Expert: John Oliverio - 3/27/2004

Question
I currently have two cousins in the military and being without a computer, my aunt has asked me to occasionally e-mail them pictures. Now, although I do not have currently have a digital camera, I will have soon. My question for you, is this...Is it possible to e-mail them the pictures directly from the camera without having to download them to my computer's hard drive first? I am trying to avoid filling up my hard drive with pics that I would not be interested in keeping. On a side note, is it also possible to save the pictures directly to a cd rather than to the hard drive? I'd really appreciate any help you could provide reguarding this matter. Thank You, Jeff

Answer
Jeff,

Hello.  Thanks for the questions.

The answer to your first question is "no".  The act of attaching the image to you email will create a copy on your hard drive.  The only way to do what you want would be if you could actually connect your camera to the net and email from it.  One day, I'm sure.  But not yet.  You know, all you have to do is delete the images after your done.  And be sure to empty your "sent items" folder.

Yes, it is possible to save directly to CD from the camera via the USB port.  But I don't suggest you do that because though it is "technically" possible, it seldom works without corrupting data.  Once again, just delete the photos when you are done backing them up to CD.  That will be much easier than trying to baby a burn via USB.

John