or longer for prints produced by their printers and materials.
In addition to the ongoing advancements in printer technology and paper/ink quality, home photographers can certainly do much to assure that their grandchildren will be able to enjoy the images that they record on their digital camera today through proper handling.
Materials
Do: Use of a high quality printer designed for printing the photos from a digital camera is recommended of course but quality ink and paper which complement each other helps to assure the longevity of the print that is produced. The best way to assure that the printer, paper, and ink used will work well together is to purchase them from the same manufacturer. The paper selected should be coated and designated specifically for printing photographs.
Don't: Use of some materials in framing, mounting, or matting pictures speeds the demise of the print and should be avoided. For optimum longevity, materials should pass ISO standards for being acid and lignin-free. Corrugated cardboard and PVC coverings are materials to be avoided when working with prints.
Handling
Do: When producing prints at home it is critical to assure that they dry before handling them. They may dry to the touch almost instantly, but it is advisable to allow them several hours before handling, framing, or storing them.
Don't: Prints created at home are particularly susceptible to damage from the oils in a person's skin as well as the abrasion created by touching or brushing against them, therefore minimizing how much these prints are touched can help to reduce degradation of the image.
Display
Light, humidity, contaminants in the air, and exposure to water are other factors that can significantly damage prints. Displaying unprotected, uncovered prints potentially exposes them to all of these factors which can result in an early demise for the images so lovingly captured by the camera.
Do: For display purposes it is wise to place prints in a frame with an anti-UV glass cover or to insert them into a clear protector; although polyvinyl chloride is not a recommended material.
Don't: Displaying prints where they will be directly in the sunlight promotes premature fading and placing them in environments with higher heat and humidity such as in a kitchen or bath can promote fading, blurring, and yellowing.
Storage
Do: Placing prints in an album offers a convenient method of properly storing them as well as labeling and displaying them for future enjoyment. Ideally, the album used should be acid and lignin-free, offer non-PVC page protection, and allow the user to attach prints via corners versus an adhesive.
Don't: Because of the negative effects of light, heat, humidity, and exposure to pollution and water, storage in both attics where temperatures can soar and in basements where humidity and the risk of exposure to water is greater is not recommended. Closets are a better option as it is best to store prints in a cool, dry, dark area.
The conveniences offered by a digital camera are ideal for those wanting to enjoy and share a moment via pictures. For those hoping to use their camera to provide a more lasting record, recent advancements in printing technology would seem to offer the potential of sharing memories captured today with future generations. Home photographers will simply need to use an appropriate camera, printing materials, and assure they follow a few rules when handling their prints to assure they provide a lasting impression.
Christine Peppler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Digital Camera, Entertainment Guide and Computers and The Internet. Christine Peppler, the author invites readers to visit her website, homemedias.info for more information or to shop for a. Christine Peppler's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
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