Amateur photographer Russell Beck couldn't live without his digital camera.
"Some of my favorite subjects are my kids and landscapes," he says.
But when he wants to unload his favorite photos, he has to download them to his computer with a cord.
So we had Russell try out the newest digital camera wireless technology.
"It's very easy," says Russell.
Mike McNamara with Popular Photography Magazine adds, "It is a neat gimmick and a neat way to get images off the camera and a neat way to quickly share images from your camera."
There are a few models on the market. Some transmit using wi-fi. Depending on the camera, it allows you to send photos straight to an email address, a photo-sharing site or another compatible camera.
"It's a big deal for travelers who worry about filling up their memory cards, for example. You can just email the photos right away or upload them to a photo sharing site and you cut out all the cords and all the bulk of carrying a laptop," says CNET's Molly Wood.
Other cameras feature bluetooth, a short range communications technology. You can send your pictures to other bluetooth enabled devices.
"To connect this to a phone, press 'share,' select 'bluetooth,'" Russell explains.
Russell tried both a bluetooth and wi-fi camera and loved them!
"You get the higher quality of a pretty good camera and you get the ability to send it along wirelessly, which you get out of a cell phone," Russell says.
There are limitations, though. Since wi-fi isn't everywhere you'll need to search for a so-called 'hot spot" in order to snap and send.
With bluetooth, you have to be within a certain distance of the devices usually about 30 feet.
Wood adds,"They're a little bit bigger and heavier than some digital point-and-shoot cameras."
And when it comes to shopping experts say remember, wireless isn't the only feature to focus on.
"I almost suggest looking first at the image quality and the lens and everything else," says McNamara.
Russell was happy with the quality and says, when it comes to cameras, wireless is picture
He says, "I can absolutely see myself investing in this technology. It's wonderful...."
While there are only a few models out there now, 40% of digital cameras are expected to be wireless within the next three years.
High tech versions will go for about $100-150 dollars more than traditional digital cameras.
Christine Nelson, Reporting. cnelson@kltv.com
