How to Maintain a Digital SLR Camera

Digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras have an imaging sensor that requires a bit of finesse, patience and caution to maintain. Keeping the camera clean and functioning at peak performance is critical to these complex pieces of equipment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep the camera out of extreme weather conditions. Humidity greatly affects the imaging sensor on a digital SLR camera. Never take the camera from a cool dry place directly out to a humid or moist environment.

2. Store the camera in a protective, padded camera case whenever possible to prevent any trauma to the device. Camera cases come in many styles and are available online or at local camera shops.

3. Clean the digital SLR camera whenever possible. This involves wiping down the outside of the camera to remove dust and other contaminants. Use a very soft cloth, slightly dampened with water.

4. Inspect and clean the imaging sensor when needed. The imaging sensor is located behind the camera's lens. Remove the lens and use a small amount of compressed air or a sensor cleaning brush to remove dust and particles. Ask the staff at a camera chop to provide an imaging sensor cleaning kit.

5. Remove any dirt or debris from the lens system of the digital SLR camera. Dirt causes lens motors to fail. Never remove or change lenses in harsh weather conditions, as foreign objects will lodge in critical working areas of the camera.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase an extended warranty on the digital SLR camera. This will help if the camera fails and needs repairs outside of its factory warranty.
• Inspect all of the digital images from the camera frequently, especially after long shoots or outdoors photo work. Dust seems to collect on the imaging sensor after extended use.
• Open the images in a computer imaging software application, like Adobe Photoshop, and look closely for dark or smudged areas. These are indicators that there is dust on the imaging sensor.
• Never attempt to clean internal digital camera parts without understanding the delicate nature of the sensor. Any incorrect cleaning fluid or rough technique will damage the camera.