1) I always ask my dependable camera shop sales person to apply film protector to the LCD screen as he got a pair of more steady hands .
2) File the warranty card (complete & mail to the authorised local agent if necessary) together with the offical sales receipt (from the authorised dealer plus their official stamp as appropriate).

Thanks

wait in anxiety until the postman finally rings the doorbell to hand over the package.

Now serious: depending on the test situation it might be good to at least try some shots at home to make sure everything works the way it should.

Another thing that I learned from Scott Kelby: apparantly Nikons have a setting automatically turned off to disallow taking pictures without a memory card inside the camera. I believe Canon also has this setting, but it’s turned on automatically, so another thing you might want to check.

For those of us who have our equipment insured that is an important way to prove physical ownership.

This will lead us to another discussion, to add a UV filter or not in front of a lens!

Thanks the post have been updated

I pass away the time waiting for the new camera to arrive by downloading the manual in PDF and reading that. Usually by the time I open the box I’m already familiar with where the settings are and what I want to change first.

Also, at least for Canon cameras, make sure you load the software and set your name in the camera!!! Not only does this tie the camera to you in case you have a problem with a theft or lost camera, but the camera will insert your name in the EXIF data of every photo you take.

Lastly, Joanna states a clear filter. This should go into a list of ‘Things you forgot to do when you first got your new lens.’ There’s a fine line between photographers who fall for the filter and don’t. Unfortunately it started as a sales tactic for camera shops to tack on a high priced filter to a low priced camera and now people swear by them. The fact is that the filter adds two more glass surfaces to your lens and usually that filter is of a much lower quality glass than your lens uses. This can lead to image degradation and flare.

If you’re starting out, have a low to mid-quality lens – go ahead and get a UV filter to put on the end of your lens if it makes you feel better. Usually though, I recommend that people just make sure they put the lens cap back on the lens when you remove the camera from your eye. Invest in a blower, lens brush and good cleaning supplies instead.

Lastly, most professionals and advanced hobbyists get insurance on their gear. I have a LOT of gear insured and only pay a couple hundred dollars a year. It’s not an excuse to treat my gear badly, but it’s great to know that if something does happen, I have coverage. It’s certainly a game and there’s no one right answer. I would rather shoot tack-sharp, quality images and put my lens cap back on my lens when I have a break in shooting. I make sure my gear is always well packed, thoroughly cleaned and nicely taken care of, but that lens will never take that spectacular shot sitting in the bottom of the camera bag wrapped in a diaper.