Your digital camera: Avoid these common goofs

When it comes to caring for your camera, are you a fastidious photographer or a slipshod shutterbug? Our survey of 8,250 ConsumerReports.org subscribers by the Consumer Reports National Research Center revealed that many failed to make the best use of their newest point-and-shoot:

66% didn’t regularly clean the camera’s lens. Clean the lens before each use, which minimizes the risk of focusing problems and blurry areas on pictures.

28% cleaned the lens with a shirtsleeve, household tissue, or canned air. Clean your lens gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid so that you don’t scratch or otherwise damage the surface. (You should clean your flat-panel TV the same way.)

45% left photos in the camera for at least a month. Photo files should be copied to a backup device, such as a hard drive, soon after they are captured. That reduces the risk of theft or deletion. (It may be possible to retrieve accidentally deleted images, but don’t count on it.)

39% didn’t know whether the camera had scene modes, image stabilization, face detection, or burst mode. Check the manual for features you might be unaware of that make shooting easier and can improve your photos. If you find some new features, play around with them.

13% disposed of a camera in the trash (of those who got rid of a camera). If possible, sell your camera or give it away. For recycling options, contact the manufacturer or check for a program near you at www.eiae.org. Also visit Consumer Reports GreenerChoices.org for a host of information on recycling electronics. —Nick Mandle

Comments

[Joan Bacon]

I have a 27" flat screen Westinghouse TV. The picture is getting black and grey spots and around the edges is beginning to look like old frazzled movie film. I have been trying to contact Westinghouse to return the TV for a replacement that they promise, but I'm not receiving a response to telephone calls and emails. Can anyone suggest what I should do?

[Josly]

Clean the lens before each use, it is not easy........

[Tom Crites]

As Alan said above "if you fit a filter like a UV filter" (note the end quotes) I add - on all your lens then clean all you want even with sand paper if you like and you won't damage the original lens.

[Gabe]

A microfibre cloth won't damage the lens, but any largish dirt or dust particles you rub back and forth may lead to scratching. If possible, use a blower-brush beforehand to dislodge this debris.

It's a little easier with dslr lens filters which can be removed and rinsed under running water.

[Maztec]

If you have a coated lens, cleaning it regularly and vigorously will eventually remove the coating - if it is an external coating. This will affect image quality.

Not the end of the world, but I have had to send an old lens in for recoating, which is not cheap.

[David LaChance]

Paul Rivers cleaning the lens constantly should have no ill effect on it, the sensor is something different.
Peter Rhodes the instant you go to take a shot the lens can get dirty.

[Alan B Steele]

No need to clean your LENS if you fit a filter like a UV filter. These are reasonably cheep to replace if cleaning damages the surface; and can be left in place for most situations.

[Princess Sparkle Pony]

I've got to agree with the above commenter: telling people to clean the lens before each use is not good advice.

[Mike]

Incorrect, wiping a lens with a microfiber cloth will not eventually damage the surface of the lens.

[Peter Rhodes]

Not to mention - what is CR doing that's getting the lens that dirty on a regular basis? Did you throw away the lens cap? Lets the cat lick the lens before putting it away?

Seriously, don't get your lens dirty in the first place, and use the lens cap as much as is humanly possible.

[Paul Rivers]

"Clean the lens before each use"???

Not only is this completely impractical (*every* time??), but the people I know say you should only clean it if it's dirty as eventually cleaning the lens will damage the surface of the lens.