How to care for your Lumix Camera
Let's face it; photography is an expensive hobby. No matter what your experience or enthusiasm level is, there will always be an expense to be paid, be it upgrading the body, lenses, and memory cards or even editing software. But perhaps more frustrating than the cost of improving your kit is the price of general upkeep or repairs to your equipment. Here are a few handy tips and products that go the extra mile to keeping your camera equipment performing at its best and safe from all of life's little mishaps.
Body Protection
Body protection comes in a range of forms. By this we don't necessarily mean bags and covers, but literal sleeves, usually made from rubber or silicone that fit around the body of your camera to keep it protected. Think of this almost like a cover for your phone, but one that goes all the way around your camera! If you're a general outdoor photographer or regularly find yourself in compromising positions, either shooting at height’s or around lots of mud, then this is a great investment! Silicone body covers are readily available in a range of colours for the LUMIX GF9 and other handheld models. It is also vital to get cases specific to your shooting style, as if you’re a sports photographer a marine case is probably not the one for you.
Lens Filters
Filters for your lens are inexpensive and a fantastic way of keeping fine scratches and dirt from collecting on the front of the lens itself. We're all familiar with polarisers on the front of our lenses, but if this isn’t of interest, a simple screw on protective filter gives your lens that extra bit of back up, should you go knocking or banging it around on shoots.
Camera Bags
If you don't have a camera bag, get one. If you're serious about storing your camera or camcorder safely and getting regular use from it, then a camera bag is a sound and essential investment, not only for taking on location, but for general safe storage within your home. Here are a few dedicated bags by LUMIX currently on the market.
This is more of a case than it is a bag. But for the photographer who doesn't want bulk, or to continually think about the practical aspects of location photography, and wants something that looks good, this is an excellent choice. Black leather and moulded for specific LUMIX models, you’ll be giving your camera great protection and you’ll look great whilst doing it.
If you’re looking for something more durable in different weathers the LUMIX DMW-PS10 Shoulder bag series will give you ultimate protection. Made for a more varied range of models this shoulder bag is inconspicuous, compact and still provides ample padding and a clean, dry, weathertight environment for your kit when not being used.
It also has more than enough space for extra lenses and essentials on location such as extra batteries, cards, chargers etc. However, if more space is what you’re looking for, the larger PM10 model might be a little better suited to you. The PB10 backpack model is another excellent bag for convenience and comfort whether trekking long distances or simply attending one of the renowned photography events.
Lens and Sensor Cleaning
You can take any body or lens into a local camera shop for a quick clean by a specialist. Most DSLR cameras will have the option to lock up the mirror for sensor cleaning within them, but you should be extremely careful when doing this, as it's so easy for dust and dirt to get under the mirror when the lens has been removed. It will usually cost around £30/40 for a sensor clean in the likes of Jessops. However, if you're feeling brave, you can purchase the cleaning kits online for around the same price. These come in the form of a magnified, telescope-like cylinder with a light on the end to pop onto your lens opening, protecting it from any dust particles entering and lighting up the sensor so you can see what it is you're cleaning. You'll also get a triangular-ended little flexible cleaning pen, for getting into the corners of the sensor. If you're very careful and in a clean, dust-free environment, then this is a very smart purchase.
When it comes to lenses, it’s always worth occasionally removing and cleaning both ends with a dust-free soft cloth. However, if you decide to invest in a sensor cleaning kit, your pen and dust blower can be used happily on the glass here too! Additionally, be sure always to have lens caps on both ends of the lenses you aren't using. These things are made to last, so show them a bit of love now and then, and you'll get years out of them.
General Storage
Outside of the cases and storage bags, a generally clean, dry and cool area is the best way to store your camera equipment. These cameras are made and tested to withstand certain amounts of heat, moisture and various knocks and tumbles, and these accidents can be just as likely in the home as outside. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight, for example, can slowly have an effect on the functionality within your camera, just like any technology.
You'll be hard pushed to come by a LUMIX product that isn't black, so it's always going to absorb light and heat. Try to avoid leaving on window sills or in conditions where moisture can quickly build up.
Dust is another bother, which is why it's always preferable to keep your kit in a camera bag. A slight build up is unavoidable, but a little clean now and then, and safe storage in a case or a bag with all the appropriate caps on the lenses, will ensure you'll get the most from your camera.
So, there you have it! Rather self-explanatory but very easy to forget and neglect! Just remember, if you look after your LUMIX camera, it will certainly look after your photography.