How to Copy Photos from a Camera to a Computer

You've spent the week taking great pictures, and now you want to know how to transfer those photos from your camera to your computer. This is a good time to dispel the mystery and fear behind this process, especially if you are new to digital photography or computers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Media card
• CD
• Microsoft Windows
• Computer
• USB cable
• Software

1. Decide which media you will use for the transfer. If you're using a media card, remove it from your camera. You usually can do this by lightly pushing in, and then grasping the card. Carefully lift the card out and do not touch the metallic part.
2. Place the media card into a reader of some type, such as a built-in reader in your computer or printer.
3. Wait for the file transfer selection menu to appear. Use the appropriate software, such as Windows Camera and Scanner Transfer Wizard or the CD burning software of your choice.
4. Name the folder that you will transfer the pictures to by event, date or both. Usually this will be kept under the "My Pictures" folder in the computer. You then can store the pictures on your computer as long as space allows.
5. Make sure the software is installed from the CD that came with the camera if you are transferring directly from a camera.
6. Connect the USB cable. The computer should detect the new hardware or USB device.
7. Follow the prompts on your screen. If it does not start, double-click on it in your "Start" menu or on a shortcut on your desktop. For example, it might read "Kodak" or "Canon." If you do not have the software, download it from any of the website links listed below in Resources. Click on "Support" or "Drivers and Downloads."
8. Store photos in the camera's folder. Again, this is listed by the manufacturer and sometimes the date.

Tips & Warnings

• Plug the camera in when transferring, so as not to drain the battery.
• You can also upload your photos to walmart.com, target.com, snapfish.com, kmart.com, walgreens.com or any other photo finishing outlet. Check the appropriate box to get a CD of your photos. You also make prints and gifts.
• Ensure your hard drive is in good working order, fairly new and at least 20 GB.
• Do not transfer photos to a computer you will dispose of or replace in the near future. Transfer to a flash drive or portable/removable media instead.
• Do not delete your photos until you are sure they copied to the computer properly. Double-click the folder to verify.

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