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When you buy an SLR or SLR-like camera, you'll want to take very good care of it; that's not an insignificant investment for most of us. Here are three ways to keep your interchangeable-lens camera in tip-top shape.
Keep the sensor clean. Because lenses on interchangeable-lens cameras can be removed, dust can easily enter the camera's body and produce spots on your photos—even in models such as the Canon EOS Rebel T3i that have built-in sensor cleaning. For cleaning, a camera under warranty should be sent directly to the manufacturer; a camera-repair shop is fine for a camera that's not under warranty. If you have the expertise to clean a camera yourself, read the manual closely—and never touch the sensor.
Find the right model for your needs and budget: Check our digital camera buying guide and Ratings.
Keep the lens clean. To remove dust or dirt, use a hand-operated blower, microfiber cloth, or lens-cleaning solution and lint-free lens tissue. Never use abrasives or solvents.
Update the software. Advanced cameras have built-in software, called firmware, which is often updated online to fix bugs or add features. Check the manufacturer's site periodically. If a listed update seems worth the effort, follow the instructions to the letter. The battery must be fully charged when you update, so that the camera stays on through the process.
