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Computer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) -- Connecting A Digital Camera

One of the biggest advantages of Windows XP over Windows NT is the fact that XP supports USB connections.  You must first connect the USB cable to the camera then connect the Camera to the USB port on the computer… Then power on the Camera

Most digital cameras can be connected to the PC directly using a USB cable.  Once the digital camera is connected, and Powered on, XP will automatically detect the digital camera and it will appear as a device or drive in Windows Explorer.  The example below shows a CCE Olympus Digital Camera connected to the PC through the USB port.  This camera’s memory card shows as Drive E:\.  Once displayed, files on this drive can be manipulated the same as files on any drive in the computer.

WARNING!!  Files deleted off the memory card do not go to the Recycle Bin. Do not delete files off the camera without first making copies onto other drives of the computer.

Figure 1 - Windows Explorer with Digital Camera Connected -- Removable Disk E:” Represents the Digital Camera’s Memory Card. displays will vary by manufacturer

Figure 1 - Windows Explorer with Digital Camera Connected -- Removable Disk E:” Represents the Digital Camera’s Memory Card. displays will vary by manufacturer

The floppy disk adapters used with the Olympus Digital Cameras in Windows NT can continue to be used with Windows XP. The USB connection is an alternative to that method. USB connections are especially popular with laptop users that do not have a floppy disk drive connected.

Viewing Digital Images

As you have already seen, there are several ways to view files in Windows XP.  XP has made viewing and manipulating digital images extremely simple.  Windows Explorer and My Computer both have “Thumbnail” and “Filmstrip” options available to look at digital pictures.  These views allow for quick scans of photo folders to find desired photos.  Photos can be double-clicked from any view to open in a larger, single photo mode.

Thumbnail View

Figure 2 - Windows Explorer (Digital Pictures in a Filmstrip View).

Figure  2 - Windows Explorer (Digital Pictures in a Filmstrip View).  In Filmstrip View, the Selected Picture is Shown Large. Remaining Images are Shown Small and can be Selected with a Single Click

Digital Pictures can be viewed full screen from either viewing mode.  To view a picture in full screen mode, double click on its image (thumbnail or filmstrip). 

Full Screen Mode

Figure 3 - Windows Explorer (Digital Pictures in a Full Screen View)

Figure  3 - Windows Explorer (Digital Pictures in a Full Screen View)

From the full screen mode, pictures can be simple manipulations can be done using the option buttons at the bottom of the window.

Figure 4 - Toolbar Buttons in Full Screen View

Figure  4 - Toolbar Buttons in Full Screen View

Buttons from Left to Right:

  • Previous Picture – Shows to the previous picture in the directory
  • Next Picture – Shows to the next picture in the directory
  • Best Fit – Displays the picture to fit the window
  • Actual Size – Displays the picture in actual size
  • Slide Show – Displays the pictures in the directory in a slide show on screen
  • Zoom In / Zoom Out – Enlarges or Reduces the picture being view
  • Rotate (Clockwise/Counterclockwise) – Rotates the picture 90 degrees left or right
  • Delete – Deletes the picture being viewed
  • Print – Opens the Photo Printing Wizard
  • Save – Saves the picture
  • Edit – Opens the picture in Microsoft Photo Editor (or another installed default editor)
  • Help – Displays help screen for pictures

Printing Digital Pictures

Printing digital pictures is easily done using the Photo Printing Wizard in Windows XP. 

To access the Photo Printing Wizard:

  1. Open Windows Explorer (or My Computer) and select the desired picture
  2. Click on the printer button



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