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How to maintain your DSLR the right way

    Topics:

  1. Cleaning the DSLR’s sensor

  2. Cleaning smudges on the lens

  3. Added protection for lenses

  4. Taking care of the camera body




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When compared to point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs come across as the sturdier of the lot. They sport rugged exteriors and have a longer life. But that doesn’t mean that you can afford to be care-free with them. DSLRs need a lot more maintenance than their basic counterparts. They use interchangeable lens designs, that are prone to dust, dirt, sand, heat and cold weather. All these factors can ultimately affect the camera performance, if not maintained right. There are certain rules and guidelines that you need to follow while cleaning a DSLR. The few steps mentioned below will help you maintain your DSLR.

Cleaning the DSLR’s sensor

Using your DSLR for quite some time, then it’s right to believe that some dust and dirt may have accumulated on the sensor. A good indication of that is when you start seeing spots in the images you click. If you’re not absolutely sure whether you need to clean the sensor, then a good way to find out is by clicking a photo of a white sheet with the aperture value (F value) set to maximum. Spots are easily noticeable against a white background. It will give you an idea of where they are on the sensor.

 

To get access to the camera sensor, you need to go to the settings and put the camera on manual cleaning mode. Different cameras have a different term for it. Read your camera’s manual to get more information. Once you put the camera in the cleaning mode, press the shutter-release button with the lens removed. This will move the mirror up and lock its position, so you can access the sensor.
 
The sensor of a camera is very sensitive. It’s not advisable to touch it with your hand or even with a cloth. In order to blow away the dust, you’ll need an airbrush. It’s perfect, because it carries the right amount of pressure and can be concentrated at a specific area. Now that you have an idea of where the dust spots are present on the sensor, simply use the airbrush to blow dust away.
 
After you’ve taken care of all the dusty spots, just switch off the camera and the mirror will slide back in its place. Remember that the camera needs to be on during the entire cleaning process. Do not power off the camera before you’re done. Also make sure that the camera has enough charge before you put on the cleaning mode.

Cleaning smudges on the lens

The glass used in lenses is generally known to be a fingerprint magnet. Even a small smudge shows up easily in photos. To get rid of them, most people may use a wet cloth, which is not recommended at all. The best way to clean the lens is by using a high-grade isopropyl alcohol based cleaning solution. Alcohol tends to evaporate lot faster than water, which makes it perfect for cleaning smudges on the lens. Don’t use any other cleaning agent in the house. It could damage the lens.

 

Apply little amount of the solution to a lens cleaning tissue. You don’t have to wet it completely, just enough to make it moist. Now wipe the lens in a circular manner, starting from the centre, moving to the outsides. Use a gentle touch, not putting much pressure. You can use the same solution to clean the mount of the lens too.

Added protection for lenses

Cleaning the outer surface of the lens is very important. A microfiber cloth is the best thing you can use to wipe off dust on the lens. Remember to extend the zoom, in order to get the entire surface on the inside too. The accumulated dust can damage the zoom motors.

 

The other thing you should use regularly is the lens cap. Make sure you have it on, when the lens is attached to the camera, but not in use. This is a must if you use your camera outdoors. Don’t forget to attach the cap provided for the mount. This should be done immediately after you detach the lens from the camera.

On the other hand, if you’re using the camera outdoors and don’t want to go through the hassle of removing the lens cap and putting it back on again, then invest in a lens filter. They provide an additional layer of protection for your lens, they’re affordable and easy to clean. You can even use lens hoods. Although they are used to reduce glare, they can protect the body of the lens.

Taking care of the camera body

Cleaning the body of the camera is no different than cleaning the lens. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off dust on the body. The spaces between the buttons and dials can be a little tricky, so we recommend using a brush here.

 

The microfiber cloth can also work with the LCD screen and the viewfinder. Make sure it’s clean and dry. However, if you want to give it a liquid treatment, then you can use the same alcohol solution to clean them. Do not let the liquid come in direct contact with the camera. Use a tissue with the liquid solution to wipe off all the dust.
 
When you’re travelling to a very warm or a cold place, a good practice is to pack the camera and the lenses in plastic bags, before putting them all- in the camera bag. Extreme temperatures can damage the camera. Putting the cameras in a plastic bag, gives it time to adjust to the weather outside. This also helps avoid condensation, which is a big problem.
 
A well maintained camera doesn’t just last longer, but also clicks great images. Following the steps mentioned above will let you avoid smudgy and spotty images, while having smooth functioning of the camera and the lenses.

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