How to clean a digital camera

If you're willing to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on buying a camera then you had better take some time to learn how to clean a digital camera.There are several parts to a digital camera that need attention when it comes to cleaning; some that can be done easily and others that require more extensive tools and such.This article will highlight two of the most important areas in a digital camera to keep clean and how to do it.

Cleaning the Lens
Most if not all digital camera lenses are made of glass.The sharpness and clarity you get in your pictures is due mainly to what is on the surface of your lens so in order to get the best picture you want to keep that lens nice and clean.If at all possible try to keep the lens from getting anything on it.This is especially hard to do if you are actually using it so in order to keep it in tip top shape make sure you use a lint free cloth to wipe the lens down after each use.There are tons of dust particles floating around the air but with a lint free cloth you can grab most of those when you are done using the camera.Never use your t-shirt or something just lying around the house as they may have small objects embedded in them that can scratch or leave behind other dirt problems on the lens.You can buy lens cleaning fluid to help get the lens really clean.Just place a drop on your cloth (not directly onto the lens) and wipe in a circular motion.This will help get rid of smudges and dirty fingerprints as well.

Cleaning the Sensor
One of the downsides to digital SLR camera's (yes there is one) is that it is very easy to get he sensors dirty.Film cameras don't have this problem as a new portion of film is used for each exposure or picture you take.Sometimes when you take a picture you may notice dirty smudges or marks on it.This is an indication that your sensor is dirty.So what causes the marks?Well, the image sensor on your digital camera is exposed when the mirror flips as part of the exposure process.The sensor is charged electrostatically and ends up attracting charged dust particles in the air.It's not actually the sensor itself that gets dirty; it is the filter in front of it.That dust can cast shadows on the sensor when you take the picture.So how do you fix it?Well, some camera's actually have a sensor with a sticky pad attached to it to help dislodge any dust on its surface when it gets turned on.If you're does not however here is what you can do to keep it clean:

1. Turn your camera off before changing the lenses.This will turn the charge off from the sensor and will help decrease the amount of dust you attract through the filter.


2. If possible try to chance your lenses less.If you do have to make lens changes then do it quickly so less dust gets into your camera.


3. Hold the camera upside down while you change lenses.Dust will settle from the top so holding it upside down will help keep some of it out.


4. Use a soft brush and rubber blower to clean the inside of your camera so that you can catch the dust before it reaches your sensor.Do this before you clean the sensor.


5. Clean your sensor by using a rubber air blower.Hold the camera over your head with the sensor facing down and give it some puffs or air across the surface.Be careful not to put the tip of the blower too far into the camera or you will damage the sensor.Put the lens or cap back onto your camera and then turn your camera off.Take a picture to see if the sensor is clean.

If you want your camera to last then learning how to clean a digital camera is going to help.If you don't have the time to clean it then take it into the shop and have someone else do it for you.