How to make digital files easy to share

One of the main reasons that digital cameras became popular as quickly as they did is because it is so easy to share pictures.The same thing is true for videos.While they are not as easy to share as still pictures, the technology is quickly changing and sharing video is getting easier and easier.

There are a few cameras that make file sharing extremely simple.The Pure Digital Point and Shoot camera was made to share videos.Video recorded on this camera is saved to a drive on the camera and then uploaded to the web for storage.The videos are ready to share the minute they are created, you don't have to compress, edit, or convert the files.

Most cameras record the initial image onto tape or onto a DVD.If your camera records in one of these formats, you will need to convert the recording to a digital file before you can share them.Some cameras have converters built in, if yours doesn't, you will need to buy a converter.Converters can be purchased for under $100 and most will allow you to change the file back and forth, from the analog version to the digital version without doing any damage to the file.

Another key to sharing videos is to make sure you build the right kind of file.To share videos on the web, they need to be in one of three formats.You can share files that end with the .wmv, .mov, or .swf extensions.The .wmv files are Windows Media files and you can be sure that anybody with a computer will be able to download these files.

When sharing videos it is important to make the files as small as possible.You can do this at several steps in the recording process.The first thing you will want to do if you are interested in sharing your videos is record them at the fewest mega pixels and the slowest frame speed as possible.If your camera offers you several mega pixel options, select two or three mega pixels per square inch for recording images that you want to share.This will make the file smaller from the start (less to compress later) and unless the intended viewer is going to be watching the file on a high definition television, it won't make a bit of difference in the quality.

Use compression software will help you get your file into a shareable format.There are commercially available editing softwares that you can use.Another good option is to use Microsoft's Windows Movie Maker; this downloadable software is free and will enable you to compress your video files.Window Movie Maker also allows you to automatically place your video in a web-storage site like Neptune MediaShare-you will have to pay for the access to these storage sites.

Using Windows Movie Maker will also let you send an email right from the editing site.Just select "Send in e-mail" on the Finish Movie menu and type in the email address that you want to send your video to.

Maybe the greatest invention yet for sharing videos has been the video share sites like Google Video and You Tube.These web sites offer easy uploading of your home videos.From the You Tube web site all you have to do is click on upload videos and then browse your computer for the file that you want to place on the web.One great thing about You Tube is that is lets you use the You Tube editing software to work on your project.This is a great way to learn the photo shop program without having to purchase the software.