Preserving Your Digital Images

The majority of digital cameras use small, removable memory cards to save the images they capture. Today, the most commonly used are Secure Device cards (also known as SD cards). Some options require a separate transmission device be used to transmit the card’s image content to a computer hard drive, serving as a sort of bridge between the small card and the computer. The SD card can also be directly inserted into the computer in most cases, by means of a designated port.

While the majority of compact memory cards are all fairly similar in size, they vary in terms of storage capacity, ranging anywhere from 2GB (gigabytes) to 32GB or more. Popular memory card brands include SanDisk, Lexar, PNY, and Panasonic. Cards of various storage capacities are available in-store or online at most major electronics retailers including Best Buy, Staples, RadioShack, and even Amazon.com.

Although some memory cards are capable of storing large amounts of data, in order to avoid losing your images by means of accidental deletion or unexpected malfunctions, it is best to occasionally transfer memory card content to a more secure device (like a computer hard drive, for instance). Images captured using a digital camera can be uploaded to a computer or printer using either the memory card itself or a cord that connects the camera directly to the computer through a USB port. At the time of purchase, usually included with the camera is a USB cord (unique to each model) and a memory card of some kind. Beware, however, the memory cards included with cameras tend to have extremely limited storage capacities. Therefore, as a general rule, you should plan on purchasing a separate memory card.

Immediately after connecting a memory card or camera to a computer, the computer will give the user the option of viewing and/or saving the material contained on the card. Depending on the age and model of your computer (e.g., Mac or PC), the image filing processes will vary. If you are unfamiliar with basic computer system functions, your computer’s user manual should provide instructions for uploading and saving media files.

There are additional options for storing image files after they have been transferred from the digital camera or memory card onto a computer hard drive. With access to a computer, a user may choose to save/preserve image files using one of these options:

CD-R: Copying image files to a CD-R (“compact disc – recordable," basically a blank, burnable disc) is a way to keep them safe and also makes it possible to give or share collections of images. Both PCs and Macs are capable of writing image files to discs. It works similarly to the process used to “burn” or “write” music and sound files to CDs.

USB mass storage device: Also referred to as a USB flash drive, these pocket-sized gadgets are somewhat similar to the SD memory cards in that they are compact and made with varying storage capacities. They connect to computers by means of a standard USB port (present in both PCs and Macs). Aside from their portability, these devices are also convenient due to their ability to store almost any kind of computer file. Some common flash drive brands include SanDisk’s Cruzer, HP, and Dane-Elec; they can be found at most major electronics retailers.
External hard drive device: Like the USB mass storage device, external hard drives are used to transfer files from a computer to a safe storage location by means of a USB port connection. Although external hard drives are somewhat larger and more expensive than USB flash drives, they usually possess much greater storage potential. External hard drive brands include Seagate, Hitachi, Samsung, and Toshiba; they can be found at most major electronics retailers.