10 Essential Tips for Storing Your Professional Camera Gear
Professional camera gear doesn't come cheap. Whether you've invested in a $2,500 lens or a camera body built for the rigors of outdoor photography, proper storage is essential to protect your equipment—and your wallet.
Poor camera storage practices can lead to irreversible damage such as scratched lenses, the growth of fungus, internal debris, or battery leaks. Even extreme temperatures can wreak havoc on delicate electronic components.
The good news is that with these 10 essential tips, you can ensure your gear stays safe and ready for use whenever inspiration strikes.
Why Proper Camera Storage Matters
Before we get to the practical tips, it's important to understand the risks of improper storage. Your camera gear is a tool that fuels your creativity, which means it pays to take care of it. Here's what can go wrong if you don't store your equipment carefully:
Scratched Lenses
A scratched lens will directly affect image quality. Every scratch risks introducing light flares or visual distortions, something no amount of post-processing can undo.
Fungus Growth on Lenses
Storing camera gear in humid or unventilated environments can lead to fungus growth on your lenses. Fungus reduces optical clarity and can also etch permanent marks on the glass, leading to professional cleaning or outright replacement.
Extreme Temperature Risks
Leaving gear exposed to extreme heat (e.g., inside a parked car) can damage electronics, while freezing temps may cause condensation and internal moisture issues. This kind of damage is often irreparable.
Degrading Battery Health
Storing your camera with an attached battery risks leaks and swelling over time, harming your camera's internals and reducing operational reliability.
Dust and Debris Damage
Even a dust particle can wreak havoc on intricate components like your camera's sensor. Over time, accumulated dust can also enter lens barrels, affecting their zoom or focus mechanisms.
10 Tips for Reliable Camera Storage
Use these tips to minimize the risk of damage to your camera equipment and keep it in optimal working condition.
1. Clean Your Gear Before Storing
Start with a clean slate before placing your camera gear into storage. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. For stubborn spots on lenses, use a lens cleaning solution with proper lens tissue to avoid scratching.
Why It's Important:
Dust and debris left on your gear during storage can cause damage over time and potentially spread inside delicate components.
2. Use Protective Wraps or Bubble Wrap
If you're storing your gear in tight spaces or transporting it, protective wraps are your best friend. Invest in padded or bubble wrap to cushion your camera body and lenses from accidental bumps.
Quick Tip:
Avoid using newspaper or regular cloth as they can leave residue, ink marks, or scratch your lenses.
3. Always Store Lenses Vertically
Store your lenses upright, with the front element facing upward. This minimizes the risk of pressure points and reduces strain on internal components like aperture blades.
Why Vertical Storage Works Best:
It reduces the chance of gravity pushing dust or moisture into sensitive parts of the lens mechanism.
4. Remove Batteries Before Storage
Always remove batteries from your camera body if you're not planning to use it immediately. Batteries are prone to leakage over time, which can permanently damage your camera's electronics.
Pro Tip:
Store batteries in a cool, dry place and consider investing in a battery management case to keep them organized.
5. Remove Memory Cards
Like batteries, memory cards should also be removed from your camera during storage. While the chances of damage are rare, keeping cards out ensures your files are safe and prevents potential memory corruption.
6. Control Humidity Levels with Silica Gel
Humidity is one of the top concerns for camera storage, especially in tropical climates. Adding silica gel packets to your storage case can help absorb excess moisture and prevent fungus growth.
Pro Tip:
Change silica gel packs periodically to maintain their effectiveness. How often you should change them is based on moisture, not time.
7. Invest in a Proper Camera Storage Cabinet
For serious photographers with a collection of gear, a dedicated camera storage cabinet is a worthwhile investment. These cabinets usually feature humidity controls to create the perfect environment for your equipment.
Budget Alternative:
Use a hard, padded camera bag or case with a sealed zip that offers some level of moisture protection.
8. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Always place your stored camera gear away from direct sunlight. UV rays can degrade the rubber components on cameras and lenses, as well as increase internal humidity levels in some cases.
9. Secure Small Accessories Separately
Accessories like cables, flash units, and extra lenses should be kept in secure compartments with proper padding. Tangled or poorly stored accessories may cause scratches or physical damage to more sensitive equipment.
Bonus Tip:
Label smaller compartments to make accessories easier to locate when you need them.
10. Check Gear Regularly
Even if you store your camera properly, it's a good idea to inspect your setup every couple of months. Ensure no moisture or dust has crept in, and check battery health if applicable.
Why It Matters:
Early detection of problems like condensation or wear allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of permanent damage.
Bonus Tip: Prepare Gear for Travel
If you're transporting your camera instead of storing it in one place, prioritize a well-padded bag with adequate interior dividers. Brands like Pelican, Lowepro, and Peak Design create travel-friendly solutions that double as safe storage options.
What About Photography Gear That Doesn't Fit in a Bag?
If you've got a lot of photography gear or just need a safe spot to stash your equipment during a move, renting a storage unit can be a real lifesaver. A climate-controlled space is especially important for protecting your gear from extreme temperatures and humidity, both of which can damage sensitive electronics and lenses.
Plus, having a dedicated spot for your equipment means everything stays organized, secure, and ready to grab when inspiration strikes.
We've got climate-controlled units at some of our locations to keep your gear safe, top-notch security features, and flexible rental plans to fit your needs. Book a unit today! Whether you're a pro photographer or a hobbyist building your collection, Midgard's camera storage options can help you rest easy knowing your gear is in good hands.