Has your DSLR camera been collecting dust because your phone has replaced it as your everyday camera? Then before you go on that all exciting adventure, be sure to get it cleaned so you can go out and take great photos in confidence. Of course, if your DSLR is being used regularly then chances are it could do with a decent wipe down too. We’ve mustered up some helpful tips which will get your camera into tiptop shape.
To start, wipe down the body of your camera. Using denatured alcohol and an old toothbrush to scrub off stubborn stains is a simple but effective way to do this. Be careful around any leather surfaces because denatured alcohol can remove the glue that holds the camera in place.
After cleaning the body of your DSLR, there are two areas you’ll want to clean: the lens and the sensor. Each is a delicate surface, so proceed with caution.
What you’ll need:
- Rubber bulb blower
- Non-abrasive, lint-free wipes
- Lens cleaner
Next, find a clean surface in a well-lit room. Whenever possible, avoid taking the lens off your camera when outside in the elements.
Cleaning the Lens
Dust and other small particles can collect on your lens. The trick here is to remove the detritus without scratching your lens. First, use the blower to remove as much as possible without touching your lens. Use a blower without a brush. If you still see dust and dirt particles on your lens, use a lens cleaner and non-abrasive, lint-free wipes to carefully and gently clean your lens. Do not spray or drop lens cleaner directly on your lens but apply it to your cloth.
Cleaning the Sensor
Unless you change lens constantly, you probably won’t need to get inside your camera to clean your sensor. If you notice blemishes on your images, however, particles could have found their way inside the body of your camera.
Before you endeavour to clean the sensor, you should look inside the body of your camera for dust and dirt particles. The reason? When you turn on the camera, the sensor is charged and can attract the particles. So, with your camera turned off and the lens removed, take a close look for any particles inside the camera. Use a lighted scope and tweezers to hunt for and remove any unwanted particles.
To access the lens, you will need to put your DSLR into cleaning mode, which raises the mirror in front of the sensor and locks it in its open position; giving you easy access to the sensor. For here you can use your bulb blower to remove any particles on the sensor. When you’ve finished, turn the camera off to lower the mirror and put a lens or lens cap back on.
Tip: Make sure your camera’s battery is fully charged or connect your camera to a power source before entering cleaning mode.
If the blower doesn’t do the trick, don’t be tempted to brush or wipe, or in any way touch, the sensor. Instead, take your camera down to Advanced Computers and ask a professional for help. We’re open 7 days a week, call us on 09 4448823 or visit the website for more details www.advancedcomputers.co.nz