Rookie Photography Mistakes that are KILLING your CAMERA!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- 📸 Is Your Camera Gear Safe? Avoid Damage with These Helpful Tips!
💥Improve your editing skills and take better photos - Join The Photographers Clubhouse -
www.iworthphot...
🏞️ Take a look at today's photos in more detail on the blog -
www.iworthphot...
📚 Improve your landscape photography composition with my ebook - www.iworthphot...
📸 Join me on a photography adventure - Check out my workshops and tours - www.iworthphot...
🗞️ Get more weekly photography tips and Inspiration - Sign up for my free newsletter
www.iworthphot...
☕️ Support the channel by donating on Ko-Fi
ko-fi.com/ian_...
Starting out in photography can seem expensive, but once you've got your camera gear, it's actually a very cost-effective hobby. In today's video, I'll share some important tips on how to protect your valuable equipment, because your camera could be getting damaged without you even knowing it.
I'll talk about my own experiences, including a costly mistake with a lens, and offer practical advice on how to care for your gear both in the field and at home. From choosing the right camera bag and using straps effectively, to dealing with weather conditions and cleaning your equipment properly, I cover it all.
Join me as I share what I've learned to help you avoid the same mistakes. If you enjoy the video, please like and subscribe for more photography tips and guides. Thanks for watching!
CONNECT -
Web site: www.iworthphot...
Email: ianworthphotography@yahoo.co.uk
Instagram: @ ian_worth
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#photography #photographytips #camera
If you have any tips or tricks for caring for your valuable camera gear, please drop a comment below and if you're looking to improve your photo editing skills, consider checking out the photographers clubhouse - Join The Photographers Clubhouse -
www.iworthphotos.com/clubhouse-sign-up
I have a Ruggard dry cabinet where I keep the camera bodies and lenses. Ian: when carrying equipment in a bag, do you place them lens down or lens up? I often wonder if having them lens down causes issues with the camera/lens mount. Never drive with equipment in the trunk or rear area (I have a Subaru). I put them on the back seat and run a seat belt throught the straps to secure the bag.
Something I know to do but frequently forget to do - when changing lens out on location, to turn the camera off first. I should take my own advice. LOL
My tip is "do not take un-necessary risks with your gear when taking your shots". It's sometimes scares me seeing some of the places photographers, both amateur and professional, set up their cameras and themselves to try to get that 'unique' shot.
I bought a bag of disposable shower caps to stretch over my camera and lens in bad weather or salt water risk. I think I got about 100 for £5. This works very well when my camera is on my peak design camera clip attached to my backpack strap in the rain.
All good advice Ian. One word of warning to those with DSLRs. The technique for sensor cleaning is very similar to that for mirrorless BUT be aware that the mirror hinge mechanism contains grease (obviously) so keep the cleaning swab away from the mirror hinge. Don’t smear the grease all over the sensor as I did!
Great advice 👍
Also, if your camera has a sensor with image stabilization, I thought I read somewhere, for certain cameras, you should turn off stabilization (basically lock the sensor) for the sensor so it doesn't move when cleaning. Not sure if that is true, but might be worth a comment from someone knowledgeable on the subject.
@@don7117Seeing how my sensor moves around when I look at it exposed I believe this is true.
Excellent tip. Thank you very much.
Good thing its not the sensor you are cleaning anyway, its a durable bit of glass with your uv/ir filter.
Great tips! Some of my own:
-For moisture: keep those little silica bags you get with electrical stuff inside your camera bag. Also if your gear sits in the drawers, etc, put some cheap nappies in there. They're super effective moisture traps.
-For sensor: Some cameras like sony alfa have a little door that closes in front of the sensor when camera is switched off. Activate it. Also I always use my rocket blower on the back element, when changing the lens.
-For wear & tear and uv / salt damage when walking: When your camera is hanging off your neck, just chuck a cloth or t-shirt over it. On the same subject, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I use a little over the shoulder camera bag. Big enough for just a camera and some batteries / cards. The rest of my gear sits in the back pack, but I can quickly just grab my camera, without even taking the pack back off.
-Gear rubbing in the bag: if the dividers are not snug enough or you don't have a proper camera bag, wrap your gear in beanie hats or tuck in some socks, towels, etc to stop stuff from moving and bumping.
Great tips 👍
Silica packets are not really that useful, due to their size. Best to not bother when in the field and just keep your gear in a dry cabinet when at home (easy to diy)
@@theBaron001 Yeah. And in humid climates, those bags get saturated extremely quickly and become useless anyway.
Agree with the silica packs, I have a couple in every compartment of my camera bags and dry them on a radiator in wintertime ever so often, I also use moisture absorbers in the cupboard I store gear. Never had a problem so far, I don't live in a very humid climate though.
Yep, didn’t see this before I said the same thing. My bag, cube, etc always has those desiccant packs in them
Excellent Video Ian, My Tips would be
1) Never drive from one location a short distance to another with your camera resting on your passenger seat! An emergency Stop will catapult it forward and certainly result in damage/breakage. Yep I learnt the hard way :)
2) Consider purchasing an old Film Camera Changing bag that is used for getting 35mm film, out of the roll onto the developer reel for developing. Poor weather conditions mean you can place Camera, and lenses into the bag and with a little practice these can be changed reasonable easy!
Safe and happy shooting everyone
Wouldn’t it be a lot easier to use a transparent plastic/polythene bag than an opaque film loading bag? That way you you can see what you’re doing.
