Taking Care of Your Digital Camera

Last updated: 06 November 2006
Published in: Creating new digital media
Tags: cameras | digital preservation

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Summary

It is almost impossible to avoid dust and airborne particles from entering your camera, but if a few precautions are taken, specialist cleaning can be postponed.

I had to send our digital SLR back to the manufacturer to have dust removed from the sensor.  We were without a camera for two weeks.  How can we avoid having to do this again?

Although we may refer to ‘cleaning the sensor’ we are actually cleaning the high pass filter mounted just above it.

• If it is necessary to change a lens do it with the camera switched off and pointing down and, if possible, in a ‘dust free’ environment.
• Store the camera in a sealed case, which is regularly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
• Avoid leaving a camera without a lens fitted

My camera was recently cleaned by the manufacturer.  Most of the dust was removed but they were unable to remove one large mark.  Is there any other way of removing this?

The sensor can be easily damaged.  If the manufacturer was unable to remove the mark then you should not attempt to remove it yourself.

Should I choose a camera with a self cleaning sensor?

Some camera manufacturers have developed sensor cleaning solutions, these normally involve vibrating the sensor to dislodge surface dust which is captured on an adhesive plate. While sensor shakers can help remove lose dust some particles such as pollen can be sticky and may require direct cleaning.

The RAW file converters supplied with some cameras can automatically remove dust shadows from images.  A reference image is taken of a solid white surface, the software identifies any marks and then automatically removes them from all subsequent RAW files.  New dust particles will settle on the sensor and existing particles may move and so it is important to regularly update the dust reference images.

Can I clean the camera’s sensor myself?

Most camera manufacturers will only recommend that cleaning is carried out by recognised specialists.  You may even invalidate the camera’s warranty if you do it yourself.

Avoid the temptation to blow what appears to be loose dust off the sensor; compressed air is also not recommended.  There are products available which attract the dust without the need to apply pressure to the sensor.

Some photographers use special lint free swabs and pure alcohol to remove loose dust and some stubborn marks from the sensor.  Any cleaning beyond that recommended by the manufacturer should only be carried out by someone who has researched and understood the method they intend to use.

Before you decide to clean the sensor yourself, you should consider:

• Is the dust on the sensor a problem?
• Is the camera still under the manufacturer’s warranty?
• If the camera is sent away for cleaning how long can you afford to be without it?
• Is there anyone in the team who is confident and competent to undertake the cleaning of the chip?
• If the sensor is damaged during the cleaning process, are there funds for repair or replacement?

Is there anything else I should protect my camera from?

Digital cameras are highly complex electronic instruments and they should be protected from sudden temperature changes, which can lead to condensation collecting on the camera.

Whilst most digital SLRs offer some protection against the ingress of moisture, it can still collect on the outer surfaces of the camera and lens which can then encourage or accelerate the growth of fungi on the lens elements.

Any equipment which shows signs of fungal attack should be isolated and specialist advice should be sought.

Cameras and lenses can be protected from fungal attack by storing in environments with a relative humidity below 70%.  Leather cases are breeding grounds for fungi and should therefore be avoided for the storage of cameras and lenses.

To avoid condensation building up on the camera when exposing it to sudden temperature changes, place it in a sealed bag in the colder environment and then let the equipment reach the new temperature before removing it.  The bag will prevent airborne moisture from reaching and settling on the cold camera.  If condensation has collected on the equipment let it dry thoroughly before storing it again.

Last updated: 06 November 2006
Published in: Creating new digital media
Tags: cameras | digital preservation

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