DSLR Camera Maintenance Tips

DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras include interchangeable lenses and other accessories, so cleaning this type of camera requires different techniques than point-and-shoot cameras do. Follow these tips to clean and maintain your DSLR camera for optimum performance.

Clean the Camera Body

Cleaning the body of a DSLR camera requires the same process as cleaning a point-and-shoot camera body. Use a soft, dry cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to clean the camera body gently of any grime, dust, or fingerprints. For persistent grime, slightly dampen the cloth with distilled water.

Clean the Lens

When you clean the lens, use a small blower bulb and a soft brush to remove dust or sand.

Then, gently wipe the lens with a dry, soft cloth in a circular motion from the middle outward.

To maintain the integrity of the glass on both sides of the lens, place lens covers on the ends of the lens as soon as you remove it from the camera. Keep the lens cap on the front element of the lens whenever the lens is attached to the camera unless you're shooting.

Clean the Lens Mount

To keep the DSLR camera's lens mount and its electrical contacts working as well as possible, keep this area dry and free of grime with a microfiber cloth.

Clean the Mirror and Screen

A DSLR camera has a mirror mechanism inside the camera that is exposed to the elements each time you change the lens. You should see it when you remove the lens and look inside the body. Just below the mirror is the focusing screen. Clean both with a lens brush, taking care not to brush dirt into the camera.

Clean the Image Sensor

Dust on the camera's image sensor shows up as slightly blurry spots in your images, so keeping this clean is important.

Some cameras have a built-in image sensor cleaning system, usually involving a fast vibration of the sensor. For those that don't, use a swab or a sensor brush to clean it or purchase an image sensor cleaning kit.

Clean the LCD Screen

Even though the LCD on a DSLR camera might be larger than those found on a beginner-level camera, the process of cleaning the LCD is the same regardless of its size.

Your microfiber cleaning cloth comes in handy once more for this task. If necessary, dampen it slightly but don't use any cleaners or solvents. These can cause peeling. Use as little pressure as possible.

What Not to Do

The following methods might seem helpful, but avoid using them altogether:

• Never use canned air to clean any part of the DSLR camera. The pressure is too powerful and could drive dust or sand into the camera body, damaging its interior components.
• If you need to use liquid to clean the camera, dampen the cloth slightly, and then clean the camera. Never place the liquid directly on the camera.
• Never use alcohol, paint thinner, or other solvents on any part of the camera. These are too harsh and can cause damage.
• Never use paper towels, tissue, or paper-based products to clean your camera. These shed fibers and debris and can scratch delicate surfaces.