@@emotown1 All down to personal choice, mine is the camera bag. :)
@@alexwaterton9769 Well, hats off to you, it's a good idea. I might borrow it.
@@emotown1 Might work, though plastics generally attract dust.
@@sharvo6 True. On the other hand plastic bags are cheap. And a new one won't have any dust inside.
Avoid radical temperature changes particularly going from cold to to avoid condensation. When coming in from extreme cold, keep your camera in the bag for an hour or too so it can warm up higher than the dew point in a warmer room. This also goes for going from an air conditioned environment into a hot humid environment.
Great advice 👍
I learnt this the hard way 😢
In the bag….what bag? The camera bag, or a ziploc bag?
I use my car as a step in between.... in my garage its always 12-15°c
@@k4kafka I leave it in the camera bag. You can put it in a zip lock bag inside the camera bag if your really paranoid.
0:00 📷 Starting out in photography can seem pricey, but it's cost-effective once gear is sorted.
0:32 🎒 Use dedicated camera bags or hiking packs with dividers to protect gear from damage.
1:37 🚫 Avoid camera straps that could accidentally drop your camera; consider quick-release straps like Peak Design's.
4:19 🔄 When changing lenses, keep camera and lens caps facing downward to prevent debris on the sensor.
5:10 🌧 Protect gear from elements with microfiber cloths, rocket blowers for water droplets, and avoid using pressurized air.
7:22 🏞 Dust can damage cameras; keep gear in bags until needed in dusty environments like beaches or deserts.
8:01 🌊 After shooting near saltwater, wipe gear down with a damp cloth to prevent salt damage.
9:34 🎥 Tripods can lead to camera falls; ensure quick releases are secure and avoid moving with camera on the tripod.
10:45 🔍 Cleaning sensors yourself is easy with proper tools; blow out dust before swabbing to prevent scratching.
12:20 💧 Store gear in dry places; avoid leaving it in damp environments to prevent moisture damage.
My tip would be store your camera gear in a camera dry cabinet. They are relatively cheap and keep the gear clean and dry. The air temperature and relative humidity can be set and controlled, much like a wine cabinet.
That's a great idea!
my “cheap” $150 dry cabinet doesn’t let you control temperature, just relative humidity.
I always carry a shower cap. When the cameras on a tripod you can protect it from rain or sea at the beach. Carry it in your kit next to your camera and it acts as protection.
Great channel Ian, thanks. 👍
Do you hate watching RUclips videos when pros hold their strapless camera in one hand whilst negotiating tricky terrain, walking in a busy street or holding it over a cliff to get a shot? I always use a wrist strap or if I might need two hands for balance then a neck strap.
great tip 👍
All my camera bags have desicated silica gel bags in them, to attract any moisture.
Any time that I buy something that comes with a silica gel sachet in, I pop the sachet in a tupperware container with sealable lid. Keep them nice and dry and you'll always have plenty to hand when they're needed to keep moisture away from your gear in storage.
Great advice 👍
Are your camera bags airtight? If not, those silica gel packets will be soaking in moisture from all the air around your bag, and once saturated, they then start giving off moisture, making your bag more humid. There's a reason why manufacturers only ship them with items that are also in plastic bags, to seal them from outside air.
I got a pack of fifty 10 gram packets off amazon and put them everywhere. In my camera bags, storage boxes, neoprene lens pouches.
Good piece of mind.
@@Sean-Smith-Photos check them regularly, and dry them or replace them once they get fully saturated, because at that point they start adding moisture to your gear, rather than removing it.
Tripods: my camera was slightly tilted in the tripod and when I unclipped the plate, the camera slipped to the floor... I usually, and now make sure I have one hand on camera before releasing tripod plate. I also wrap my camera strap around my wrist before and while I use the tripod.
I like this one! I won’t ever undo the quick release until I have a grip on the camera with my other hand.
A few additional points related to lens-changing: 1) Make your decision *before* you remove the lens. Don't stand there with the lens off, waffling on which one to use. 2) Lens caps, particularly back caps, should be "last off, first on". Both of these practices help to minimize the amount of the both the sensor and the lens rear elements are exposed. 3) While it might sound like a good idea to change lenses indoors rather than outside when possible, it's not always necessarily true. If there's dust blowing around outside, sure -- Do it indoors. But if, for example, you have pets -- cats in particular -- and / or there's much dust inside (which usually stays aloft since it's a generally breeze-free environment) the air may actually be cleaner outside. 4) Resist the instinctive urge to blow on your lenses in order to remove trash. Maybe you're better at it than me, but invariably I'll think "just one (more) gentle puff" and then *splat* ... moisture flies out of my mouth directly onto the lens and I have to give it a proper cleaning. 😀
Great advice Len 👍
I use those moisture absorption packets in my camera bag to help cut down on any humidity in my camera bag. Being in the States, just about everywhere is climate controlled, so indoor humidity doesn't tend to be a problem, but outside is another matter! Being on the eastern coast, outdoor humidity typically runs 60% plus, not great for electronics.
Side note: moisture absorbing packets don't last forever. You can remove the moisture from them by placing them in a warm oven for 15 to 20 minutes, which removes most of the moisture. However, it's best to just replace them occasionally.
not sure if I'd want to put those chemical-filled packets in the safe space I bake my food...
