Simple ways to protect your new camera

If you've recently purchased a good camera, you'll want to take the necessary precautions to protect your investment. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Leaving your camera in extreme temperatures affects the condition of the camera in the long run. Be sure to store your camera properly to ensure long life.

• Keep your camera in a camera bag, or wrap it in a clean, soft cloth, and put it in a cool, clean, dry location.
• Avoid places where it will be subjected to temperature extremes or direct sunlight (such as the trunk of a car or near a window).
• If you don't use the camera regularly, remove the batteries after each use and keep them nearby so that you don't have to hunt for them.
• Don't put a camera on a shelf where it may get buried under heavy objects.

When you are travelling, a good camera bag seems an indispensable piece of photography equipment. It holds cameras lenses, film, flash, batteries, filters and other accessories conveniently. A camera bag, unfortunately, also announces to all the world that it houses expensive equipment.

• As an alternative on the road, carry a compact camera in a pocket or purse, taking it out only when you're taking pictures.
• If you need to carry more equipment, use a less obvious carrier, such as a large tote bag or small backpack.
• If you absolutely must bring your camera bag, carry your camera bag inside a larger and less conspicuous piece of luggage.

Keep your camera away from cold temperatures as much as possible. If you want to take pictures outdoors on a cold day, don't just grab the camera and run outside. Rapid temperature changes cause condensation to form on the lens, making it difficult to capture a sharp image.

• Place the camera in a zip-lock plastic bag.
• Once outside, leave the camera in the bag long enough for it to adjust to the temperature.
• Condensation will form on the outside of the bag rather than on the camera.
• Remove the camera from the bag to take photographs.
• Put the camera back in the bag before going back inside, and leave it there until the camera has warmed to room temperature.