Digital photo myths debunked

Myth#4: Digital photography is too complicated: I'm not a technical person.
Who says digital photography is only for "computer people?"

Maybe it used to be, back when digital cameras were oddly shaped giant blocks that were hard to operate and covered with lots of strange buttons. But that's not so anymore: Today's digital cameras look so similar to traditional ones, it's difficult to tell them apart. They have become extremely easy to use, with one-touch features that make snapping (and even printing) photos incredibly easy...even for the technologically challenged.

Look ma, no computer!
With many HP all-in-ones, you don't even have to use your computer to print and share photos. All you have to do is remove the digital storage media from your camera (whether it's SmartMedia or CompactFlash) and insert it into the slot on the front to receive a proof sheet of thumbnail photos.

Then, simply fill in the bubbles next to the photos you want to print, as well as the paper type and size, and the number of copies you want. You then place that sheet on the scanner and press a button. The device reads the sheet and prints all the pictures you've selected.

It's so easy that even someone who has never touched a computer keyboard can do it. All you need is the ability to fill in tiny bubbles with a pencil. It doesn't get any easier than that! Learn more about using your HP all-in-one as a photo lab in digital photo lab at home .

PC positive
OK. So you don't have to deal with a PC to print digital photos. But let there be no mistake about it: To make the most of your digital camera, you really need a computer-ideally, a reasonably powerful computer with plenty of memory, a big monitor, a nice printer, and a CD recorder.

Without a PC, you have limited ability to retouch your photos, and no long-term storage solution. So even if you aren't a "computer person," don't completely rule out adding a PC to your digital photography setup. Keep an open mind. After all, many other not-so-technologically-inclined people have found that a passion for digital photography has bridged the computing gap for them.

Learning curve
When a PC enters the picture (pun intended), the process is still remarkably easy. You can connect a digital camera right to the computer: no fussing with a mountain of cords. Photo software comes built in to your camera and guides you every step of the way. Learning how to download and adjust your digital photos might seem a little daunting at first. But when you see how much fun you're having and what great pictures you get with practice, you'll be glad you took the digital plunge! Once you get comfortable with the basics, you may want to read photo-editing possibilities to have even more fun with your pictures!