| The popularity of a digital camera is due in part to | | | | special dust blower is the preferred method. Soft |
| the vivid, life like photographs that it can produce. | | | | bristled brushes are available as well but care |
| The lens of a camera is the key to creating | | | | must be taken to assure that the brushes are |
| these clear, sharp images. However, dust, | | | | clean and do not scratch the surface of the |
| fingerprints, scratches, and other dirt and | | | | camera lens. |
| smudges can destroy contrast, produce pictures | | | | * Remove fingerprints and smudges with a dry |
| that appear out of focus, and eventually can | | | | microfiber cloth. Lens cleaning fluids are available |
| result in the expense of having to replace the | | | | and can also be applied to the microfiber cloth as |
| lens, or camera, altogether. | | | | needed. The fluid should not be applied directly to |
| Obviously, proper care can help extend the life of | | | | the lens. Only cleaners made specifically for |
| the lens and assure better quality images. | | | | camera lenses should be used; do not use |
| Following just a few basic tips can go a long way | | | | cleaners made for eyeglasses. |
| in assuring a digital camera lens does not fail. | | | | * Use extra care in harsher environments. As |
| * Avoid contact with the camera lens when | | | | described above heat and cold extremes can |
| possible. Keeping the lens cover on and placing the | | | | cause damage to lenses as well as the camera |
| camera in the bag when not in use can shield it | | | | itself. Because cameras travel with us however, |
| from dust and other potential damage. Basically, | | | | they are sometimes exposed to environments |
| anything that comes in contact with the lens of a | | | | that are somewhat "hostile". Thus, extra |
| digital camera can damage the special coatings | | | | precautions are sometimes necessary. For |
| that allow the lens to function properly. Extra care | | | | instance, in extremely cold weather it is generally |
| should be taken when shooting pictures to assure | | | | best to carry the camera close to the body, |
| that the lens is not touched as it is grasped in the | | | | perhaps covered by a coat to keep it warmer. |
| hands. | | | | On rainy days wrapping the camera in a plastic |
| * Keep lenses away from excessive heat which | | | | bag can help shield it from the moisture. The |
| can breakdown the greases used within the barrel | | | | beach can also be hostile due to the potential |
| of the lens. | | | | exposure to wind, sand, moisture, and heat. Again, |
| * Add a UV filter over the camera lens as an | | | | covering the camera with a plastic bag and |
| extra layer of protection. | | | | shading it from the sun are good preventative |
| * Keep the lens dry. Moisture whether from your | | | | measures. |
| breath, condensation, a cleaner or another source | | | | Reducing contact and exposure to contaminants, |
| can create fogging and, in some case, can warp | | | | proper cleaning, and protecting the lens from |
| the lens housing. Because of the potential damage | | | | extreme environments are key to assuring the |
| from moisture, care must be taken in exposing | | | | longevity of a camera lens. These basic |
| your camera to cold as condensation may form | | | | precautions entail minimal expense and time |
| when it is returned to a warmer environment. | | | | commitment and can become second nature |
| * Remove visible particles from the lens without | | | | very quickly to beginning photographers. |
| touching it when possible. Using an ear syringe or | | | | |