Although camera prices have dropped significantly since the introduction of the digital camera, let's face it camera's still aren't cheap. So caring for your camera is an important part of camera ownership - especially for those of us who like to shoot in less than perfect conditions! So we've put together a short list of things you can do to care for your camera at home:

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<div><a title="Dirty mirror by Anna Russett, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annarussett/3164198152">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="600" height="586" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/CameraCare.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Dirty mirror</em>
Photo by Anna Russett</p>
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<strong>Cleaning the camera and lens:</strong>
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<ul>
	<li>Use a microfiber cloth or any dry cleaning cloth in cleaning the camera body, lens, viewfinder, and LCD. Do not wipe the dirt and dust away from your camera with a T-shirt.</li>
	<li>Do not use alcohol or other chemicals to clean your camera gear. If the dry cloth does not work, you may dampen it vey slightly with water or a purpose-based cleaning fluid.</li>
	<li>Be gentle when cleaning your camera and lens. If you press too hard on the lens tiny particles may scratch the surface.</li>
	<li>Use an air blower or a very soft brush to swipe away the dust particles.</li>
	<li>Clean the hot-shoe with a pencil eraser.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Protecting the camera from harmful elements:</strong>
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<ul>
	<li>Always cover the lens when not in use.</li>
	<li>Avoid exposing your camera to extremely high or extremely low temperatures, and humidity.</li>
	<li>Do not place your camera near radiators or other devices with strong magnetic fields.</li>
	<li>Place your camera under your coat when you are in a very cold place.</li>
	<li>Shield your camera from water, dust, and sand, especially if you are using it on the beach.</li>
	<li>Buy a protective case for your camera if you spend a lot of time shooting outdoors where the camera may be exposed to the elements.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Using the camera when travelling: </strong>
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<ul>
	<li>Put the lens cap on to protect your lens from scratches. A protective filter will do the job too.</li>
	<li>Pack the accessories in a separate case or a padded camera bag with dividers so they don't inadvertently damage the camera while in transit.</li>
	<li>Buy a camera bag that has enough padding to prevent damage if dropped.</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Storing your camera:</strong>
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<ul>
	<li>Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.</li>
	<li>Ensure that the batteries are removed from the battery compartment before storing for a long time.</li>
	<li>To protect it from dust, store the camera, accessories, battery, and memory cards in a dry box or a good camera bag.</li>
</ul>
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