@@CivilStig
Silica Gel surely is a dangerous chemical 🤡
Even baking powder is more of a concern 😂
Watch fallen leaves covering exposed tree roots. Cover your gear with a parka when bringing it in from cold . Leave for 4 to 8 hours. Use two cameras with a favorite lens on each so as to avoid changing lenses in the elements. Give a freshly mounted camera on a tripod a shake before moving hands away. Arca Swiss connectors are worth the money. Please do not ask how I learned all this.
*The answer is at **12:30** if you don't feel like wasting 15 minutes.*
Take care of your gear, it's common sense.
Using the lens hood and in rough conditions, a UV filter would be sound advice as well.
It sounds stupid but be extremely careful taking your camera to the beach. Especially on a windy day. One small grain of sand is all it takes to jam a lens
I started using desiccant in my gear bag. What I do is purchase a box of camper van or trailer moisture absorber and then grab a little amount of it put it in a little sox and then put the sox in the camera bag. similar technic to what company do in packaging most good. And then yes avoid everything like you mentioned. I also have tried a few more things under the rain. An umbrella fixed to the back pack is kind of complicated. But I also carry a military poncho and put it on top of everything including myself when the rain hits. I can actually manage to even take the picture from the hood on top of the camera never having it in the rain. I can set everything, including the tripod from under the poncho. Since I am using a fanny bag, a but bag and a messenger bag all together, I don't even need to put things down to set things up. I found great advantages with the umbrella: the capacity to walk with breathing clothing under the rain. It is actually awesome. Later, I found that the poncho if worn sporadically if the rain comes and go, do almost as good. I have considered the use of a rain skirt along with the umbrella, following few hikers impressions. It is probably the most comfortable approach under heavy rain.
Since I also do photography while kayaking, I have started carrying my gear in a plastic water tight suit case (Pellican). With the use of ratchet straps, I can tie the all thing to my kayak or bicycle with ease. But I also started doing it in replacement of my butt bag. It works very well and could not be safer. It frees me from a poncho or umbrella clumsiness, but it forces me to put the harness down and expose the camera to weather during photography procedures. A simple sling made of a rope tied in loop can prevent the harness to be put on the ground and be suspended to a three. Still the case should rest on the ground to prevent things from falling when the case is opened. The advantage of this method is that I can wear regular rain gear. It is much more comfortable then the poncho, and more convenient and wind proof then the umbrella, but you tend to sweat more. It is also much easier to go through branches and to cross people, it also less of a complication to set things up.
I find that pictures are less interesting in heavy rain. Reason being that water droplets, reflects the grey sky has they fall and the heavier the rain and the farther the subject, the greyer and dull the photo. So, most likely, pictures would not append in dangerous conditions. In case of necessity, an umbrella or the poncho could still save the day! I also put a desiccant pouch in this camera gear case. With this set-up I still use the messenger bag and fanny bag for less precious gear. If I can put regular rain gear, it remain complicated to protect theses two bags since I won't carry an umbrella or poncho in this circumstance. To take the harness off, I have to take the messenger bag of my neck first, but it still save me a bunch of misery.
I have tried another idea few years ago that might be of interest. I don't practice it anymore, but I thing it might be brought back at some point. I discovered that a plastic tarp can be folded neatly, stuffed with a light foam tent one person folding (accordion type) 1/2" mattress folded in two or three, too which a rope could be affixed, to two corner of the tarp, to make it in a rigid waterproof cape or shield. It can this way be flipped to the side the rain comes from, as you walk. This set up is highly breathable still. Main idea is to provide a mattress to kneel or lay down to do macro or wildlife shots without soiling anything. It can also be used to drop gear on the ground and protect it from dirt or wetness. If the tarp is camo, then it can also, to a degree, shade your presence to wildlife. It can also be converted in a shelter ultimately. It is also very light and cheap and if the apparatus is folded with caution, it can also serve as a bag to carry some of the light gear in. But yes, people might think you are a weirdo fake superman as you cross their way! You might have lots of explanation to do! It is also not as interesting to bring when it is not raining.
Great tips 👍
I've also experienced fungus growing inside the lenses in the past, after having them stored and unused for long periods of time in high humidity environments. So, 2 years ago I got one of those dry cabinet / dehumidifier cabinets to store camera gear (a small Sirui HC-40X) and I just store my gear inside it all the time. It keeps the camera and lenses in a controlled humidity environment and so far no issues, so I'd highly recommend investing on one of those.
Excellent tips! Particularly the dehumidifier. I want to mention a few additional things that I find should be taken into consideration. First tip - the shutter mechanism is more fragile than the sensor. In fact, blowing dust into the sensor area is perhaps most damaging to the shutter mechanism which can potentially accelerate the instance of a shutter mechanism failure. Therefore in very dirty situations I believe one shouldl take care and try to avoid blowing dust into the shutter mechanism, and instead a sensor cleaning kit may be a better idea as it uses special tools and doesn't blow dust around in the shutter mech. Also another tip - If hiking with camera gear and you decide to run downhill, particularly if relying on the Peak Design capture clip to hold the camera, a camera may bounce up and down abruptly if hot held against your body by your hand. The abrupt bouncing may permanently damage the VR or OSS mechanisms in a lens (I had this happen). There is also concern with some camera bodies such as Sony Alpha cameras, where the IBIS mechanism does not lock down the sensor when the camera is off (unlike Nikon Z), thus bouncing the camera body may induce wear and tear on the floating sensor mechanism. Also, some cameras have an option to close the shutter to "protect the sensor" from dust, but ironically, it is the shutter mechanism that is more important to protect from dust, and is way more fragile than the sensor. Therefore the use of this feature is not recommended by many professionals. One last point: lens caps, filters, and hoods. If there is risk a lens cap or filter may come off the lens while hiking, it may actually end up scratching the front lens element. Therefore ensure these are secure from coming off or do not use them at all - i.e. consider using a lens hood on while in the bag as they are often more secure. Also lens hood absorbs impact better than a UV filter. I advise against buying UV filters to protect lenses, instead the lens hood is particularly more effective at helping protect a camera/lens from impacts or bumps.
