A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...

Question:

I recently bought an HP Photosmart R717 digital camera. I have a 256 MB memory card; the camera is 6.2 MP, and so the card holds about 80 pictures. Each time I take pictures I upload them onto my computer, but I think I'm supposed to delete them off the memory card after I upload them. I know that to print the pictures, you can take the memory card to a printing kiosk. So, if I delete the pictures from the memory card after I upload them onto the computer, at some point can I load them back onto the memory card so I can take the memory card out of the camera and print off the pictures? If yes, how do I go about loading them back onto the memory card? I know I could print them from my actual printer, but the quality just isn't as good.

-submitted by janettestar

Answer:

Your question is a fantastic one, and no doubt one that many digital camera owners have wondered. For those picture perfect moments, a professional printed picture usually looks better than a self-printed one.

After you have finished taking pictures, you should delete them off of the card and store them on a computer or CD. This way, your card has space to take more Kodak moments. Suffice to say, flash media formats are not a cost effective form of long term storage, because without removing images from the card, you'll wind up spending thousands on memory cards.

To answer your question directly, you can put your pictures back onto the memory card. You may be able to do this with the supplied software and accessories with your camera, but there are external devices that make this process much easier.

Since your camera supports SD or MMC external memory cards, you should consider investing in an external memory card reader. You can easily find one that reads and writes to both formats. This inexpensive piece of gear allows you to remove the card from the camera, and transfer photos without using the camera or any proprietary software. In fact, when connected in this way, you can move images back and forth all you like in the same way as you would copy and paste files into different folders on your computer.

This way, if you decide you want to take your pictures to a photo kiosk, you'll be able to move your photos back onto the card without any hassle. After you get your new card reader, you should write your own "how-to" article about setting it up and using it to help others that are facing the same dilemma.

Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com

Need to Purchase a Memory Card Reader?

Choose from one of the many SD/MMC card readers at Amazon.

Did You Know...

Ever noticed the lag beween when you press the shutter button on your compact digital camera to when it takes the shot? Read "Ask The Experts: Camera Delay" to find out why this happens.

Many digital cameras can be directly connected to your TV set to show a slideshow to friends and family. Read "How to use the TV's front convenience jacks" to learn how to quickly connect your camera to your TV.

While You're At It

Do you have tons of digital pictures scattered about your computer's hard drive? It's time to get organized! Read Ron Repking's article "Organizing my Digital Pictures" to learn how he cleaned up the clutter.

How many family shots do you have with one important piece missing... the one holding the camera?! Read "Use a Camera's Delay Timer to Include Yourself in the Picture Too" to learn how get the whole family into the picture.