Keeping you camera clean is key to getting the longest life out of it, not to mention the highest quality images possible. The type of camera you have will determine how extensive a cleaning it will require. For example, if your camera is a small point and shoot, there's not a whole lot on it that needs cleaning. But, the digital SLR is another story; they require considerably more detailed cleaning. Keeping your camera in a quality camera bag when you're not using it is one way to keep it dust free.

With the point and shoot, you basically clean the exterior with a cloth specifically made for cleaning cameras or any soft, lint-free cloth. Do your best to keep your fingers off the lens and viewfinder or LCD. Remove any dust or particles by using canned air or a very soft brush, such as a make-up brush. Then wipe the lens and eyepiece with a cleaning cloth and, if you choose, a quality lens cleaning fluid. To clean the viewfinder, gently place the camera lens side down and clean it the same as you cleaned your lens, with a light touch.

Now for cleaning the SLR. Cleaning the exterior is the same as the point and shoot. Use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to clean the entire exterior of the camera. Clean it thoroughly so there's no chance of dust or debris dropping into the camera when you remove the lens. It's a good idea to keep these soft cloths in your camera bag for cleaning needs while you're out in the field.

Blow the dust off your lens with your hand blower or canned air. Then clean it with your soft, lint-free cloth. If you choose to use a lens cleaning fluid, moisten the cloth with the fluid and clean the lens, don't drop the fluid on the lens itself. Remember, much of what winds up inside your camera is do to the zoom action of your lens. So keeping them clean is very important. There are different opinions when it comes to cleaning the mirrors in your SLR. Some photographers feel they are so delicate that unless you are very confident, you may want to consider having a professional clean them for you. Other photographers recommend using canned air to clean the mirrors. Others, however, are of the opinion that they are too delicate for canned air and would only recommend using a hand held blower to remove any dust. Whatever you decide, remember they are extremely fragile.

The sensor is another very sensitive element in your camera. It's rare for the sensor to need cleaning, but it can be done with gentle air and effective cleaning supplies on the market. If your pictures are coming out with spots, you probably need to have the sensor cleaned. Always remember, clean thoroughly, but clean gently. If you have any doubts, take it to a professional.

Finally, the camera bag. You use it to carry and protect your camera and accessories from the elements. But the very thing you're using to protect your equipment, is also a threat. It's inevitable that after carrying your camera bag to the beach, to the park, on vacation, to your friends birthday party, and all the other places you go to take those wonderful pictures, it's going to accumulate dust and dirt inside. The more pockets and sleeves the more places for dirt to hide. Keep your camera bag clean by regularly emptying everything out and carefully vacuuming all the pockets and corners. Then use a damp, lint-free cloth to wipe down the interior to insure you've removed all debris.

With these simple cleaning tips, your camera should be sparkling clean inside and out at all times, your camera bag should be clean and lint free and truly protect your valuable equipment, and your photographs will be the better for it.