Equipment/software:

HP 318 camera; Mac computer; Image capture software; Graphic Converter software

1. Previsualizing your photo is important. See your shot before you raise your camera.

2. Digital cameras eat batteries. But they will last longer if you don't turn on the screen on the back of the camera.

3. The HP 318 saves photos as JPEGs. But JPEGS lose quality each time they are modified and saved. Save the originals if you want to make changes.

4. You probably want to use these images compressed for the internet, but it's a good idea to use the camera's best quality (three stars). Then you can use the images for print (brochures and newsletters).

5. There is a time lag between pressing the button and taking the picture. Wait for the green light.

6. You have to wait a few seconds in between pictures. If you are using a flash, you also have to wait for the flash to recharge.

7. A digital zoom is not as good quality as an optical zoom.

8. The HP 318 pictures are erased by turning on the camera; pressing down on the wheel twice; turning to the trash can on the menu, and then pressing to follow the menu and erase the pictures.

1. Plug the HP 318 to the Mac using the USB cable. Check the slots visually to see how the cable plug fits.

2. Turn on the camera. The Image Capture software automatically opens and you can transfer photos to the photos folder on the desktop.

You can also set the software to automatically transfer the photos as soon as you turn on the camera.

Converting the picture to use as a web photo:

1. Open the Graphic Converter software.

2. In the menu bar, click file and then open the photo.

3. Use the zoom in control at the lower left corner of the photo to see the whole picture.

4. The HP 318 high quality photos are 1792 by 1200 pixels (or 24.9 by 16.7 inches); for web size you need about 350 by 234 pixels. In the menu bar, click picture/size and scale. Resize the photo.

5. In the menu bar click file/save as. Select the save web ready button. Under options, slide the control to medium.

1. Use the same procedure as for the web, except scale to the size you need for print. Don't save as web ready and set the slider to high quality.