When it comes to caring for your camera, are you a fastidious photographer or a slipshod shutterbug? Our survey of 8,250 ConsumerReports.org subscribers by the Consumer Reports National Research Center revealed that many failed to make the best use of their newest point-and-shoot:

66% didn’t regularly clean the camera’s lens. Clean the lens before each use, which minimizes the risk of focusing problems and blurry areas on pictures.

28% cleaned the lens with a shirtsleeve, household tissue, or canned air. Clean your lens gently with a microfiber lens cloth and lens-cleaning fluid so that you don’t scratch or otherwise damage the surface. (You should clean your flat-panel TV the same way.)

45% left photos in the camera for at least a month. Photo files should be copied to a backup device, such as a hard drive, soon after they are captured. That reduces the risk of theft or deletion. (It may be possible to retrieve accidentally deleted images, but don’t count on it.)

39% didn’t know whether the camera had scene modes, image stabilization, face detection, or burst mode. Check the manual for features you might be unaware of that make shooting easier and can improve your photos. If you find some new features, play around with them.

13% disposed of a camera in the trash (of those who got rid of a camera). If possible, sell your camera or give it away. For recycling options, contact the manufacturer or check for a program near you at www.eiae.org. Also visit Consumer Reports GreenerChoices.org for a host of information on recycling electronics. —Nick Mandle