For anyone waiting for the big reveal: His lens got moist.
Damn I got scared thinking this was an AthleanX video.
Good tips thanks Ian. I keep a number of silica gel sachets in my camera bag which luckily isn’t against an external wall. I also have a number of vintage lenses kept on a shelf, but each one is in a hard case with a silica gel sachet. Hopefully that is working ok 🤞P.S. that path looked a bit precarious!
9:17 Always close your bag, these extra five seconds will prevent your equipment from falling out if you forget that the bag is open. I learned it the hard way by damaging two lenses.
I recommend using a hand strap. It keeps the camera safe(if it's a good one) and no strap to get in the way.
I never swap lens, as when I'm taking my camera out, I'm mostly on a mountain bike ride.
But to protect the camera from impact on mountain bike rides or just in general from impacts, I keep it in my backpack between two thick elbow pads, in a small bag that came with bed sheets, I keep a microfiber towel there too to wipe the lens. There is a back protector plate that wraps around it, and keep the back pack tight. So me crashing on a ride or slipping and falling when walking won't make a dent in the camera or lens.
But a thing that can harm a lens is when you get big force or impact forcing the lens off the mount. But I try to keep it snug and padded up So I'm probably good. but dropping a massive lens on the ground with the camera, the lens can rip off the mount, I saw pictures of that.
I would say be careful with high shots per second. Don't use it continuously. It can break the sensor. Happened twice to me and a few others. Camera shop said the sensor gets too hot then lines of dead pixels appear.
Hi ian. I would like to bring your attention to the camera bag. I have more than 1 bag .the reason for this is the bags are heavily padded and so are the inserts to separate the equipment. I always clean all of my equipment after a days photography .so i leave the camera bag open in a warm cupboard for a few days to air out .and then use the other camera bag. I believe this will save you and the viewers any problems with moisture and mould. Also, vacuum your bag out regularly
Great videos.
David
Vacuum camera bag, that sounds like a good idea!
Thanks for the tips. I always put my camera in a cotton bag when im not using it. Always feel it protects it from dust.
Great advice 👍
I use an internal clip-in sensor protector so I never have to clean my sensor.
awesome 👍
Great tips! I have some reusable silica gel packs you can microwave to dry out. In the bag and also in the box I use to store lenses when not using them for a bit. they go green when damp so also helps me be mindful about situations where my pack gets damp - sleep in my with it and it can get quite a bit of condensation.
Thanks for sharing!!
I use a normal rocket blower for the front of my lenses, but also carry a blower with an air filter for blowing dust from inside my camera.
Great advice 👍
8:20 - if your buttons/dials stop working or do the "auto-press" thing where they glitch out and keep pressing by themselves, I recommend trying an electrical contact cleaner spray + a drinking straw that you flatten on one side so you can jam it under the button/dial. Did wonders with my a6300 - dials kept changing modes and this cured it!
Great advice 👍
If I am shooting in a precarious positions whether on a tripod or not, I use a wrist strap, although it can be quite challenging with the camera tethered to your wrist, at least if the camera or tripod should slip it would not go far and hopefully save the camera from damage..
I had exactly the same 'moisture and mould' issue with some Canon lenses that I was trading in. Unfortunately, my lenses, not being high end, were classed as 'uneconomical to repair'. I was disappointed with this as these lenses were kept in a proper camera bag and in a dry, well ventilated room. I have changed from Canon to Fuji and I must admit that my Canon lenses had not been used for a while. I have since read that the best way to avoid mould growing in your lenses is to use them outside, as UV light prevents mould spores from growing on surfaces. My Fuji camera is in constant use and I have now only got two lenses for my X-T5, so that they are used constantly too. A good argument for not having loads of gear and also for getting out taking photos!
very true 👍
GREAT tips here 👏🏻 I'll add, consider getting a Ruggard Dry Cabinet for storage. De-humidifier is great too (especially for your cottage) but a dry cabinet is SO nice to have. Also keeps dust off everything, runs completely silent. Set it to about 45%, as TOO dry is not good either.
I have the EDC-50L model, it was $130 (on sale, normally $199 here in the US) and it holds 7 lenses and two bodies, including a large telephoto zoom (larger Nikon gear).
I'd add about tripod - choose only those with screw-in spikes, not "universal" - which hides spikes in collars, or retracts them. Thanks for your video.
Shooting in very dusty/sandy conditions (in my example mountain biking in hot dry dusty summer) its best to use UV filter on front lens element - you will be blowing and wiping these constantly and inevitably you will wear away front element coatings or scratch lens etc - so this is the one time a front UV makes good sense. If you scratch it or wear it out - its cheap to replace vs front element.
