Learning how to protect your best digital camera from freezing rain is crucial. Anybody interested in cold weather photography should have a good handle on the topic. This includes landscape photographers, too, of course, and those who just live in an environment with regularly rainy, harsh weather.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The best way to protect your camera is to invest in weather sealing, water-resistant gear, and following best practices for keeping your camera warm.
- You should never forget to protect yourself, as well, by bundling up and wearing appropriate, protective clothing for the climate you’re in.
- Ensure that you are consistently checking the forecast so that the weather doesn’t catch you off guard once you’re already out the door.
How to Protect Your Digital Camera from Freezing Rain
Learning how a digital camera works is one thing, but understanding how to protect your device from freezing rain is entirely another. The information below is perfectly tailored to help you get on the right track.
Insider Tip
Using hand warmers can be a great way to help your camera stay warm.
The Steps You Should Take
There are a few steps that you should take while out in the field. While relatively simple, every effort is just as crucial to make sure you don’t end up with splashes of water infiltrating your camera. Moreover, it is important to know how to operate your camera in P mode so you can be able to snap great pictures even in the most straining conditions
STEP 1 PROTECT YOUR CAMERA
The first step is to make sure your camera is fully suited up. You should have a rain sleeve, as well as an appropriate rain cover where possible.
STEP 2 KEEP EVERYTHING WARM
Making sure that your camera remains warm will keep all of its components in working order. Some mechanics might struggle in cold temperatures, such as your shutter. Using hand warmers can be a great way to help your camera stay warm. Put a couple of hand warmers in with your lenses, as well.
STEP 3 ALLOW YOUR GEAR TO ACCLIMATE
Give your equipment plenty of time to get used to cold conditions, and especially in extreme cold. Don’t rush anything, and allow time for a solid warm-up before you begin any serious shooting.
Insider Tip
Knowledge is power, and knowing the weather ahead of time will help you plan.
Tips for Staying Dry
There are a couple of things you should know about staying dry. After all, you’re the essential part of the equation. A dry camera is excellent, but it needs a capable photographer to operate it. Even a professional photographer will struggle with frozen fingers.
Know What the Weather Is
Knowledge is power, and knowing the weather ahead of time will help you plan. Here are several warnings you should watch out for when looking at the forecast:
- Inclement Weather
- Harsh Weather
- Extreme Cold
- Cold Snow
- Heavy Rain
Dress and Pack Accordingly
It can be easy to forget about yourself when planning so heavily to protect your equipment. You should always bundle up and make sure that you have a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. Fingerless gloves tend to be the easiest for photographers.
Warning
Give your equipment plenty of time to get used to cold conditions, and especially in extreme cold.
F.A.Q.
What is Weather Sealing?
Weather sealing is a must-have feature for outdoor photographers. This is especially true if your outdoor photography happens in a rainy or cold environment. It essentially makes your lens element more resistant and helps keep dust and other debris out.
Can Condensation Ruin Camera Equipment?
Generally speaking, condensation does not harm your camera. Don’t worry too much over a fogged-up lens. A build-up of condensation can cause harm, though.
How Do You Photograph Motorsport Events?
Having the correct equipment is crucial for any outdoor photography. Certain equipment, like a monopod, can make a world of difference in getting the right shots at the proper times.
How Does the Cold Affect Your Camera?
Like most electronic devices, cameras can fair poorly in cold temperatures. Your battery life will significantly suffer if you’re facing the extreme cold.
STAT: Following a reduction in 2020 due to the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, overall revenues generated from digital cameras are expected to rise, heading towards 2025. In 2025, total revenues generated from digital cameras are expected to reach 24.35 billion U.S. dollars. (source)
