Digital cameras and airport security

[chrismb22]

I KNOW I read this before but I can't remember the result. Did I hear that it is bad for a digital camera to go thru the security check at the airport? You know the one you use for carry on bags. I planned on keeping my digital camera, extra memory stick and extra camera batteries with me in my handbag since we will be going right to a park and I would like to take them in my handbag on my way home as well.

Is this safe or will I run the risk of losing my pictures?

 

[dbenlee]

Your digital camera will be fine going through airport security. The x-rays machines will not harm them in any way.

 

[ukcatfan]

Another way to put your mind at ease would be to backup your pictures to a CD before returning home. You can do this relatively cheaply at most local drug stores and grocery stores. If you do not have access to these, then you can use WDW's service, but it costs a lot more. Having a backup is a good idea in general even if you are not flying.

 

[gt0163c]

Digital cameras are not affected by the airport security x-ray machines used for carry-on or checked baggage. I've flown with my digital camera in either my carry on or checked bag probably a dozen times in the past 18 months or so and have never had any problems.

Backing up pictures to CD or some other media probably isn't a bad idea, although you would probably be more likely to lose the camera or card rather than have it become completely unreadable. Another option for backing up pictures is with an iPod Photo or color. There is an accessory (can't remember the name at the moment) that costs about $30 and will automatically move pictures from a digital camera to an iPod. Not sure if this is an option for other types of MP3 players. You might also be able to do something if you have a PDA that takes the same type of memory as your digital camera.

 

[chrismb22]

Thanks everybody!! That soo puts my mind at ease. I THINK we are bringing a laptop so we'll put them on the computer at the end of each day. If not, I'll put them all on CD -- I'll have to use Disney's service though cause we don't plan on leaving the "Disney compound" at all during the trip.

On another note, I just looked at my coworker's pictures (she went last week) and she has tons of character pix and I can't freaking wait!!!!!!! I'm really getting excited now!!

 

[Delilah Bleu]

Good to know! Thanks for the information.

 

[Hatzie]

If digital cameras are safe, does the same apply to laptops and miniDV camcorders. At one time I was told that the airport equipment can screwup the LCD screens on the equiptment.

Thanks for the information.

 

[gt0163c]

I've never had a problem with my laptop and the x-ray machines for the carry-on luggage. Haven't tried it with the checked luggage, but the LCD screens that are in digital cameras should be the same (just bigger) than those in laptops and other devices. So I doubt it's a problem.

 

[WEDway Guy]

Airport X-rays will not hurt any of your digital equipment (memory, circuits, liquid crystals, etc.) in any way. Relax knowing that your photos are safe and that you'll see them in all their glory when you get home.

Now, that steel shank you never knew about in the sole of your shoe might cause a little problem with security. j/k Have a great trip!!

 

[vascubaguy]

Airport X-rays will not hurt any of your digital equipment (memory, circuits, liquid crystals, etc.) in any way. Relax knowing that your photos are safe and that you'll see them in all their glory when you get home.

Now, that steel shank you never knew about in the sole of your shoe might cause a little problem with security. j/k Have a great trip!!

Doesn't take a steel shank in the shoe to get them going. Try having a fingernail grooming kit in your carry-on luggage! Jeez, you would have thought I was trying to smuggle something! I didn't fuss though, just told them I had meant to put it in my checkon luggage and forgot but they were welcome to keep it. Then they started talking about writing up a report, but luckily the supervisor said it wasn't necessary since I offered to surrender the items.

Anyway, back to the main post... your digital equipment will be perfectly fine going thru security. Just know that if you are taking your laptop... take it out of the carrying case while you are waiting in line, it makes things go sooo much faster.