Camera
- Keep the camera in its case/bag when out and about to protect it from sand, dust and accidental trips!
- Avoid using your camera in dusty conditions or if you have wet, dirty or sun-creamy hands.
- Always make sure the lens cap is in place when not using the camera to protect it from scratches and fingerprints.
- Don’t store a camera where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, high humidity, rapid changes in temperature (which may cause condensation) or temperature extremes.
- If you aren’t going to use your camera for more than a few weeks, remove its batteries and take it out of the case. Camera cases can build up moisture and grow mould quite easily.
Cameras are extremely delicate. Cleaning them is a delicate process. The real trick is to prevent dirt and damage in the first place! But to prepare for when your camera does need cleaning, get a cleaning kit. This should include:
- Blower/bulb brushes to blow away loose dirt (different ones for the lens and camera body). You can also buy lens pens - these combine a retractable brush on one end with a cleaning tip on the other and are suitable for most types of camera.
- A lens cleaning cloth. These cloths trap particles among their fibres rather than on the surface. Keep it in a small ziplock or similar bag.
- Lens cleaning liquid to use sparingly on a cloth when necessary. Check your owner's manual for recommended products.
Most lenses have special surface coatings that can be damaged by careless handling. So only clean when really necessary.
Any kind of dirt you can see with the naked eye will mar your pictures and may damage your lens. Start by blowing off any loose dirt with the blower or bulb brush; brush gently to remove any dirt that won't blow away. Use the cloth, moistened with a drop or two of cleaning liquid if there is any grease or dirt left. Never put it directly on to the lens - and clean with a light, circular motion. Fingerprints should be cleaned immediately in this way.
For a superior exterior
Wipe the outside of your camera with a clean, dry cloth or soft camera brush. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaner or organic solvents. Avoid contact with oily substances such as suntan lotion. If your camera has an LCD, breathe on it gently to create some moisture, then wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth or untreated photographic lens tissue.
Battery care
Replace all the batteries at the same time, never mix new and used, rechargeable and non-chargeable, alkaline or nickel-cadmium, or different brands. To save battery power, limit use of your LCD. Occasionally clean the battery compartment components with a clean pencil eraser.