Store Your Digital Camera Safely

If you plan to go a week or more without using your digital camera, it's important that you learn how to store your digital camera safely. If you don't store the camera properly, you could cause damage to the camera during its period of inactivity. Using good storage techniques will ensure your camera will be ready to go when you need it again.

Any time you know you will not use the camera for at least a week, consider following these tips to store your digital camera safely.

Avoid Electronic Equipment

When storing your digital camera, avoid placing the camera near an electronic device that generates a magnetic field. Long-term exposure to a strong magnetic field could damage the camera's LCD or other electronic components.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

If you're going to store the camera for quite a while, store it in an area where it won't be subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations. Extreme heat can damage the camera case over time, while extreme cold can damage the camera's LCD.

Avoid High Humidity

Storing the camera in an extremely damp location can damage the camera's components over time. For example, you could end up with humidity inside the lens, which could lead to condensation inside the camera. This can ruin your photos and damage the internal electronics of the camera. Over time, you could end up with mildew inside the camera.

Avoid Sunlight

Don't store the camera in a location where it will sit in bright sunlight for extended periods of time. Direct sun and the subsequent heat it creates can damage the camera case over time.

Protecting the Camera

If you need to store the camera for more than a month, consider placing the camera in a sealed plastic bag with a moisture-absorbing desiccant to provide additional protection against humidity. Alternatively, store the camera safely inside the camera bag you use to carry it. Then, store the bag in a dry place where you won't have to worry about someone bumping into it or stepping on it.

Remove Components

It's a good idea to remove the battery and memory card from the camera when you don't plan to use it for a month or more. If you own a DSLR camera, remove the interchangeable lens and use the camera's lens caps and guards.

Turn On the Camera

Some manufacturers recommend that you turn on the camera once a month to keep the camera's electronics fresh. Check your camera's user guide for recommendations on how to store your digital camera during a period of inactivity.