How should I take care of my new DSLR?

Question

I am getting a new Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit). This is going to be my first DSLR. I wanted to get some tips from you guys on how to maintain it in the long term. I am getting a 52mm UV Protector Filter, as I read that it would do well to keep the lens clean.

Are there any precautions I need to take?

I would also appreciate if someone can suggest some reading material (paperback or online).

Answer

Since the question is a bit too broad to "fully answer," I'll just volunteer some tips. Hopefully with everyone's ideas combined, you'll come up with a good idea of how to maintain your camera.

I've had a similar camera (Canon t1i), and it's survived two years of intense use by me and a handful of teenage students working with these guidelines...

• Get a bag/backpack for your gear with padding. Doesn't have to be huge, but it should fit your camera body, the lens you have, accessories (batteries, chargers, etc), and leave room for another lens or two. This makes travel easier, and it can't get caked in dust in a bag.

• Always put the body cap back on your camera, and put both the front and rear lens cap on the lens if you don't leave the lens on the camera. I hate when I see people toss a body/lens around without the cap on. You could leave the camera assembled all the time if you only have one lens, but I almost always detach my lens and pack everything up when I'm not using the camera.

• Keep a microfiber cloth (I use these, but anything similar would be good) in your bag to wipe down your lens, and replace/wash the cloth if it appears to be getting dirty. If you get debris on the cloth and wipe your lens, that can be bad. It also helps to keep the lens cap on the lens when you're not using it, so that you don't accidentally get fingerprints on the lens (doesn't happen to me often; but when my students are using the camera it's a whole 'nother story).

• If your lens comes with a lens hood, use it. It'll help protect the glass from getting bumped/scratched. The kit lens probably doesn't come with a hood, but you can get an off brand one pretty cheap on Amazon. [Thanks to Itai for the comment]

• Extreme heat is no good. So I wouldn't leave your camera in the trunk of your car 24-7 if you live in a hot climate.

• Be careful around water. A drizzling rain won't kill your camera, but just don't disassemble the camera or open the memory card door when your outside. If you're out in heavy rain, get something to cover the body of the camera (a freezer ziploc bag is great). The end of the lens can stick out fine, it's the electronics you want to protect.

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