If I am out in very cold / damp / winter conditions when I return home I leave the gear in the bag until it warms up a for an hour or so - that way a cold camera lens etc wont attract a lot of condensation - also I remove SD cards to copy photos and do not power up camera or plug it into mains etc until I know its thoroughly dry. Open up all of the bag compartments and remove gear to allow full drying. Fully zoom lenses and remove end and front caps so no moisture is trapped inside these areas.
Great tips 👍
Enjoyed the video as usual Ian.
Really good tips, so thanks for sharing.
My tip would be, try and use a lens hood to save your lens from damage, although sometimes i don't through laziness and really should remember.
I was reading the tips and the one from Greg C i thought was really good , was use a UV filter which i have got and will be using it in the future.
Catch you on the next one.
Ian Worth's video, "Rookie Photography Mistakes that are KILLING your CAMERA!," provides various tips on how to care for your camera and gear. However, it's important to approach some of these recommendations with a critical eye and consider alternative perspectives based on personal experience and knowledge. Let's break down and debate the points made in the video:
1. Trusting Repair Firms
- Ian's Vie: Ian discusses the potential for camera gear to become damaged while in storage and emphasizes the importance of sending equipment to professional firms for repairs.
- Counterpoint: While sending your camera gear to professional repair services can be necessary, it's important to recognize that these firms make money by finding issues to fix. In some cases, they might recommend repairs that aren't absolutely necessary. Over my 30 years of experience, I've encountered instances where repair firms suggested fixes that weren't crucial. It’s always worth getting a second opinion or understanding the issue thoroughly before committing to expensive repairs.
2. Durability of Camera Gear
- Ian's View: Ian emphasizes the need for extreme care in handling and storing camera gear, suggesting that improper care can easily lead to damage.
- Counterpoint: From my experience, camera gear-especially lenses and bodies-can be much more durable than Ian suggests. I’ve been using the same 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses that came with my Nikon D5100 since 2011, and they’ve never been treated with the utmost care. They've been carried in regular backpacks, placed on shelves, and even dropped a few times. Despite this, they still function perfectly well today. While it’s important to care for your gear, it’s also crucial to understand that modern camera equipment is built to withstand more than just gentle handling. They are more resilient than some might lead you to believe.
3. Camera Bags and Protection
- Ian's View: He suggests using dedicated camera bags with protective cubes to prevent gear from rubbing against each other and getting damaged.
- Counterpoint: While dedicated camera bags are certainly useful, they are not strictly necessary for everyone. As mentioned, I’ve carried my camera gear in regular backpacks for years without issue. The key is to use common sense-such as keeping lenses and bodies separate with some padding or soft cloth if necessary, but there’s no need to invest heavily in specialized bags unless you’re working in extreme environments or carrying highly sensitive equipment.
4. Environmental Damage Concerns
- Ian's View: Ian warns about the dangers of environmental factors like moisture and dust, especially when storing gear near external walls or in damp conditions.
- Counterpoint: While environmental factors like moisture can indeed cause problems, it's important not to overstate the risks. Simple precautions, such as storing gear in a dry place or using silica gel packs, can go a long way. My gear has been stored in various conditions, including near external walls, with no significant issues. Modern lenses and cameras, especially those with weather-sealing, are designed to withstand a reasonable amount of environmental exposure.
5. Lens Damage from Storage
- Ian's View: Ian discusses a personal experience where moisture allegedly damaged his lens while it was stored in a camera bag near an external wall.
- Counterpoint: While this could happen, it’s not a common issue for most photographers. Storing gear outside of bags, allowing air to circulate, and occasionally using a dehumidifier if you live in a particularly damp area are sensible precautions. However, for most people, simply ensuring your gear is stored in a reasonably dry and stable environment is enough.
6. Tripod and Strap Safety
- Ian's View: He warns about the dangers of not securing your camera properly on a tripod or when using a strap, which could lead to accidents.
- Counterpoint: These are valid points, but again, it’s essential to balance caution with practicality. Camera straps and tripods are designed to be safe when used properly. The key is to double-check your gear before moving or changing positions, but there’s no need to overly worry. Practical, everyday use rarely results in catastrophic failure if you’re reasonably careful.
7. Sensor Cleaning
- Ian's View: Ian suggests that cleaning your camera sensor yourself is easy and cost-effective, as long as you use the correct tools.
- Counterpoint: Sensor cleaning is indeed something that can be done at home, but it requires caution. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s perfectly okay to seek professional help. However, I agree that with the right tools and a careful approach, it’s a manageable task for most photographers. Just ensure you’re working in a clean environment and follow trusted guides.
Conclusion:
While Ian Worth provides some helpful tips, it’s important to approach his advice with a balanced perspective. Camera gear is generally more robust and durable than some may suggest, and while caution is necessary, so is practical, everyday use. Trust your own experiences and knowledge, and don’t be swayed by overly cautious or fear-based advice. Remember, cameras and lenses are tools meant to be used, and with reasonable care, they can last for many years, even with less-than-perfect handling.
Jan, it's amazingly bad and I thought I was unlucky but it happened even to you: my camera was in the camera bag but the strap was hanging out and hooked somewhere...and SLAM! camera on the floor, main circuit damaged, thank God nothing happened to lens. Repair €300 and I'm still waiting for spares. Lesson learned, the hard way
Don't buy mirrorless. Buy a used D700 Nikon or Canon5d mkIII and bury yourself in lighting and fast prime lenses. Avoid stupid big lenses unless you want to do wildlife.
