If you're out taking pictures and a problem arises, it's not always easy to fix it.However, there's a better way!As you've no doubt often heard, "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.The best policy is to always keep extra 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.In the case of running around in cold weather, digital batteries just don't last as long, so it might be better to have a couple extra batteries instead of just one.
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 had lots of wonderful pictures from my trip.I knew that card was full of memorable 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.If the computer can't read the files, you don't have any pictures.
While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.Easing this disaster is why it's smarter to have two or more smaller cards instead of one great big memory card.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.But what are your pictures worth? If you lose that one card, you've lost ALL your pictures.Be sure you don't make that mistake.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 with a lot of moisture in the air, like on the seashore or in a boat. You want to take pictures but you don’t want to ruin your camera.How can you 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.If you only need waterproof casing once in a while, you might not want to spend that much money.
For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera. If you’re traveling and don’t have a plastic bag in your camera case, grab one of those clear disposable shower caps and use it.
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 at least give you the opportunity to try for good shots.
And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?
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