airport security vs. digital video

[Anonymous]

I will be taking digital video of western trains and then flying home from Seattle to Chicago. Will the security scanners they use damage, in any way, my digital videos? Let's face it. They will be nonreplacable and I don't want them to be damaged.
Thanks.
Mike

[RudyRockvilleMD]

Mike:
Your digital video camera will be screened by x-rays so they shouldn't affect the recording medium. In the US, at least prior to the terrorist attacks, you were allowed to insist on hand inspection of carry-on luggage; I don't know if that is still in force today what with airport security being taken over by US Government screeners, I haven't done insisted onhand inspection of my carry-on luggage in years now that I know x-ray inspection of carry-on luggage will not damage the ASA 200 film that I use. However, if you plan to requesting hand inspection of carry-on luggage you should allow some extra time.