Maintaining Memory Cards
Memory cards are an integral part of any photography or videography adventure and without them you won’t get far. Additionally, these cards store loads of photos and videos you don’t want to lose which is why maintaining them and storing them properly is so important.
One of the main contributors to memory card degradation is improper storage. Exposure to the elements and extreme temperatures can damage your cards and result in lost data. To keep your memory cards in tip top condition follow these simple tips!
- Keep your memory cards in a clean, dry, and temperate location
- Store your cards in a case when not in use
- Avoid bending or dropping memory cards
- Make sure your hands are dry when handling cards
- Eject and Insert cards according to directions
When using your cards, it’s important to format it once it’s inserted into your camera. Formatting will align your card to the specifications of your camera. Depending on your gear set up, it may be beneficial to use a specific card for each of your cameras. If your card has files on it already, note that formatting the card will wipe all existing files. Be sure to backup your files elsewhere.
When using memory cards to transfer your data to your computer first make sure your camera has finished writing the files. Connect your camera to your computer or use a card reader to pull directly from your memory card. When using a card reader, make sure all files have finished transferring before removing your card from the reader.
If you get an error message, switch off your camera and remove the card. You will ned to use a card reader and recovery software to see if any of your data can be saved. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, Pixel Connection offers this service in store! Stop by our locations in Cleveland, OH and Nashville, TN for assistance!
Sometimes, for SD and microSD cards you have the option to try cleaning the card at home.
- Use compressed air or a camera lens blower to clear away any dust or smaller particles from the card.
- Dip a cotton swab, or ideally a foam bud, into +90% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and gently clean the connectors.
- Clean the rest of your card using isopropyl alcohol.
- Let your card dry completely before inserting it into your camera or card reader.
If you are planning on using your cards in extreme temperatures or conditions, we recommend checking Promaster’s line of Rugged Memory Cards! These cards and all other Promaster Memory Cards are covered by a lifetime warranty! In addition to quality memory cards, Promaster offers a great case for carefully storing your memory cards!
Maintain Camera Batteries
As creative relying on cameras, none of us are getting very far without a camera battery! Picking high quality batteries, such as Promaster batteries, is the first step to keeping your camera running smoothly! Beyond that, check out these tips for keeping your battery in great condition!
Charging your batteries is super important to the health of your battery. Usually camera batteries can be charged directly in your camera, via wall chargers, or with USB-C cords. Make sure to keep battery terminals clean and securely attached to your powersource. Keep your camera battery charged, even if you’re not using it. Batteries that are not charged regularly will lose capacity and it’s best not to let your batteries run down to zero before charging.
Storing batteries properly is another crucial step to ensuring the lifespan of your battery. If you are using your camera and charging your battery often, leaving the battery inside your camera is generally safe. If you are not using your camera regularly, store your battery separately to avoid corrosion.
Keep your batteries in temperate conditions. Exposure to long periods or sunlight or heat sources will decreased your battery’s capacity while cold temperatures will drain your battery fast. When shooting in extreme weather, storing your extra batteries a bag or coat pocket will ensure that your batteries are ready to power your camera!
Camera Lens Maintenance
Lenses are a huge part of your photography kit and often an enormous investment that you’ll want to keep clean and in working order.
Cleaning your lens is super important to extending the life of your lens. Stuff like sweat, rain, dust, and fingerprints can damage the delicate glass and coatings on your lenses. A dirty or damaged lens will affect your images, so you’ll want to make sure you have the proper materials to maintain your lenses.
We recommend the Promaster blower, OpticClean Cleaning Fluid, and lens cleaning cloths.
Step 1: Use the blower to remove dust or debris from the surface of the lens.
Step 2: Put a small amount of lens cleaner onto the cleaning cloth. Gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, working from the center to the outside.
Step 3: Using a dry cleaning cloth, wipe down the outside of the lens.
If you are worried about damaging your lens or just nervous about cleaning it, bring your lens into your local Pixel Connection store and let us help!
Protect Your Lens
The easiest way to protect your lens is to add a lens filter! Filters not only have special uses to enhance your images, they’re also a great way to protect your lens. Promaster offers a full line of high-quality filters that will keep your lens damage free without compromising the quality of your images as some lower cost/lower quality lens filters do.
Another easy method of protecting your lens is using a lens hood. Lens hoods provide physical protection of your lens by extending beyond the end of your lens, preventing scratches, bumps, and damage that can happen during everyday use or accidental damage.
Storing you camera correctly is another great way to protect your lens. Camera bags often feature soft but sturdy protection material designed not to damage your camera equipment. Whether your looking for a small bag or a backpack for your camera gear, Promaster offers tons of great options!
You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your photography gear, keep it in the best condition with these cleaning and maintenance tips from Promaster! Have questions or need your camera cleaned or serviced? Stop by our Pixel Connection stores in Nashville, TN and Cleveland, OH for personalized, professional photo & video assistance!