After spending money on a good digital camera, you should take the time to keep it in good shape. If you take care of your camera and keep it in the best shape, it will last much longer.
The camera lens is the most important and fragile part of your digital camera. This is your window to the world, and if it gets scratched, it will need to be fixed by a professional. Because of this, it is very important to protect the lens. First of all, you should always keep the lens cap on when you're not taking pictures to keep the lens clean. Do not put your finger right on the lens. The oils your skin leaves behind will be hard to get rid of, making the view at best hazy. If dust or dirt gets on your lens, use a cleaner and a cloth that are made just for cleaning camera lenses.
You should also keep the body of your camera clean and free of dust and dirt. When you're not using the camera, keep it in a case or pouch. If it gets dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to clean it. If your camera has an LCD screen, you can lightly blow on it to add a little moisture before wiping it down with a soft cloth.
Wetness is bad for digital cameras. Most cameras aren't waterproof, so you shouldn't put them in places where they could get wet, even if it's just a splash. If your camera gets wet, you should turn it off, take out the battery, and take the memory card out. Put the camera out in the open air for one or two days to dry. Then, if the camera isn't working right, you'll need to ask for help from a professional repair company or the camera's maker.
In general, it's best to keep your camera in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures can damage your camera, so try not to leave it in your car or in a place that gets a lot of sun. Another good idea is to save the silica gel packets that come with many purchases to prevent damage from moisture and put them in the drawer or container where your camera is kept. If you're not going to use your camera for a long time, you should take the battery out of it first. This safety measure will protect against damage if the battery leaks.
Lastly, if you want to take photos in a place where you think water, soil, or other conditions will be more likely to damage your camera, buy a disposable camera and leave your digital camera at home. Be safe instead of sorry.