You mentioned you had a drop incident with a strap. What I usually do when carrying my camera with the strap when it’s not around my neck is I will wrap it once or twice around my wrist near the right end of the strap near the grip. That way if it ever slips out of my hand or the strap catches on to something it won’t fall and drop.
good advise on most parts with looking after your camera kit. no lens wipes only q tips, as for camera straps I tried them all and eventually found the perfect strap system. nothing has ever come close no not black rapid its the carry speed, expensive but a fantastic investment I carry heavy kit 7dmk2,
2 x 1dmk3 plus 400, f2.8 500 f4 etc used the black rapid system, very poor quality for the large sum of money. 10 years using carry speed system, never failed me in any way and still working perfect.
Ian I am looking forward to your assessment/ experiences with the Tamron 18-300, when do you think you’ll do it. In any case love your posts!
So that's why my Camera buttons were really sticky and basically acting sh1t after 6 weeks traveling through Central America. beaches, mountains and rain forests did not go down well! Thanks for the tips, no-one has said what you say.
I got a fair sized Dry Box from B&H for under $300. It holds 4 bodies, 8 lenses including a Z 180-600 and a set of filters. One of the best investments I made.
Should you hike around with the lens off the body in the backpack? Something I heard once, but I don’t see photographers doing it very much. ???
I heard that UV filters can potentially scratch or damage the lens in the event of a drop/ shattering, but I'm thinking since one would be carrying it on a strap, the camera falling is not very likely for someone leisurely walking around somewhat quiet streets and would serve the purpose of protecting it against dust and stuff flying into it? I mean, if something got on, you could just take the UV one off and delay cleaning, I suppose. Everything is a major overthink when you just start out sigh. Gorg pics
I am also not a fan of camera straps, especially peak design. I use black rapid slings and their quick release system. In fact a black rapid dual sling saved my life.
I was in the mountains in Washington state and saw an abandoned car that looked cool. Greeting neat shots the ground gave way. My Nikon D500 and 70-200 caught on a rock with the bracket rapid strap and stopped me about 3 feet from a 30 foot drop off. At the bottom of that 30 feet was jagged rocks and broken dead trees.
Years ago I had mould issues with some gear. Then I realised that the built-in wardrobe where I keep it shared a wall with the onsuite shower on the other side. 🐯
my office backs onto the bathroom as well, another reason for the dehumidifier 👍
My tip would be: Start with a simple iPhone, like 13 pro. Learn to compose images, don't get distracted with technical shit.
In regards to tripods, I've seen: blown over by heavy wind, hit by children, knocked over by wild animals, and even by the photographer.
The best accident I observed was a photographer carrying a expensive camera and lens in one hand while walking next to a pond. Let's just say, he discovered that it was not a good location to lose grip on the camera!
Moisture IMO is the biggest threat to gear, particularly lenses. And I see a lot of people who get home from doing say a shoot where it's either very humid (and they take their gear indoors into AC) or they shoot in winter or slight drizzle and when they get home, the wipe down their gear and then put it on the shelf without taking the time to ensure that they've removed as much moisture as they can (ie. pat dry not wipe down damp gear) and if need be, store lenses with Silica gels to remove moisture, perhaps the biggest silent killer of gear.
Even though lens wipes are designed for lenses, one should really use a micro fiber cloth with some cleaner made for coated lenses / optics as the best method for cleaning lenses (aside from just using a blower which doesn't get everything off -- obviously use a blower first to get rid of the larger stuff, and a micro fiber cleaning cloth to get off the rest). But I tend to avoid using the wipes as much as possible because over time, they can damage the lens coatings if you do it a lot over a long period of time. The wipes are fine for periodic cleaning or emergencies but I don't use them as a means to regularly clean my lenses. Just make sure the micro fiber cloth is clean.
Another reason to NOT use compressed air in general is the propellant that is used. Trace amounts of the propellant are expelled when they are used, and while doing this a few times may not hurt anything, continued use on a camera body could mean that you have a small coating of the propellant in your camera which may be hard if not impossible to remove, so I wouldn't use it (and you wouldn't "air dry" a damp camera anyway, pat it dry and use Silica gels if you have to to remove any moisture, but don't use a blower of any sort for that purpose.
Great video as always Ian. The one thing that I always do that I'm not sure whether it's a good practice or not is I leave always leave my lens attached to my camera, even once I get home I'll take my battery out and recharge them, I'll take my cards out and store them but I never separate my lens and put the cap on and a cap on the body. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Cheers Ian.
I’m with you , I even take that to the next level of having two bodies one with a 24-105 on one and a 100-500. I really try to minimise lens changing . 😀 Dust is bad enough on stills but can be easily removed in post but on video I don’t know how to get rid of it with my video editor. 😀
Great advice 👍
Used an unknown name wrist strap once and it broke and my camera and lens hit a concrete road. Fortunately the lens was dented but works OK and camera not damaged but you get what you pay for; Once over-stuffed a camera bag and had to strain the zipper to close it. Next day I learned my lesson - the pressure on the camera and lens inside had snapped the lens mount on the camera !! Lesson learned (painfully); I always use lens hoods even on cloudy days and indoors as this provides drop protection for lenses - in fact I prefer doing this to using UV or clear protection filters - I only use those at the beach or in dusty/muddy environs - have found that even expensive ones can reduce IQ with long tele lenses for example
Go to your local optician and get a lens cleaning kit from there. This consists of a spray bottle of lens cleaning fluid and a microfibre cloth. Never wipe dust off the lens with a dry cloth.
