Maintain your GoPro
The GoPro camera is quite rustic,and requires little maintenance. However, it is necessary to take some precautions to maintain its performance and extend its service life.
Always place the camera in its box when using it, to avoid wetting it or bringing grains of sand or dust,especially in the SD card slot.
Be careful not to scratch the lens from the box, especially if it has been in contact with sand or mud. Always rinse it with clear water after use, to remove salt, sand, dust, then wipe it with a soft cloth (exit disposable tissues, sopalin, etc.).
Never use solvents to clean the box, including white spirit,which would make the plastic in the box opaque.
Grease the caisson joint regularly (1 time per month in regular use) with a silicone gel,to be spread with the fingertip until the seal is smooth and shiny; avoid as much as possible to disassemble the elements of the buttons,or to remove the seal.
Before use, check that no hair, hair, dust, grain of sand, are present on the joint or in the space of its recess. The box could no longer be waterproof. If necessary, test it "empty", without the camera, in a sink filled with water.
Never force on the door of the box,otherwise the hinge will be damaged.
Some tips to avoid fogging formation
When immersion of the camera or its passage from a hot zone to a cold zone (and vice versa), it is possible that fogging forms in the box on the lens. Your images are then veiled, or even blurred…
Here are some ideas to limit fogging:
The most effective method is the use of GoPro anti-fog "plugs",based on silicate, which allow moisture to be absorbed. They are reusable, after passing through the oven. An alternative is to use the gel silicate bags present in the shoe boxes, provided that they do not prevent the closure of the box (reminder: never force on the hinge)
Another method, more practical and more economical,is to use an anti-fog spray for glasses or for diving mask (Beuchat brand for example). A spray inside the box on the lens, a drying with a soft cloth,and you're ready!
You can also resort to the alternative of divers, who spit in their mask. After spitting, spread well over the entire lens, rinse, then let it dry.
Condensation in the box is formed all the more easily as the trapped air will be hot and humid, leaving your material in a dry room, at room temperature. Avoid storing your box in the fridge, as the interior is usually very wet and would accentuate the condensation effect. Also, avoid leaving your GoPro in its closed box in direct sunlight; the temperature will cause the vaporization and then condensation of the indoor humidity. Store it in the shade, in a bag.
Remove water drops on the lens during water inputs and outputs
To prevent water drops from stagnating on the lens outside, when entering/leaving the water, here are some good practices. This will avoid having blurry areas on your images.
The easiest method is to spit on the lens.
The most "pro" method is to use an anti-drip sprayfor motorcycle helmet visor, type "Rain X"