Keeping your camera clean

Clean the dust from the camera and the lens with a blower and soft brush especially made for this purpose

If moisture is the greatest enemy of your camera, dust is second. Always ensure that the storage area is clean. Placing the camera in a dirty carrying bag is a recipe for trouble; dust will easily find its way onto the lens and cause damage. If dust adheres to the CCD, it will cease to record image data. Always carry the camera in a clean bag and make sure the cover is closed. If you carry a blower or soft brush with you, you can clean the camera between shooting sessions, which makes subsequent maintenance easier. Take extra precautions at locations with strong winds and sand.

To clean the lens, first blow away any loose dust with a blower, then use a soft brush to loosen dust from the cracks, and use the blower again. After most of the dust has been removed by alternating use of the blower and brush, gently wipe the lens with a dry, soft cloth or lens-cleaning paper. To avoid damaging the delicate coating of the lens, wipe carefully in circular movements from the circumference towards the center. If you use a cleaning agent, make sure that it is specifically made for cleaning the lens; never use volatile oils. If the body of the camera gets dirty, or if it has been coated by salt spray after a trip to the beach, for example, use a soft cloth wetted with distilled water or a mild solution of neutral detergent. Thoroughly wring the liquid from the cloth before wiping, then use a dry, soft cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Use a special lens cleaner and wipe with a circular motion