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Essential photo kit

Go to Page 2: Computer and printer tips

Digital Camera

There is a bewildering array to choose from these days, but it's worth bearing in mind a few key factors.

Despite the trend for ever greater numbers of megapixels, a model capable of producing 5 megapixel images should be adequate unless you?re planning on producing poster sized prints.

  • A 256mb memory card should give you at least 100 photos at reasonable resolution.
  • An optical zoom is better than a digital zoom and at least a 3X is preferable.
  • Shutter lag (the time that elapses between pressing the shutter button and the camera taking the picture) can be a problem on some models so do try before you buy.

Scanner

Scanners capture and convert documents or photos to digital files and are the perfect means to digitise all your film photos.

  • In 10 or 20 years time when all your old photos are faded, you'll still be able to produce high quality prints from the digital files on your hard drive.
  • An A4 flatbed is the most common choice for homes and small businesses ─ it's cheap, versatile and easy to use.
  • Do remember to limit the resolution to 72dpi if you're only planning on uploading your scanned images to the web. Larger sizes take much longer to display.

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