Digital cameras 101

[commando850]

I have recently found a Olympus u 410 whilst out mountain biking. Despite efforts to reunite it with its owner through various websites I have had no joy and so have decided I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

The camera although battered still seems to take pictures and i am able to view them on the view finder. however when i connect the usb lead and try to download photos my computer doesn't recognise the camera at all.  i have selected the connect to pc option on the view finder but nothing happens.

I would appreciate your advice on this matter.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi there commando850 and welcome to the Q&A Forum.

I applaud your honesty and efforts in trying to find the owner of the camera!

The reason your computer may not recognize it is that you haven't installed a driver. You may be able to download it from the Olympus support site:

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_support_downloads.asp?id=957

The other option is to buy a memory card reader and use it instead of the camera.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/memory-cards/memory-card-reader.php

A photo organizing and editing like Google's Picasa may work too. It works well and is free!

http://www.digicamhelp.com/processing-photos/basic-editing/picasa.php

Hope it goes well.

[commando850]

Thank you for your help.  Unfortunately there are no drivers on the website, however I have now found out that my laptop contains an Xd card reader which has done the trick.