Camera care
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HoppyUK
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Welcome to TP
Cameras are not very robust. They don't take well to being dropped at all, and don't get it wet. Only the higher end weather-sealed cameras/lenses can take a rain shower, but none of them are anything like waterproof.
The lens is probably tougher than you think. Use a lens hood to protect against physical damage, but no need to replace the cap all the time. And don't be afraid to clean it. Blow or lighly brush off any dust/particles, then once you're sure it's clean, wipe off any marks with a microfibre cloth. Just make sure you're not rubbing in any dirt and scratching it. Greasy finger marks are bad for image quality and can be hard to remove - avoid.
faddius
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Hi and welcome
As mentioned, cameras aren't wildly robust but there isn't any need to treat it like a glass vase. They're robust enough to take the small knocks and bumps that come from every day use. Just be sensible when handling it and keep it in a padded bag when you're not using it. Don't drop it or take it in the bath and you should be fine
The lens is probably about as durable, don't use it to play rugby or use it as bait when fishing. No need to keep the cap on it at all times between shots, I generally take the cap off when I start shooting and if I'm going to have a lapse of 10+ mins of not doing anything with it, I'll put it back on. Just bear in mind, when the cap is off the glass is exposed so is susceptible to scratching from zips / bags etc. so when navigating gates, crowds or doors I tend to hold the camera with the lens facing up directly in front of me and fairly close to my body in order to shield it from any bumps, knocks or hazards that could cause it harm.
Just get yourself out there and have fun, which you can't do if you're constantly worrying about damaging your equipment.
Lastly, if it interests you - jump onto youtube and find digitalrevtv / DRTV, they have done a couple of durability tests for fun to see how much abuse a camera can take - however I wouldn't recommend doing what they do to your camera. This includes setting them on fire, throwing them downstairs, freezing them in water and using them as hammers. The videos are quite fun to watch
As mentioned, cameras aren't wildly robust but there isn't any need to treat it like a glass vase. They're robust enough to take the small knocks and bumps that come from every day use. Just be sensible when handling it and keep it in a padded bag when you're not using it. Don't drop it or take it in the bath and you should be fine
The lens is probably about as durable, don't use it to play rugby or use it as bait when fishing. No need to keep the cap on it at all times between shots, I generally take the cap off when I start shooting and if I'm going to have a lapse of 10+ mins of not doing anything with it, I'll put it back on. Just bear in mind, when the cap is off the glass is exposed so is susceptible to scratching from zips / bags etc. so when navigating gates, crowds or doors I tend to hold the camera with the lens facing up directly in front of me and fairly close to my body in order to shield it from any bumps, knocks or hazards that could cause it harm.
Just get yourself out there and have fun, which you can't do if you're constantly worrying about damaging your equipment.
Lastly, if it interests you - jump onto youtube and find digitalrevtv / DRTV, they have done a couple of durability tests for fun to see how much abuse a camera can take - however I wouldn't recommend doing what they do to your camera. This includes setting them on fire, throwing them downstairs, freezing them in water and using them as hammers. The videos are quite fun to watch
andyred
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Hi Tom & welcome
and congratulations on your new Camera 
Advice as with Richard and Alex really. With regards to the lens cap, f you are taking shots, walking about, taking some more, walking about etc etc, then no I wouldn't keep putting the lens cap on everytime you move around. I would recommend (if you've not got one) a lens hood as this also offers some protection to the lens.
Enjoy your new camera
williams359
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If you have more than one lens take care when changing lenses. Dust, rain or even worse pollen are not good on a sensor. Avoid changing in a dusty area and hold the camera down which should help.
weybourne
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If you do walk around with the lens cap off (which, imho, you ought to) and you decide to change your lens, remember to put the lens cap back on before changing the lens and bunging it in your bag, pocket or whatever. It's such a simple thing but I still have a problem remembering it :bang:
I try and look after my stuff,but it is a tool don't be scared of using it.
The 2 big I hate around cameras are saltwater & sand.
My big thing is not putting on lens caps :bang:
Whatever gear I am using,does tend to get a good clean out at least once a week
The 2 big I hate around cameras are saltwater & sand.
My big thing is not putting on lens caps :bang:
Whatever gear I am using,does tend to get a good clean out at least once a week
Alastair
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