FAQ's
Digital Cameras
How does my Digital Camera store my pictures?
Digital Cameras store their images on removable media called "Memory Cards". Consider them the "digital film" for the camera. Each picture you take is stored as a file on this card. The pictures can be downloaded to your computer or you can bring the Memory Card to us to have prints made or the images burned to a CD. The two most important things to remember about memory cards is to shut the camera off when removing them or inserting them into the camera so that you don't corrupt the card, and also to be sure that the card is inserted the proper way into the camera otherwise you can cause damage to the camera.
I've got some great shots on my digital camera. How do I get prints made of them?
There are really three ways for you to do that. You can print them yourself at home, or have us print them for you, by either bringing them to us, or using our on-line printing service. Your digital camera came with software to make printing at home with your computer and inkjet printer a snap. If your camera is a newer one with Pict-bridge technology, you can even bypass the computer and print directly from the camera. However, home printing can be time-consuming and expensive and for prints made with an inkjet printer, the life expectancy of the prints can be as little as 3-5 years depending on a number of factors. Because of these considerations, you might prefer to bring your images to us to make professional, quality-controlled prints on archival photographic Kodak paper for you at prices that might be less than you would expect. We now have a digital order centre with three kiosks and comfortable chairs in-store that you can order your prints on and it allows you to order your prints and still take your card, CD or USB home with you as it retains a copy of the images you ordered. The third option is our on-line printing service. If you would like to try it, please visit our home page and the instructions should walk you through with ease. If you do require some assistance with this service, we are only a phone call away!
How many megapixels do I need?
This depends upon your end use of the images. If you are only going to use your digital camera to post pictures on a website or e-mail them, almost any camera on the market will suffice. However, if you want to print some of your shots for permanent memories, you\'ll need to be a little bit more discriminating. An entry-level point and shoot digital camera will have at least 10 megapixels and could be as much as 14 or 16 megapixels. The megapixels available on a digital SLR range from 10 to 18 megapixels. Whatever your need, count on the Aldsworth staff to help you find the camera that\'s right for you!
Are digital images better than images from film?
NEITHER is necessarily BETTER. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Images from film are great quality but images from a current digital camera can be great quality as well. Images taken with digital cameras also have the advantage of immediacy - you can see your results right away - and if it\'s not the shot you want, just delete and try it again. When we print from your images, digital or film, we print on the same equipment and can adjust for not only density and colour but also add contrast and sharpnesss when necessary so your should get the best quality every time. When you choose digital instead of film, one of the major differences is the long term storage of your images. With film, you have both prints and negatives to retain the image for the future. With digital you may only have the digital file unless you get every image printed. Please be sure to have your images burned to CD for storage rather than just deleting them from your memory card or simply storing them on your computer hard drive. If they are stored on your hard drive then they are all at risk of being lost forever if your hard drive crashes or gets a virus on it.
Should I be using rechargeable batteries in my camera?
If it\'s a digital camera, yes. Traditionally, rechargeable batteries haven\'t been recommended for use in cameras - but today\'s digital is a different breed. Digital cameras drain batteries quickly due to their screens and processors, so rechargeables will pay for themselves in short order. Just be sure to buy Ni-Mh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rather than Ni-Cad (Nickel Cadmium) for longer running times and no \"memory\" effect from recharging before discharging them.
Film
What do the different film speeds mean?
The ISO Film Speeds that you will see on the packaging are a standard way of denoting the film\'s sensitivity to light and therefore help a user choose the right film for a particular type of photography. ISO 100 is best for outdoor photography, sunny days, and when you want the maximum sharpness to your pictures detail. ISO 200 is an excellent all-purpose film. For indoor photos using a flash, overcast exterior shots and everyday snapshots. ISO 400 is best for action photography, low light photography such as evening shots. ISO 800 Can be used in most lighting conditions, for action and sport events, low light shooting. ISO 1000 is best suited for fast action shots, and artistic portraiture. Also for when you want to freeze action by using a high shutter speed.