I also carry a small makeup brush in my bag which I use to clean the inevitable dust off the outside of the camera and lenses.
Where is this being filmed please ? looks just lovely
your shots are all lovely 👌i really like the compositions. Thank you for sharing everything
My polarising filter came off unexpectedly as I'd been wiping it dry. I was basically unscrewed it with each wipe 😢
One thing I can't seem to stop is dust getting into my zoom lens. Good thing is it doesn't seem to be effecting the image quality.
To avoid risk of mold - don't open your camera bag right after getting from cold environment into the warm one.
Let temperatures equalize gradually without access to warm air and moisture in it which will condense on your gear.
Use small silica bags against moisture in your camera bag. You can get them for free as some products that are bought have these in the packaging. I’ve thrown about half a dozen small silica bags into my camera bag and just leave them in there.
I have a small camera bag that I put on my shoulder and then on my hip. I usually have my camera ready to hand in there with the lens already attached. Now my question is whether it is harmful to leave the body and the lens together when walking. Or should I really only put everything together when I think there might be a nice motif?
5:10 nope! I just unscrew the rear cap of the lenses and pick it up when the camera is above the lenses and just screw the lenses to the camera. Meanwhile I unlock the lenses that I will remove from the camera and separate it from the camera exactly before to pickup the back cap from the second lenses and just move the cap from one lenses to the other right before screw the new lenses to the body. My invention, not so hard to be done. 😎
My concern, living in the sub-tropics is when taking my camera from an air conditioned home out into a humid environment and vice versa. Sometimes my lens fogs up immediately when I head out the door and I can only imagine what might be happening to the inside when I return inside. Any thoughts on that?
Cleaning the sensor ….you not cleaning sensor but a cover plate which is hardened optical glass.You need only fluid when there are smudges on it and in stead of spending a lot of money on luxury swabs and fluids get an good sensor inspection loop. The most common mistake is to keep gear all the time in the bag when gear is not used.Ideal conditions to develop corossion and mold in your camera and lenses especially after a wet day outside.If you have a budget to afford backup body then lens ex change will also not be the issue.Lens dry box is far better option then any shelf in a humid room.I always have bigger silica bags in my gear bags and pellican cases to absorb moisture.Every month or so lenses that are not used often go out the pellican case to get some light and clening inspection.
I have always some dehumidifier silica bags, like these they put into medicine bottles and leave them in bags . I'm not sure it really works in long term but so far I had no troubles
Insurance exists for a reason! Just waiting on return of a repaired body and lens after a fall from a tripod I lifted believing the body was secured. This is the 2nd time this has happened to me, for the same reason! Some lessons are not learned.
HOw conect cycling with photo,)
👍
As well keep dessicant packets in your camera bag; they will be useful for moisture control.
Allow your camera gear to climatize for example turn the heaters off in the car don't take your camera out of the bag until the temperature equalises so condensation does not build up internally in camera abd lenses
Not sure about this one but I think it makes sense to store lenses standing up instead of flat to avoid deformation over a long period of time.
I wont have to worry about moisture here atleast. Its super dry. I actually get dry skin which isnt healthy but atleast the lenses will be safe.
Long period exposition to cigarette smoke or greasy environment like a kitchen can also ruin equipment…
11:21 aren't good the other blowers that I have to buy exactly a "rocket blower"?!?🤣🤣🤣🤣😝
I have seen it before, a tripod that is not balanced and/or the centre column raised, you never know when wind will come and tip it over
I gather or buy those dehimifiying bags, and throw them in my bags. But they only last so long. Thanks.
I was carrying my EOS 5Ds by the tripod on a country trail recently. I thought that the dovetail of the ARCA mount was firm and secure, but it let go, and my body and tilt lens hit the deck hard and got scratched on a stones. I won't do that again. Even the presence of my black and white dog could not prevent my stupidity.
that suck's but 5D's are pretty tough aren't they 👍
Have you thought about using Silica Gel to absorb the moisture in your bags.. I use them all of the time.
5:26 too mediocre shots. There are even lower class than mine. But... If you have where to sell them. 😁
This is the first time I see people n ot wearing their camera on their necks. I guess you're too much of a wildlife fan
I have a mesh cloth shoe rack on the closet door that i store everything.
I have a similar problem with damp as my home has solid stone walls also. I use an airtight Vanguard Waterproof Case and keep it between 40-50% humidity using silica gel bags and a ThermoPro TP50 hygrometer bought of Amazon.
Great advice 👍
Snap Ian. I knew where you were going 1min 30sec into the video 😢. It must be the rain forest weather South Wales has suffered in recent times. And I’m in a well heated modern home, my homes thermometer also has a humidity gauge, which has been hovering in the high 50’s. I also now use rechargeable Silicagel bags in my camera bags. Just in case 🤞.
Great advice 👍
The reason why my camera gear might get damaged is because my first 4k video camera was a GoPro 😅
😂
Thank you for the tip. I think you probably saved me a lot of money because my house has moisture and mold problems.
You used to be able to buy blower brushes to clean camera gear, I don't know if they're still available, but they're a waste of money because they often shed fibres where they're not wanted. Instead visit an art store and buy good quality Watercolour brushes. Get a few of different sizes. They are great for removing dust and the fine ones will get into those normally inaccessible corners and crevices.
Great tip 👍
During high humidity times of year I keep my gear in hard cases that are sealed (Pelican type) loaded with silicon dry pouches. Lenses should go nose down. I take them out and place in bag or backpack only when I use them.
