I am preparing to buy a Canon Rebel XS and don’t know anything about how to clean the lenses or the camera itself. Should I be buying any supplies with the camera that I’ll need in the future (i.e. canned air, cloth, etc.)? I’d like to make sure I take care of this thing well. What should I know ahead of time about the care and maintenance of this camera?
Related Blogs
- Check Out Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens & Canon 55-250mm for $1,099.99 | Buy & Reviews EOS Digital SLR Camerar and more series | All Brands and Models | Best Deal Update Daily
- Replacement Battery Charger For The Canon Digital Rebel XSI, XS SLR Cameras | Cheap prices
- Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP Digital SLR | Canon SLR Digital Cameras
- Canon IXUS 870 IS Review | Canon Cameras | Gadget Reviews
- Canon EOS 1000D/Rebel XS – Canon interview presentation | Camera Markets | How to get the best camera.
No related posts.
Tagged with: canned air • canon • canon rebel • canon rebel xs
Filed under: Canon Rebel Camera Tips
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
Just buy the camera, attach a Skylight or UV filter to the lens straight from the store, get some lens cleaning kits for the front of the lens which is basically the filter, the viewfinder and the LCD at the back. If you only use one lens, never take it off the camera to eliminate the chances of dust entering the body. Don’t wipe it with any solution or water. A clean soft dry cloth will do for the rest of the camera’s exterior will do. Canned air? You might want to avoid that. The pressure might knock the mirror off it’s natural position and worse, push more dirt further into the crevices of the lens and body. That takes care of the cleaning part.
Remove the batteries before storing. Store the camera in a dry and well ventilated area. Never place it with your clothes in the cabinet. It would be nice if it had it’s own air-tight box and throw in some Silica gel dessicants in there to handle the moisture. You can get a dry box with a hygrometer if you really want the best in moisture control. Storage, check.
Remember to use it regularly. The camera likes being used. Always wear the strap when using the camera. Do not store the strap together with the camera when not in use for a long time. The strap is the highest source of moisture that can affect your prized possession. Hand-wash your strap if you happen to perspire on it. Strap, the camera’s life-saver – very important.
So, what’s all the fuss about moisture? It stains the glass. Worse, it attracts fungi that can physically destroy the coatings of your lens.
Never touch the mirror nor the camera sensor. They should only be cleaned by the Canon support. You should not change the lens in dirt places, and always keep a lens attached or the protecting cap in the body to avoid dust inside the camera.
It’s recommended to keep a UV filter (probably you’ll need a 58mm UV filter) in the lens, so you will not need to clean the lens. The filter is easier to clean, and it is less expensive.
Avoid touching the frontal glass element of the lens, and never touch the rear element. When others ask you to see the photos, be ensure they will not touch the frontal element of the lens, or keep the lens cap on it. Also you should keep the front cap over the filter when you will not use the camera for some time. It may not be easy to remove finger prints from lenses and filters.
1. Put a skylight filter/or UV filter on your lens and forget it. If the filter needs cleaning do it carefully, People on this forum scrub their primary lens and wonder why they have to spend hundreds of dollars on a replacement.
2. Buy a good neck strap (read wide, for neck comfort) that connects well to the camera. Lift camera, put neck strap on your neck, site through camera. Sounds simple, well why don’t you take the time to read other people’s questions and see how many people have ruined (in need a replacement, can’t be repaired) their cameras by dropping them, on this web site. Why do people walk around carrying their camera in hand while the neck strap dangles in mid air? I’ll never know.
3. Learn how to hold your camera the photographer’s way!
Camera in your right hand, and your left hand UNDER THE LENS, to cradle and support your camera. (imagine yourself as a human tripod) I see so many people, even many so called professionals who have their left hand above the lens, with the palm open. What do those idiots think; that their palm is going to serve as lens shade away from the lens it self?
Sorry for the tiraded, but the left hand in mid air with just the thumb and forefinger on the lens, infuriates me.
Now go out there and take the pictures you like and please enlarge some to 11×14 or even 16×20. So you can really enjoy your camera.
Keep it away from blowing sand and spraying salt water. Try not to change lenses near sand or salt water. Most camera shops will clean the sensor while you wait. I always take mine back where I bought it, and they haven’t charged for cleaning yet.
Never use canned air on your camera. Buy a microfiber cloth and use only that to clean the filter that you should put on the lens. And buy a good camera bag to keep your camera in.
I would not let anyone else handle the camera. You will be paying a good amount for your camera and most people don’t know how to safely handle a camera. Always use the neck strap as someone else suggested. Dropping your camera will surely break it.
When you get your camera, charge up the battery and start reading the instruction book. When the battery is fully charged, put it in the camera and start learning the different settings. You will be getting a really nice camera, so you need to learn how to use it. You can use it on Auto to begin with, and as you become more comfortable with it, you can start using the other settings.
And practice, practice and practice some more! Have fun!
Adding to all of the above, I regularly clean my sensor. Zoom lenses are like bellows. They move a massive volume of air and plaster dust all over the sensor. If you are COMFORTABLE with cleaning the sensor, there are plenty of products. A blower and the SensorPen are a good combo.
This may come as a surprise but the Owner’s Manual for your camera has a section on "Care & Cleaning".
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use canned air or alcohol on any part of your camera. Just read the Manual and follow its guidance.
Always keep a Skylight or UV filter on your lens. Use a microfiber cloth to clean it.