I'm going on vacation - do I need to worry about my camera going through an X-ray at the airport?
This depends on your equipment. If you\'re using a digital camera, the X-rays won\'t harm the camera nor the memory card. However, if you shoot film, you must be aware that X-rays might damage your film. It\'s best not to take the chance, so keeping your film in lead-lined bags is recommended when traveling and having your camera gear with you in the carry-on luggage and asking for it to be hand-checked at the airport is the best idea. This minimizes the chance of your camera and memories being lost or damaged in transit.
Video to DVD
Can I have all my old video footage transferred to DVD?
Yes, we can transfer your precious memories onto DVD thus preserving your memories forever. We can also transfer 8mm films as well as slides. Ask us for full details of this exciting service. This service makes a great gift for Christmas!
Prints
How does your photofinishing differ from that done by the big box stores and supermarkets?
Even the best cut of prime beef won\'t make a great meal if it\'s burned or merely dropped in a frying pan. It takes a chef cooking with good cookware to make it tasty. Similarly, your great photos might not look as terrific as you remember them if they are run through a high-volume, automated machine. Here at Robert Aldsworth\'s Photo World, our experienced technicians will look at and adjust every photo to make it look as good as it possibly can. We have control over not only the density and colour of the print but can also adjust the cropiing, contrast and sharpness of the image to a certain degree.
My children have glowing red eyes in my photos - how do I get rid of that?
The unsightly \"red eye\" has spoiled many an otherwise great photo. It\'s caused by the flash reflecting off blood vessels at the back of the eye and is particularly noticeable in small children and blue-eyed people. Most cameras have a red-eye reduction feature so make sure it is activated. This may not eliminate the problem entirely though, so there are other ways to solve the problem. Turning on as many lights in the room as possible before taking the photo will help, as will using a bigger separate flash if your camera will allow it. If all else fails, most software will allow you to fix the red-eye in your digital images and we also sell special pens to correct your prints. Our order kiosks are capable of correcting \"red-eye\". A staff member would be happy to show you how. Your little angels will no longer have to look like little devils!
What happens to the camera when I bring in my child's disposable camera for developing?
We actually prefer the term "Single Use Camera" because in conjunction with Kodak, we take part in a recycling program. After we extract the film from the camera to develop your pictures, we send the shell of the camera out for recycling (even if it's a brand other than Kodak.) This minimizes the amount of waste and keeps plastics out of our landfill sites. Most of the single use cameras you purchase contain plastics made from previously-used cameras.
My pictures are turning out too dark (or too light)- why?
It might not be you or your camera, but rather where you\'re taking your film or media card for prints. Automated printers used in many high-volume stores won\'t turn out reliably good prints without skilled technicians operating them and optimizing every photo. Show us the problem photos and we may be able to reprint them to make them look better. Occasionally though, there might be other reasons for your prints to be dark or light. Backlighting (such as a window right behind a person you\'re photographing) and other unusual lighting conditions can fool camera meters and some films might not be suitable for particular lighting conditions. The staff at Aldsworth Photo World can assist you in getting better results from your camera.
My pictures look blurry - why?
Usually blurry photos from an autofocus camera mean the camera wasn\'t held quite steady enough at the time the picture was taken. Make sure that your flash is firing when you are shooting indoors or in dim lighting as some cameras don\'t automatically turn the flash on but you will get better results if you do. Another way to avoid movement is to use a tripod, or use a faster speed of film, especially in dim lighting. We can show you, if you are not sure how too!
Passport Photos
I need to get a passport - can you take my photos for it?
Yes, we can. Passport photos are now in colour, are available within minutes and are stamped with the necessary information on the back of the photos. We can also take your photos to meet government specifications for other forms of I.D. such as Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident cards. Our price for a Canadian passport is $16.50 plus taxes. Babies up to one year are $19.50 plus taxes.