Thanks for sharing!
Best lens pouch I have is actually... a Tommy Tippee bag designed for babies' bottles! Insulated and really well padded they cost around £10 for two.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent video Ian, with regards to storing your camera, if you are storing your camera withs worth keeping it in a sealed tuppaware box with some big bags of silica gel.
Great advice 👍
Good vid and good comments - i'll try to add one.... Be attentive to the environmental conditions when changing lenses - pointing orifices downwards is only a good habit when there's nothing that's coming upwards - ie driven sand... swirling dust... rising ground moisture... a swarm of gnats, etc. And always be mindful of wind-direction too. Cheers.
Great tip 👍
With consideration of camera falling, I have a rope with the two ends in a sufficiently large loop to pass the camera through. Since I carry it in a messenger bag, I make sure this rope is short enough to retain the camera from hitting the ground if I drop it. But I also measure this when the bag is brought to the front while standing. This allow me to have enough length to work the camera without untying it. But it also allow me to use the bag as a cushion to improve my hand held stability. One end of the rope goes through the eyelet of the left side on the camera and then around the camera. It then synch around the eyelet. Same eyelet where the strap would go. Only I don't use a strap. I use my camera bag strap! The other end of the rope also goes around an hanker point on the bag and the camera through its loop. It is from this height that I adjust the length of the rope. I adjust it as short as possible for it to be comfortable to work the camera on the tripod and avoid untying it. Instead of making sure to always have a grip on the camera, I make sure to never sit or crouch when my camera is off the bag. But if I do lower work, obviously I will have to be more careful. A side advantage of this method is that I can lower the camera in suspension form the rope while I work things in the bag using it as a work bench! When I am done with the lenses cap, filters, choice of lenses swap or else, I can pull the camera back at the ready!
I am using paracord 220 for this and mine makes about 80cm tied to the bag and the camera. I have been interested in the Peek design strap clips for a while. But this cheap alternative is in my opinion much better. I might loose 3 seconds in taking the rope on and off over these clips when high wind flaps the rope and increase vibration of the tripod. Yet you gain a bunch of affordability, availability, durability and strength. And when the rope is off, you don't have these plastic clips still flapping around. Plus instead of tying to a regular camera strap it ties to the camera bag. This makes one less strap to be tangled in! This last advantage have another consequence. Since the camera follow the waterproof bag during the photography, when completed it returns in right away by necessity. I don't just keep it out. So the ease of access makes it more convenient to maximize the protection of the camera.
Great advice 👍
Something that costs no money: stop down your lens's aperture rings to their smallest opening before transport. Keeps things mechanically tight and can help reduce any debris from entering the element.
Something that costs money: per your last point, you can get a Ruggard dry cabinet on sale from B&H pretty regularly. It looks super sleek and the 80L can hold a handful of bodies, lenses, and other moisture-sensitive items. I just picked one up because I live in Florida where it gets super humid, plus I was tired of dust and pet hairs coating my stuff every week and I can rest easy knowing I won't have to dust off my gear or worry about mold.
good stuff 👍
Another word of warning! I see folks everywhere using their unprotected cameras in rain, even heavy rain! Cameras are not waterproof despite what the manufacturers say in their advertising, if your camera or lens gets moisture inside it will not be remedied by the manufacturer under warranty, all camera makers will just consider it as neglect and charge heavily for any repairs, sometimes it can be so bad that it’s not financially viable to have the repairs done! A worrying fact is that some manufacturers will say the camera warranty is void due to neglect so it’s worth thinking about. Camera covers are not too expensive and they really do work. Just because we see others using their unprotected gear in heavy rain it’s really not a good idea to copy them, Nikon for instance says the built in protection is there to protect agains occasional accidental splashes and not for using the gear in continual or even intermittent heavy rain! Just saying!
Great advice 👍
Don't use the same cloth cleaning or wiping your camera body to clean the glass elements of your lens. A LensPen is a good option. For avoiding mould developing inside the lens just heat up some copper coins, wrap them in a cloth and put the lot with you lens inside an airtight box.
nice tip 👍
I remove my lenses from the camera in the transport. I am worried by not doing that I introduce unnecessary strain on the bayonet, which could in the long term cause damage.
I also have a neoprene pouch for each lens, wich protects against rubbing inside the camera bag.
Great advice 👍
Such great and informative video! Thank you
i keep a couple of silica packaging bags in my camera bag to help with moisture.
One mistake I made was packing my camera in my warm room, and then going outside in almost zero conditions. I got bad condensation inside the camera, and on the sensor, which required cleaning after drying out in a rice bag.
.
thanks for sharing 👍
I don't change lenses outdoors any more. One of my cameras (unknown to me) let in a small but heavy enough piece of dust/grit. It was heavy enough that when the shutter opened and closed, the grit scratched a thin scuff on the sensor. I was quoted £400 for the repair and replacement.
Thats a shame, I hope you got it sorted 👍
If you use an Arca-Swiss quick release plate on a different head to the one it came with then double check the head actually grips it. I discovered to my horror that a Gitso QR plate is very slightly different to others and when I attached it with the camera to the tripod head it slid right off, despite having tightened the mount. I have also now put on the security nut in the head plates as an extra precaution.
I think the quality of quick release plates varies, not all are exactly the same profile. 👍
Gorgeous place, i was wondering is there is gold at where the river is meeting the sea🤔