Caring for your camera

Not sure how to care for your camera? Or why you should? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to ensure your equipment is protected. Let’s explore a few essential accessories as well as my personal recommendations. The following items are long-lasting, mostly low cost and will extend the life of your equipment.

#1 Rocket blower

No matter how careful you are, it’s almost impossible to avoid getting dust particles inside your camera. This results in dust spots, a type of grey blemish, on your images. These can ruin a great photo or take a long time to remove using editing software. A rocket (or hurricane) air blower is a rubber bulb that helps to dislodge dust from your camera. Before a shoot, remove your lens, tilt the camera body downwards and blow air towards the sensor, being careful not to touch it directly. I really like my Giottos rocket blower which I have had for many years: https://www.camerapro.com.au/4980-giottos-large-rocket-air-blower.html

#2 UV filter

Lenses can be expensive. A UV (or skylight) filter is a protective piece of glass that is attached to your lens as an extra barrier, to protect it from scratches, dust or bumps. While opinions vary, I personally recommend using one as they are much cheaper to replace than lenses. Lenses have varying circumferences, so ensure you check this first to ensure the filter you purchase is compatible. I have happily used Hoya for many years and would recommend this as a quality brand: https://hoyafilter.com/

#3 Lens cloth

Use a clean lens cloth to gently wipe your lens each time before you shoot to help remove dust and fingerprints. It can also be used on your viewfinder and LCD screen. A lens cloth should only cost a few dollars at your local camera store.

#4 Lens hood

A lens hood is a plastic hood that is mounted onto the lens. They minimize lens flare, but also help to protect your lens from dirt, dust, sand or drizzle. A lens hood usually comes with the lens when you purchase it, so shouldn’t cost any extra. I recommend attaching it each time you use your lens, no matter the weather conditions. When finished shooting, you can reverse its position and reattach it to the lens to store it neatly.

I hope this helps you get started in finding suitable accessories and establishing a basic cleaning routine for your camera! What tips would you add?