Use your digital camera as a notepad

Digital compact cameras nowadays are really versatile; with stills and video, they already do double duty. But how about using it as a super-fast notepad as well?

With great resolution from cheap 5 mega pixel cameras (or more...), they will capture a lot of text in a single picture. You can then zoom in to read it. So, in a single moment, you can capture any of these for later use:

Public transport time tables

Snap a photo of the bus or commuter train time table near your hotel, the beach, or museum. This way you can easily zoom in on the photo later and figure out when you need to be back at the stop. Maximizes your time at the beach if you're wanting to catch the last bus back. Or, during winter, stops your butt from freezing solid while waiting for the vaporetto in Venice... That's a personal experience I'd rather not have again.

Your parking spot

As you make your way to your flight, turn around and snap photos of: Your parking spot number sign, the row label, the parking garage floor sign, and any signs you will see going back to your car. Makes finding your way back when you're badly jet lagged much simpler!

Local directions

If you're looking at finding that cool bar or restaurant again, go ahead and take a photo of the front of it. Then walk over to the nearest street corner and photograph the street signs. Now you can ask anyone you meet about the way back, and you don't even have to worry about how you'll pronounce those foreign street names either.

Share your digital camera tips

What do you use your digital camera for besides photos and video of your trip? Please share your tips in the comments below.

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