Even though digital cameras have made photography more accessible to everyone, photography is still quite an expensive hobby or profession. Yes, producing images hardly cost a thing, but the equipment needed to capture those images are more intelligent than older cameras thus – they cost more than older versions. Some high level point and shoot cameras can already cost an arm and a leg – expect to spend more on good quality digital camera bodies and lenses.
Since you will be spending a lot on a digital camera (and its accessories), you would most likely want to take good care of it. If you think you need to have a lot of expensive gadgets to keep your camera clean, you’re quite mistaken. Your camera would be very very happy if you provided the following:
Cleaning Kits
Cleaning kits comprise of a brush (or several brushes), cleaning cloths, a blower and perhaps a cotton bud (or two). These cleaning kits are sold at most photography shops and are very affordable. Its fairly easy to use these cleaning implements however, do be careful when using the blower because even though it gets dirt out, it can also blow dirt in.
Zip-Lock Bags
Zip lock bags? WHY?! Well, zip-lock bags are quite secure and these really come in handy when you will be taking your camera to places such as the beach, where there is moisture and very fine foreign elements such as sand and other debris.
Protective Lens Filters
How would lens filters help protect my camera? Well, not your camera but your lenses. Lens filters will act as your main lenses primary defence against foreign objects that fly in the wind, condensation, drops and cracks. There are several kinds of lens filters (polarising, sepia, neutral density, etc) available in the market. If you are looking for a generic lens filter – get the UV filter.
That’s all you need to keep your camera in good condition. If you want to do more and say, perhaps, clean your lenses, here’s a video clip to show you how it’s done.