I remember the good old days of film photography where you could bump, dump, lump and generally knock your camera around and it would still work. With digital cameras it's another story as they are high tech pieces of equipment. Besides the fact that DSLRs have sensors that can get dirty, there are enough electronics that can fail through lack of care.
Here are a number of enemies your digital camera has to contend with, each with its own problems.
1. Moisture
Besides the most obvious fact that water destroys electronics when they are submersed, small amounts of moisture can play havoc with the internal workings of your camera. Condensation is a subtle enemy and before you know it, there is damage that cannot be repaired. When transitioning from extreme temperatures there is always the chance of condensation. Going from a hot vehicle into the cold outdoors then into a heated house is dangerous and suddenly can cause problems, so, make sure your camera is in a properly insulated bag in those conditions.
2. Dust
We are all aware of sand and very careful when using our cameras when close to it. It's obvious and we can see it and take the necessary precautions. But, dust is the real enemy because the fine particles can get in anywhere and a gradual build up will eventual cause serious damage. Always keep your equipment sealed when working in conditions that have the potential to allow dust into your camera. If not in use then bag it. You can't be too careful. Buy one of those cans of compressed air and give a gentle dusting from a distance. Too much air pressure, too close to the camera will drive dust further into the cracks and crevices of your equipment.
3. Shock
Mechanical cameras had fewer electronics susceptible to knocks and bumps. Although modern digital cameras are designed to take shocks there is a cut off point where it starts to cause damage. Be careful how you carry your camera especially when on a strap on your shoulder banging against your hip. If it isn't necessary to be there then bag it until you need to use it again or place it in a soft case around your neck or shoulder. Don't leave equipment lying around that could get bumped. Even if it falls over on its side there are chances of something going wrong or a button getting damaged.
4. Changing settings
You may ask why this is an issue but you'll be surprised to know that people will still try to force buttons, levers and switches. Not to mention memory card slots and battery covers. Never ever push something that doesn't want to be pushed. If it doesn't fit or the lever won't go any further then don't force it. Make sure that you know exactly which way the battery or memory card fits. If it doesn't want to go in then it shouldn't go in that way. My daughter did this to my DSLR with the memory card and a hundred bucks later I had learnt my lesson. Electronics, no matter how robust, are still electronics and are made with lightweight materials not meant for heavy handed usage. Keep this in mind and your camera will last longer.
5. Changing lenses
If you are a DSLR user then changing lenses has two issues that need to be addressed. Number one when changing a lens make sure that you do it carefully so as not to force it and thereby damage it or create metal dust. These fine metal particles land up on your digital sensor and you know how it then causes spots on your images. This leads on to number two. Whenever changing a lens, make sure that it's done in a wind free environment and the camera opening is facing towards the ground. Dust doesn't fall up so it immediately helps against sensor contamination. Exercise extra care and you'll have a dust free sensor and cleaner images.
Some of these issues with camera care may seem logical to you but make sure that you put all of them into practise. Just one slip up can cause headaches and result in you having to spend unnecessary money on your equipment. A happy camera takes great images. Violate these points and you'll be unhappy and poorer.
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Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.
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