Whether you’ve invested in a lower end DSLR or went all out for a top model, you need to keep your camera maintained to ensure that you can continue taking quality photos and prolonging the life of your camera. Knowing what actions to take to avoid problems down the road is the biggest gift you can give your camera. Doing the research and starting good habits from the day you purchase your camera will ensure your investment is long lasting. These 7 tips will clear the air for you.
Tip #1: Humidity
Beaches are one of the top photographed places but, they’re also one of the worst places for your camera’s “health” since humidity is your camera’s number one enemy. It is important to keep your camera dry and away from extreme weather conditions when possible. If you are in a cold weather environment, avoid bringing your camera in from the cold to a warm room. The resulting condensation could ruin your imaging sensor, and that’s something that can be avoided with common sense. To prevent any problems, put your camera in a protective, padded bag or case.
Tip #2: Cleaning
In order to effectively clean your equipment, use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber one, and wipe down the exterior to take off dust and other particles that could also creep inside the camera body.
Use a cleaning brush to clean the all-important imaging sensor.
Tip #3: Caps and Hoods
There’s a reason your camera comes with a lens cap…to protect the lens. Some photographers are religious about putting their cap on when the camera is not in use, while other count on their lens filters to protect the lens rather than putting the cap on and off repeatedly throughout the day. If you’re indoors doing a portrait shoot, then you probably don’t need to use the cap every time you put the camera down. However, if you’re out shooting landscape and are switching cameras, only to put the first one down, you’ll probably want to protect it against the elements by putting the cap back on
Lens hoods are another safety feature. Though they’re meant to block sun glare, they have the added bonus of protecting the edge of your lens.
Tip #4: Storing Your Camera
Leaving your camera, even if in a bag, in the trunk of your car in the heat is not a good idea. These extreme temperatures are not your camera’s friend. Though it can withstand varying conditions out in the field with the proper protection, leaving it sitting in these temps for long periods of times will only damage it in the long run. Be conscious of where you leave your camera when you’re not using it.
Tip #5: Rain
Whether at the beach or out in the rain, you should always be careful around water. A drizzling rain won’t kill your equipment, but common sense suggests that you don’t take off a lens or open the memory card door when you’re out in the rain. If you’re expecting rain then use something to cover the body of the camera (freezer Ziploc bags work well). It’s the electronics that you need to watch out for; your lens, on the other hand, can take a few drops. Keep that dry microfiber cloth on hand.
Tip #6: Spots on your photos
If you notice dark spots or splotches on your images, it’s a good sign that your camera needs a cleaning. Using a sensor loupe will help to identify the spotty areas on your lens or sensor. An airbrush and brush will blow and wipe away dust, if that’s the culprit. For smudges, use the microfiber cloth.
We Want to Hear From You
Send us an email at enquiries@advancedcomputers.co.nz or post onto our Facebook Page and let us know what DSLR you own. Do you have any tips or advice of your own?
Advanced Computers can help with your camera cleaning, maintenance and general servicing. Our repair team have handled issues such as cracked screens, lens not zooming, flash not working and liquid damage. Contact us on 0800 Mac Fix (622349).