Do I need to turn the DSLR Off?

[Raoul Isidro]

1. Do I need to turn the DSLR camera OFF everytime I switch lenses?

2. Do I need to turn the DSLR camera OFF when I plug to the computer to transfer files?

Cheers

[RichardTaylor]

(1) My camera manuals does't say to turn the power off. However I always do.

(2) My Canon 40D manual says to turn the camera off when connecting to a computer. My 5D & 350D manuals do not have a section on connecting the camera to a PC however they both say to turn the camera off when connecting to a printer.
When connected the turn the camera on.

What do your camera manuals indicate?

[FrankLamont]

There have been notes that somehow the sensor is statically or otherwise charged when the camera is on, thus attracting dust. Whether that's true or not, I'd still turn it off to be safe.

If you plug it into a computer, it needs to be on for the files to transfer; that's why a low battery when transferring through a direct cable is dangerous - risk of losing files. Note: when connecting, turn off first, then turn (back) on.

[Raoul Isidro]

Originally Posted by RichardTaylor

(1) My camera manuals does't say to turn the power off. However I always do.

(2) My Canon 40D manual says to turn the camera off when connecting to a computer. My 5D & 350D manuals do not have a section on connecting the camera to a PC however they both say to turn the camera off when connecting to a printer.

What do your camera manuals indicate?

Manuals indicate to turn off, but there are times (and quite many and very often!) that you forget and plug the wires, or change the lenses with the camera on. I turn off when I remember, but there's heaps of times I forget!

[Raoul Isidro]

Originally Posted by FriedChicken

There have been notes that somehow the sensor is statically or otherwise charged when the camera is on, thus attracting dust. Whether that's true or not, I'd still turn it off to be safe.

If you plug it into a computer, it needs to be on for the files to transfer; that's why a low battery when transferring through a direct cable is dangerous - risk of losing files. Note: when connecting, turn off first, then turn (back) on.

Yeah, turning off is the safe thing to do. But sometimes, I forget to, like changing lenses!
I was wondering if any damage can result in this practrice. The manuals seem to be not overly strict on these (forgeting to turn the camera off..).

[RichardTaylor]

I think possible damage, including long term, is from static electricity that may fry some of the electronics.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Raoul Isidro

1. Do I need to turn the DSLR camera OFF everytime I switch lenses?

2. Do I need to turn the DSLR camera OFF when I plug to the computer to transfer files?

Cheers

1: Yes. The sensor acts like a magnet and having it on while the mount is exposed is like attaching a hoover to the sensor. Bad idea.

2: No idea. I've never connected a digital camera to a computer. Never. Seriously.

[Raoul Isidro]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

1: Yes. The sensor acts like a magnet and having it on while the mount is exposed is like attaching a hoover to the sensor. Bad idea.

2: No idea. I've never connected a digital camera to a computer. Never. Seriously.

Thanks for the advise! Knowing that, I would certainly remember to turn it off next time. I also thought it's not good for the contacts to rub against each other when "on".