So you've finally purchased the camera of your dreams and you're too scared to take it out of the box for fear something might break. You can rest easy — your digital camera was made to be used.
That said, cameras are delicate and expensive, and they do require a certain level of care to keep them going for a reasonable amount of time. With the proper tools and a few precautionary measures, your camera will remain in great shape, lasting for many more parties, trips, and family outings to come.
Keep it clean
The first step is an obvious one. You need to make sure your camera is always kept clean. Always keep a camera and lens cleaning kit in your gadget bag so you can quickly deal with any dirty situations you and your camera encounter on your travels.
Certain areas are more sensitive and require more care than others, but it's a good idea to keep every part of your camera clean at all times.
Focus on the exterior
Dirt left on the outside of your camera can make its way inside in no time, so we recommend wiping it regularly with a clean, dry cloth. A blower brush is handy for removing surface dirt, however household cleaners and liquids should be avoided altogether. Lens caps, lens hoods, and other removable parts can be washed if necessary.
To avoid dirt or dust reaching the inner parts, clean the exterior first. Be sure to clean your camera viewfinder or LCD screen too — a clear view is essential for capturing the best images.
Protect your lenses
A microfibre cleaning cloth is a basic accessory you should always have on hand for cleaning the front of your digital camera lens, with special lens cleaning sprays or wipes necessary for more stubborn dirt and fingerprints.
A blower brush is also useful for lens maintenance — it can blow away dust or dirt from the front of your lens without spreading it across the surface. A blower brush is handy for cleaning other parts of your camera too, including the sensor, though great care must be taken as you can easily introduce more dust if you're not cautious.
Note: If dust or dirt has found its way inside your camera and you'd like to clean your camera sensor, this process is best undertaken by a professional. Your local Ted's store can organise for your camera to be sent to a technician for a thorough clean. If you purchase a Total Care Package with your DSLR or mirrorless camera, you are eligible for 1 free sensor clean!
Accessorise to keep your camera gear safe
Use lens caps & filters
When not in use, your lens should always have a lens cap on it — this is the best way to protect your lens from scratches, dust, dirt, water, and other damage.
Camera lens filters, such as clear protective or UV filters, are also encouraged as they maintain protection while you are shooting. UV filters also serve the purpose of cutting down on the amount of UV light captured.
Moisture protection
If you chose your camera from our selection of best waterproof cameras, you can enjoy some underwater photography — but if not, water damage can be fatal to your gear. Rain sleeves and covers are available online, while a good, cheap alternative is a ziplock bag.
Also be aware of moisture damage caused by humidity. If you're heading somewhere with high humidity, desiccant silica gel packs are a lifesaver.
Camera bags
Even when your camera gear is not in use, it needs to be looked after. The best way to protect it while carrying it around is with a high-quality camera bag.
When wondering how to choose the right camera bag, look for one that provides a snug fit to stop your gear moving around and getting damaged in transit. Many bags have padded protective dividers that can be adjusted to better accommodate your specific kit. Also ensure your bag has adequate space for extra lenses, cards, batteries, and other accessories.
Remember to keep your camera bag clean too — wiping down the surface regularly is a good start, while an occasional wash may be necessary for a proper clean.
Firmware updates
Updates to camera firmware are produced by manufacturers to ensure a camera is functioning exactly as it should, and to iron out any issues that have arisen after release. These updates don't help with the physical well-being of the camera, but they are essential to consistent long-term performance — so you can keep capturing high-quality results.
A note about battery safety
The hazardous nature of lithium-ion batteries has garnered significant attention in recent years. Incorrect storage can lead to batteries becoming damaged, or worse, causing serious harm to your camera.
Store your batteries in a cool, dry place, make sure the terminals aren't exposed, and avoid subjecting them to impacts or high temperatures.
Take care of your gear with Ted's
At Ted's, we believe that getting the most from your product relies on taking proper care of it from the get-go. We've also put together clean and care tips for binoculars and drones if you'd like to read more.
The knowledgeable staff at your local Ted's Cameras store can talk you through our cleaning tips further, or help you choose the right cleaning accessories for your kit.