We all know how technology has changed our society, making it hard to believe anyone got through their day without a cell phone or GPS. With a new year already upon us there are new technologies available right now giving photojournalist more options. The Nikon D90 DSLR for example, not only delivers a 12 mega-pixel image but can also record videos in hi-def with a push of a button. As far as doing new things with our equipment, I discovered a way to send a photo instantly from the scene and get it uploaded to our Web site.

Some of you out there may already know of this, but I tried it last December when the first snowstorm hit and closed eastbound Interstate 80 from Colfax. Journal reporter Bruce Warren and I were covering the story and ended up sitting in traffic for 45 minutes. With literally nowhere to go, we got out to stretch our legs and I started to take photos of the traffic with my cell phone.

Through the use of a text message I sent my traffic photo via e-mail to another reporter at the office. Once receiving the image it was online within minutes while we still sat on the Interstate. I realized this has opened the doors to yet another way people receive their information. With the use of a common cell phone, posting photos/videos right from the scene can be done more often. Accidents, fires, traffic jams and even press conferences can be posted while it happens, instead of after.

It’s an obvious technology even my 9-year-old son understands, but the fact we were stuck in traffic with no idea when we would return to a nearest computer, this method works great.

But here’s the next step beyond all of this, which Canon or Nikon might pursue in the future. What if a DSLR could send images or HD videos from anywhere without a cell phone or computer, by using a wireless carrier? Simply snap your photos or record a video, select your favorite, and send it to a pre-saved email address just as you would on a cell. No laptop or card reader needed. It’s simple technology cell phones are using now, but they don’t have the image quality of the high-res DSLR. Even the i-Phone (which according to Mac lovers is the best phone ever made) lacks the quality of a professional digital camera. Also, consider the button-size lens on camera phones are no comparison to a Nikon or Canon lens.

Combine the technology of wireless communication with a camera like the Nikon D90 and the world could start seeing news in a whole new light.