A simplified electronic camera and printer imaging system is provided that includes a single intelligence circuit preferably in the form of a PC card that is detachably connectable to either the camera or the printer for converting a data stream generated by the imaging sensor of the camera into stored data when connected to the camera, and converting the stored data into printer instructions, and relaying the printer instructions to the printhead when connected to the printer. The use of a single intelligence circuit to operate both a digital camera and printer advantageously simplifies the structure of the system, reduces costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces. In the preferred embodiment, the PC card containing the intelligence circuit includes a liquid crystal display and manual controls for displaying stored or real time images, capturing or erasing images, scrolling through stored images, and commanding a printer to render the images in hard copy form.