The Samsung Digimax 401 is designed for consumer use because this digital camera is very basic. You may want to begin a lesson on taking a simple picture, if this device is not familiar to you, though it has a wide range of adjustable settings and special features. Prepare your camera before using it, next is to choose the shooting modes that is appropriate and your all set to take photographs.

Preparation

1.  Load your Samsung Digimax 401 with 4AA batteries properly prior to using it, and insert a memory card that has enough space available for storing your images.

Found on the camera bottom is the battery bay cover, the locking latch should be moved to the outside of the camera and slide open the cover. As an alternative, you can connect to an AC adapter your camera if you have a nearby electrical outlet accessible, the right side of the camera is the location of the power port, next to the slot for the memory card.

The cover of the memory card slot is opened by flipping on the hinge; push down on the eject button to remove an installed card, it is located near the card slot. You run the risk that your saved photos may be lost if the camera is not turned off prior to inserting your memory card or removing it. If the memory card does not slide into place smoothly, do not force it into the slot as maybe it is aligned improperly or not suitable for the camera.

Usage

2.  At the top of your camera if you look in that area is the mode dial, it is a dial labeled with different icons. By working clockwise beginning with the camera icon; these icons correspond to a variety of modes such as still image, movie clip, macro shot, playback, PC and set-up.

To get yourself ready to take the first photo, press the power button (placed just above the LCD display on the rear of the camera) and position the mode dial to still image.

Hold the device up to eye level, examine the image seen on the LCD display or look through the viewfinder to compose your image. Stand with your feet about shoulder length apart and tuck in your elbows to your chest, with one foot at the front of each other; this position will aid in improving the stability of the camera when you shoot. Press lightly the shutter button and when the green light appears (confirming the focus ready) capture the image in focus by pressing fully the button.

Transferring

3.  The next step once you’re done taking photos is to transfer to the computer the pictures. Begin by turning to “PC mode” setting. At the camera side you’ll find the port for USB closest to the LCD display, which you can use to connect to the computer’s available USB port. Browse through the content of the camera upon connection the way you would with any other drive. Another option is if there is a memory card reader in your computer, use the reader instead by just getting the card from the camera.

Movies

4.  Brief video snippets can be recorded by your camera besides taking still images. Frame your shot by using the display on LCD after you set the dial to the mode “movie clip”. Press once the shutter button to start recording then a second time to end. The video will be recorded in “AVI” format at a 320 x 420 resolution; these files need ample storage space which you may run out while recording so be careful. Once you’re done recording the video transfer it to the computer the same with how any image is transferred, through USB connection or card reader.