How to Protect a Camera in All Kinds of Weather
Sand, Salt Water and Condensation Require Immediate Fixes
Salt water can corrode the mechanisms of the camera. And sand inside a camera or on its body can jam mechanisms and, if carelessly removed, scratch the lens, viewfinder or LCD screen. For superior protection, if the photographer is taking a camera to the beach, put it in one plastic storage bag and close it and then put it inside another bag and close it. Keep the camera bagged like this unless taking photos.
When taking photos, protect the single lens reflex (SLR or DSLR) camera by using a two-gallon plastic storage bag in which a hole has been cut for the lens. ( A smaller bag will do for a compact camera.) A rubber band will keep the bag in place. The same bag can be used to protect the camera when taking photos in dusty conditions or in the rain, mist or fog.
How to Remove Sand and Salt Water
Photographers tending to cameras that have sand or salf water on them should first wash their hands in fresh water or use a moist towelette. Dry the hands. With a blower purchased from a camera store or an ear syringe purchased from a pharmacy, remove the grains of sand. Work gently and carefully.
As for salt water or water spots, remove them from the body of the camera as soon as possible using a cloth. If salt water is on the lens use a lens cleaning tissue well-moistened with lens cleaning fluid to remove it. Never use a dry lens tissue on a lens with particles on it because the result could be a scratched lens..
Weatherproof and Waterproof Cameras
On a windy day at the beach, the picture-taker should leave the standard camera at home or use a camera that is designed for beach conditions.One type is the simple, inexpensive disposable weather-resistant camera that is widely available at large retailers. It can be used in the rain, around pools and at the beach. And because it is sealed against rain, it can withstand sand. Rain-resistant cameras are usually termed weatherproof and come in disposable and non-disposable varieties.
Other camers are classified as waterproof because they can be used underwater. They are an ideal for divers and snorkelers. Some cameras are sold with a protective housing. For others, these housings are available as an optional accessory.
After using one of these cameras, dry it before opening any compartments. If the camera was exposed to salt water,wash it in freshwater. Make sure hands are clean before removing film or memory cards. Keep the camera's rubber seals dry. Do not change memory cards or load film near salt water because the moist, salty air can corrode camera parts.
Condensation Is Caused By Extreme Temperature Shifts
Moving a camera between extreme temperatures has the potential to harm it because condensation(moisture on the lens, LCD screen or body of the camera) may form. For example, taking the camera from an air-conditioned room indoors out to the heat of summer or from outdoors on a cold winter day into a heated room could cause condensation.
Photogaphers should consult the camera manual and read what the manufacturer says about handling condensation. But the general practice is to immediately stop using the camera if condensation is seen. Wipe off the moisture and remove batteries, film, memory card and cable. Do not use the camera until it is completely dry. Once a camera with condensation has been taken indoors, do not take it back outside until it is dry. Otherwise, the camera mechanisms could freeze on a cold winter day.
To prevent condensation, put the camera in double plastic bags before moving to the new temperature. That way, any condensation should form on the outside of the bag, not on the camera.
Desiccant Packs Fight Humidity
If the photographer is going someplace where the humidity is really high,put a silica gel pack or two—follow the manufacturer's suggestion—in the camera bag to absorb moisture. These small desiccant (moisture-absorbing) packs can be purchased from a camera store. Many are reusable.
Sources:
- Ang, Tom. Digital Photographer's Handbook. New York: DK Publishing. 2002.
- Freeman, Michael. Pro Digital Photographer's Handbook. New York: Lark Books. 2005.
- Sheppard, Rob. PC Photo Digital Compact Camera Handbook. Revised ed. New York: Lark Books..2009.
- Xanadu324. How to Protect Your Camera From The Cold Weather. brighthub.com. 9 Aug. 2009
- Get More Tips About Camera Handling at the Beach from Robert Winkler
Cameras Can Operate in Extreme Weather Conditions
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