10 Unusual Uses for your Digital Camera

February 28, 2009

Most of us take photographs of people or scenery, and those are perfectly good uses for your camera, if fact, in my opinion those are the best reasons for taking pictures, however there are other uses for your digital camera. Not everyone will use all of these, but keep them in mind. A digital camera can be used to record all kinds of information:

Although most of us know we should take photographs of our “stuff” for insurance purposes, how many have actually done it? Set aside an afternoon to either video tape or photograph everything you might need to file a claim for. If the item has a serial or model number, be sure to check that the resolution of your photograph is high enough to read it. Even better would be to build a database that includes purchase date, cost, etc., and include the photograph. Remember to keep a copy off site so it will still be available if the worst happens.
Don’t have a scanner (or don’t have room for one)? Most digital cameras are capable of producing high resolution copies of documents. Since you are not limited by the size of a scanner bed, so you can digitize large items. Just be sure to check the result to insure the text is readable. It is also important to position the camera at 90° to your copy – if you don’t, the keystoning the off axis image produces will distort your picture.
If you have invested a great deal of time “perfecting” arrangements of items on a shelf, bulletin board or other type of display and decide to make a temporary seasonal change, take a photograph of the display before tearing it down so that you can reassemble it afterwards.
Another “visual reminder” is to photograph your RV storage bins, particularly those that are rarely accessed. If you are wondering where “whatever” is, check the photographs. Much easier than hauling everything out and finding it was in another bin. For deep bins, take photographs of each layer.
Do you ever forget where you parked the Toad in a mall or amusement park parking lot? A GPS equipped phone or portable GPS is probably the best way to “remember” where you left it, but a quick snapshot of the lot’s sign or some other reference can save a lot of searching.
When shopping for furniture or other items that the “look” is important, take photographs of any you might consider purchasing. Include a photograph of the store sign at the end of each group so you remember where the items were located. If you can’t both shop together, it is a good way to show your SO the items that peak your interest.
When stopped at a campground that you are likely to revisit, take photographs of as many sites as possible, particularly the best & worst ones. Include the site sign in the photograph so that you can make an informed choice when reserving for the next visit.
Although this may seem a bit paranoid, if you are dropping your RV off for repairs, photograph the condition of everything. There have been too many reports of damage, grease ending up on carpets, etc. that the dealer insists was there when you brought it in. Along the same lines, if you are renting a car be sure to photograph any dents, scratches, or other problems that already exist on the rental.
If you are doing any task that involves taking something apart that you are going to need to reassemble, take photographs of each step. That way if you don’t get a chance to put things back together before you forget how it came apart you still have a record.
Although not useful for your RV, if you still maintain a stick home & install a new septic system, photograph where the tank, distribution box, and other points of the system that will need access 2-5 years down the road. This will save a lot of digging (Don’t ask me how I know about this one!) This is also useful for any other underground utilities. Along the same lines, if for any reason your remove the walls, roof, etc. of your house or RV, take photographs that will show the locations of any exposed plumbing, wiring, studs/rafters, etc. If weather conditions outline the studs or rafters of your RV, take a photograph so you will know where they are in warmer weather. This can be very useful when something goes wrong in the future or you need to add solar panels or other things that need to attach to your RV’s framework.