On a Windows-compatible PC, the cable connects to the serial, parallel or, more recently, USB port. The quality of the software varies. Some packages are fast, easy to learn, and packed with a wealth of useful features and transfer options. Other software is much less sophisticated. This feature permits storing a large number of images, limited only by your budget for memory cards.
External readers are available for some types of memory cards.
These readers connect to your computer and allow you to transfer image data directly from the memory card. Macintosh users should be aware that while many camera manufacturers provide a connectivity solution for Macs, some provide the cable and software only as an option at additional cost. If you're planning on using a Mac as your digital photography lab, you may need to narrow your search using compatibility and price before you get your heart set on a camera that just won't work with either your computer or your budget. Plan your next move carefully Now that you know what to look for in a camera, you should decide how you'll be using it. A significant catalyst in the proliferation of digital cameras has been the rousing success of the World Wide Web at all levels of technical ability.