Canon® EOS Digital Photography Photo Workshop

Chapter 10. CAMERA CARE AND SENSOR CLEANING

KNOWING AND AVOIDING THE FIVE THINGS THAT DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA GEAR

CLEANING YOUR SENSOR

KEEPING YOUR EQUIPMENT IN TOP CONDITION

©Michael A. Johnson

Today's cameras are complex instruments with many highly sensitive moving parts and a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that will show the tiniest of dust particles on its surface. Some cameras, such as the Canon EOS-1D and 1Ds Mark III, are built ruggedly and sealed reasonably well to keep out the elements (although not to the point of being waterproof). Point-and-shoot cameras, while not built to withstand the rigors of a professional single lens reflex (SLR), can be remarkably durable only because they aren't exposed as much due to their fixed lenses that don't allow the body to be opened.

Any camera or lens can be accidentally damaged by dropping it, getting it wet, or opening part of it (even a flash card slot) in poor conditions. While preventing these problems is important, it's important to know how to fix simple problems that occur, to care for and clean your camera and lenses, and to recognize when it's time to seek professional help.