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Transfer photos from your digital camera

Move your digital photos from your camera to your computer or printer
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Content starts here
» Connect your digital camera directly to a computer with a USB cable
» Connect your digital camera to a computer using a dock
» Print photos directly from your digital camera
» Copy or print digital photos from a memory card
» Transfer your photos to an online album using Snapfish
» Learn more about printing photos at home
» Recommended products
Someone removing a memory card from their digital camera


Introduction

So, you've decided it's time to get those great shots off your camera. Well, there are a few different ways to transfer your digital photos after you've taken them. We'll walk you through a few options. Read on and decide which is right for you.

Connect your digital camera directly to a computer with a USB cable


Generic USB cable

Windows Vista file structure screen shot
When you connect your digital camera to your computer, it will most likely show up along with your other drives. If it doesn't, use HP Photosmart Essential.
Your camera most likely came bundled with a USB cable. If not, you can find one at any home electronics store for around $15.

Follow these simple steps to connect your camera through a USB cable:

Step 1: As a precaution, make
sure your camera is off
before connecting.

Step 2: Once you've connected the USB cable between your digital camera and computer, switch the camera on.

Step 3: In some cases, your camera may immediately show up on your computer as a hard drive. If this happens, simply double-click that icon and use your mouse to click on and drag your photos to any folder on your computer. (The My Pictures folder on your Windows PC is an ideal place to keep them.)

Step 4: If your camera doesn't show up on your desktop, import your photos using an application such as HP Photosmart Essential. You can also touch up, rename, resize, and even e-mail your photos using HP Photosmart Essential. Download it for free.

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Connect your digital camera to a computer using a dock


Generic USB cable
A dock can connect your digital camera to your computer and charge your camera's battery at the same time.
The only difference between a dock and a USB cable is that often a dock will also charge your digital camera while it's connected to your computer.

The steps for connecting your camera using a dock are almost identical to a USB cable:

Step 1: As a precaution, make sure your camera is off before connecting.

Step 2: Insert your camera in the dock.

Step 3: Once you've connected the dock to your computer, switch the camera on.

Step 4: In some cases, your camera may immediately show up on your computer as a hard drive. If this happens, simply double-click that icon and use your mouse to click on and drag your photos to any folder on your computer.

Step 5: If your camera doesn't show up on your desktop, import your photos using an application such as HP Photosmart Essential.

You can also touch up, rename, resize, and even e-mail your photos using HP Photosmart Essential.

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Print photos directly from your digital camera


HP digital cameras and printers connected by USB and dock
Printing photos directly from your digital camera is just a few simple steps away.

Step 1: Connect the dock to your photo printer. Or, if you're using a USB cable, connect it to your printer.

Step 2: Place your camera in the dock and turn it on. (For USB, connect your camera directly and turn it on.)

Step 3: Follow your camera's on-screen instructions to select and print the images you want. It's that easy!

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Copy or print digital photos from a memory card


HP PC memory card slots
Memory card slots are usually on the face of your computer. Some laptops are equipped with slots on the side.

Memory card being inserted HP photo printer card slots
Most photo printers feature memory card slots for printing your photos.
Your digital photos are stored on your camera's memory card. You can remove that card and transfer your digital photos directly from it. There are two ways to do this directly to your computer's hard drive or directly to your printer. Here's how:

Computer


Step 1: Remove your memory card from your camera and insert it into a card reader slot on the front of your computer. If your computer doesn't have a card reader, you can find an external model in almost any home electronics store for around $20.

Step 2: Once your memory card appears as a hard drive on your computer, simply use your mouse to click on and drag your photos to any folder on your computer.

Printer

Step 1: Insert your memory card into the card reader on the front of your photo printer. From the LCD screen, you can choose which photos you want to print.

Step 2: If your photo printer doesn't have an LCD screen, then the card will likely show up on your computer as a hard drive. In this case, open it and double-click the photo you want to print using your photo software.

Several HP Photosmart printers feature an LCD screen for ease-of-use, such as the HP Photosmart D5460 Printer.

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Transfer your photos to an online album using Snapfish


Memory card being placed in an envelope It's not unusual to have a couple of digital cameras and several full memory cards. You don't always have the time to sit down and transfer all those images from your camera. Or, maybe you just don't want to bother with it.

In that case, consider sending those memory cards to Snapfish. They will upload your images to an online album and you'll receive an e-mail when your photos are ready to view. It couldn't be easier to share. You can also order prints anytime you choose.

To get started, just visit the digital photo upload service page, print and fill out the order form and send it to Snapfish along with your memory card. Your card will be mailed back to you once your photos are uploaded.

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Learn more about printing photos at home


Still frame of stream 1 with photos Find out exactly what you need to print your photos at home.

Get Quick tips for perfect prints and make sure your photo prints come out looking exactly the way you want.

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Recommended products


Explore all the HP Photosmart photo printers and find one that's right for you.

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