Probably a dumb question regarding airport checkpoints..

[Poly-Anna]

We just purchased our first digital camera. However, is it okay to put it and the memory cards through the security checkpoint at the airport? I know it can ruin normal 35mm film, and I wasn't sure if the x-ray machines mess up the cards or camera?

I apologize for my ignorance.

[Alacrity]

You should have not problem running a digital camera or cards through the X-Ray. I've traveled with 2 cameras and a number of cards several times and never had a problem. I don't believe digital media is affected by X-rays at all.

[Poly-Anna]

Thanks Alacrity! I appreciate such a prompt response. :thumbsup2

[Geoff_M]

I don't believe digital media is affected by X-rays at all.That is basically correct. The same molecular reaction that makes the silver halite crystals in film sensitive to visable light also makes it sensitive to x-ray radiation. Digital media doesn't use sensitivity to electromagnetic radiation (light, x-rays, etc.) to "capture" the image on the media. It uses micro memory chips to merely store the image taken via your camera's CCD/CMOS image sensor. If digital media could be damaged by airport x-rays, then the scanners would also fry every laptop run through them.

[Poly-Anna]

Thanks so much for the technical insight. My knowledge of cameras, digital or otherwise, is very basic. I appreciate the answer. :)

[Lachesis00]

FYI: They made me take my camera out of the bag. I just traveled 2 weeks ago through the Phoenix airport. I have a DSLR. Not sure if that is why.

[safetymom]

I travel with my digital camera almost weekly and I haven't had any problems. Never had to take it out of my bag either.

[Geoff_M]

It's not unheard of for a security agent to ask someone to take a camera out to look at it. Often times they want to look through the viewfinder or ask the owner to fire off a frame to insure that it is fact a working camera and you haven't removed its "guts" and replaced it with contraband. It's sort of the same principal as when they make you take out your laptop and turn it on until they see something on the screen that lets them know it's a functioning laptop.

You must just look like the "shifty" type! ;)

[Poly-Anna]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I feel much better now. You know you spend so much for a camera and the equipment and it only takes one moment to ruin it all! Hopefully we will have many precious moments to share.

Thanks again!

[safetymom]

That is correct but I was trying to make the point that it doesn't happen very often.

[Lachesis00]

Yikes maybe! Considering I was coming from AZ maybe thats why.
I had to do it in both Phoenix and Ontario, California. I had not researched enough in the past and didn't wanna risk anything happening to my $2500 set up.

Oh yes I was totally shifty :goodvibes LOL me and my trusty wheelchair :lmao: :rotfl2: I am sure they were nervous LOL. If they think I am gonna risk blowing up my laptop and 2 cameras, they are beyond nuts!! :rotfl:


It's not unheard of for a security agent to ask someone to take a camera out to look at it. Often times they want to look through the viewfinder or ask the owner to fire off a frame to insure that it is fact a working camera and you haven't removed its "guts" and replaced it with contraband. It's sort of the same principal as when they make you take out your laptop and turn it on until they see something on the screen that lets them know it's a functioning laptop.

You must just look like the "shifty" type! ;)

[Lachesis00]

There was actually a sign in Phoenix about laptops and digital cameras. I didn't see it in Ontario but they still had me do it.

[Stephanie218]

Lachesis00, I travel though PHX on average once ever 2 months perhaps? Maybe I'll see you sometime, haha.

I always take my laptop out of the bag, but I've never had an issue with my DSLR there, or any other airport.