Apart from learning how to use key techniques such as the horizontal split focusing screen, knowing how to clean your top-rated digital camera is a big step for all photographers. There are systems like the Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit, but you shouldn’t have to invest in expensive products with a few supplies. Of course, it’s never a bad idea to use a professional camera cleaning kit, but it isn’t always necessary.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You should only ever attempt minor repairs on your digital camera, and even then, you may be better off deferring to a professional that knows what they’re doing.
- You should be cleaning your best digital camera at least once a month to maintain optimal health for the image sensor, lens elements, rear elements, and other parts.
- You should only use approved cleaning solutions on a digital camera since you can easily damage the coated sensors and other sensitive components, which may be difficult to repair.
How to Use Digital Camera Clean
Learning how to use digital camera cleaning supplies will increase the lifespan of DSLR cameras- Canon, Nikon, or otherwise. Make sure you have a regular cleaning process as a routine part of maintaining your digital camera. Tons of cleaning tips online will help you during this process. And if you also want to learn how to solve common issues affecting cameras, check our post on how to repair a digital camera and lens.
1. Gather Your Supplies
There are a few different supplies you’ll need to clean your digital camera thoroughly:
- Air Blowers
- Soft Brush
- Retractable Brush
- Cleaning Swabs
- Dry Microfiber Cloth
- Professional Camera Cleaning Kit (Optional)
2. Disassemble Your Camera
You’re first going to remove your lens by engaging the lens contacts and popping it off. This will give you access to the image sensor and other internal components. Pop off any other parts you have that can be removed. Open up the USB port, as well.
3. Figure Out What Parts to Clean
You don’t need to clean every single part of your camera every time. It’s better to avoid over-cleaning since this can cause excess wear and tear. The lens and USB port are super important, however, so focus on that.
4. Use an Air Blower
Compressed air is fantastic for getting bits of dust out of the nooks and crannies in your camera. Make sure you use a dust blower explicitly made for cameras, preferably at a specialty supply store.
5. Use a Cleaning Pen
A lens cleaning pen is another item you should buy as soon as possible. Use the microfiber cloth first in a circular motion to remove excess dust. Then, use your cleaning pen as the packaging directs.
6. Use the Cleaning Solution
Finally, wet down that dry cloth with a little bit of cleaning solution. This will come with any professional camera cleaning kit you may have invested in. Use it only as directed and only on the parts that the cleaning solution is rated for.
Warning
You don’t need to clean every single part of your camera every time.
F.A.Q.
What to do before cleaning the sensor?
Ensure that your camera is fully charged so that it doesn’t close in the middle of cleaning. This will lead to costly repairs for you.
Are self-cleaning sensors sufficient?
The short answer is no. While it’s always nice to have a self-cleaning digital camera sensor, you need to perform maintenance yourself, as well.
What is sensor dust, and what does it look like?
Sensor dust collects inside the components whenever you change your lens. Other actions, such as trying to clean your lens with saliva, can cause damage. Make sure you keep your lenses clean to avoid the collection of dust.
Why is sensor dust a problem?
The reason why dust and debris can cause a problem is that the inner components of your camera are sensitive, and being exposed to too much dust can ruin the sensors.
STAT: The Sony A7 Mk II is likely the most affordable Full Frame sensor camera on the market. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_camera
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Camera-Lens#:~:text=Swirl%20the%20brush%20around%20the,the%20surface%20of%20the%20lens
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-DSLR-Sensorr
- https://alison.com/course/1205/resource/file/resource_259-14984822611373539844.pdf
- https://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/dslr/D3200_EN.pdf
