Last Updated on July 28, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, countries all over the world follow extreme measures to contain the spread of COVID19. Maintaining good hygiene is one of the important actions to remember to protect you and the people around from the virus.
Video credit: CanonUSA
If you love taking photos as a hobby or profession, it is also important to consider disinfecting your camera. For a piece of equipment you frequently hold, it is highly recommended to learn how to disinfect your camera and gear.
Why is it necessary to disinfect your camera and gear?
Recent studies suggest that corona virus “can be detected in aerosols for up to three hours and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.” The coronavirus can survive for days depending on the surface, humidity, ventilation, and temperature. That being said, it is possible to get infected with the virus by touching an object or surface with the virus on it.
If you are on video production, do not share your camera and shooting gear. Or if you have been out lately to take photos, disinfecting your camera and gear frequently is an essential way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
How to disinfect your camera and gear?
The following cleaning agents can be used to disinfect your camera equipment and gear. Try these at home on different surfaces, working space, and camera lenses that have been exposed throughout the day.
- Soap and Water – the easiest yet effective cleaning agent that you can use for your camera rubber, lens barrels, and light stands. Rub shooting equipment with a soft cotton cloth or paper towel dipped in water and soap. Just make sure that the cloth is moist enough to eliminate dust and small particles. Let it sit for about 30 seconds, then wipe it off after with clean cloth and water. As for the camera lenses, do not rub it vigorously as it can damage the camera coatings.
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol – 70% and above alcohol solution is an effective way to dissolve the fatty capsule around the virus. Wipe down your shooting equipment and gear with a paper towel or cloth with alcohol. It is much better to use a bottle spray for crannies and crooks. You can also use cotton swabs, Qtips dipped in 70% alcohol for camera viewfinders and smaller areas. However, if you are to use alcohol for your camera lens, keep it at a minimum as it can fog the LCD screen or dull the rubber lens.
- Disinfecting wipes – ready to use, anytime, anywhere. Use this to disinfect frequently touched equipment like camera, light stands, and camera rubber.
Disinfecting your camera and gear using alcohol or disinfecting wipes these days is impossible as these two have become scarce with the coronavirus outbreak. Soap and water the easiest to find and most effective cleaning agents available these days. Soapy water dissolves the fatty capsule around the virus. Just make sure to avoid moisture in any opening.
After disinfecting your camera and gear, do not forget to set it aside for 48 hours or so. Or better yet, do not share your camera. Lastly, if possible, refrain from going out and avoid crowded places to protect your camera and gear, yourself and your loved ones from the deadly coronavirus.
