Camera Care Tips for All Types of Cameras

As with any digital device, cameras need extra care when they’re in use. There are a lot of sensitive parts inside that you can inadvertently damage if you’re not careful. The potential of that happening is why many new camera owners decide to invest in an extended warranty from Upsie. That way, they don’t face a large repair bill because they don’t correctly handle a new camera.

While it’s great to have the peace of mind that comes with an Upsie warranty, it’s a good idea to learn some camera care tips. Here are some standard practices and care tips to ensure your camera lasts for a long time.

It’s incredible how many people spend a lot of money on a new camera but don’t invest in purchasing a good case. Instead, they put them in their purse, a suitcase, or even a backpack. Think about how many times you casually set such items down on different surfaces. Putting your camera in anything in anything then a protective case can lead to scratches and dust accumulating over the delicate inner parts.

A good camera bag protects your camera by keeping out dust and dirt that could affect how your camera works. If you buy a waterproof bag, you can safely take your camera out on a rainy day without worrying about it getting wet. Water won’t build up on the inner components, which could destroy them.

It’s tempting to try and save money by purchasing cheap liquids to clean your lens. However, while Windex is great for a lot of things, please don’t make it your go-to for camera cleaning. What happens is that the product eventually breaks down the lens’ anti-glare coating.

The best way to handle cleaning is to go to a camera shop and purchase a camera cleaning kit. They typically come with microfiber cloths, brushes, and liquids specially designed to clean a camera lens. If the LCD screen on your camera ends up covered in fingerprints, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, not a paper towel.

In addition, you should clean any dirt or dust off the sensor using the proper liquids and flat swaps designed for that purpose. Make sure you handle each part of the camera properly as you go about your cleaning.

While you’re likely eager to explore all the different buttons and dials on your new camera, be careful how you maneuver them. If it seems like one of the parts is stuck, let a camera technician look at the device and figure out the problem. Otherwise, you could end up breaking your camera. Without an extended warranty for your camera, like those available from Upsie, you could end up paying a lot of money for fixes.

When cleaning your lens, you should only need a few drops of liquid on a microfiber cloth. Try to avoid placing the liquid directly on the lens. If there are smudges that won’t come off, you can try a little more. Never use clothing or a hand towel, as they may have fibers and debris that can scratch your lens. Otherwise, you might be better off taking the camera in for a professional cleaning.

Make sure you have your camera switched off before starting any maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing a simple lens swap or replacing the memory card. If you leave the camera on, you could end up damaging the memory card by inadvertently writing over any images you already have stored. In addition, leaving the camera on while changing a lens ups the risk of dust getting onto the sensor.

Most cameras aren’t designed to handle excessive heat or cold. For that reason, you should never leave your camera in your car. In addition, don’t leave your camera lying around in direct sunlight. Doing that could end up damaging the plastic. Extreme cold can cause issues with the camera’s LCD.

While you may see canisters of canned air stacked around your local camera shop, it’s not something you should get in the habit of using. Canned air contains chemicals that could be harmful to your camera. In addition, using those vapors causes them to escape and harm your camera sensor. It’s always better to use a brush or even a hand blower for cleaning.

Camera care tips are important for any photographer to follow. In addition, an Upsie extended camera and lens warranty can help you avoid taking a huge financial hit if you inadvertently damage your camera. Contact Upsie here for more information.