Weatherproofing a digital camera for inclement weather

Weatherproof a digital camera for under $1

When a digital camera gets wet

If your digital camera becomes submerged in the water or seriously splashed, it can be damaged beyond repair. Contact your camera manufacturer or repair shop immediately. They can provide expert advice and assess if there is any chance the camera can be repaired.

If the camera fell in fresh water, there is a ray of hope that it may function. But it is very unlikely when a camera falls in salt water that can be salvaged due to corrosion. Knowing this, some owners thoroughly rinse their camera in fresh water after it’s exposed to salt water, let it dry and give it a try.

If your digital camera otherwise becomes wet from a light sprinkling, wipe it off thoroughly. Remove the lens cap, and the memory card and battery from their compartments. Keep compartment covers open until the camera drys out.

Problems caused by seawater and sand are generally not covered by a general warranty.

Weatherproof a camera

Please note: this technique is for cameras with an extended lens that accept filters.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to protect a digital camera from mildly inclement weather. To prepare it for use when it rains or snows, three inexpensive items are needed: a plastic bag, a rubber band and an ultraviolet (UV) filter. In the illustrations, the UV filter is already on the camera.

weatherproof

Step one:

weatherproof11

Put UV filter on the lens, cut hole in the bag and put the camera in the bag with lens sticking out hole.

Step two:

Wrap rubber band around UV filter pinching bag against it.

Step 3:

Weatherproofed! Put your hand in the bag to operate the camera. In really nasty weather, use another rubber band to close the hole in the bag and operate the camera through the plastic.

Text and photo illustrations by Citylights.

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On 15 March 2009 at 8:10 am Mike54 said:

The only problem I’ve ever had with this type of “protection” is being able to see through the viewfinder, in particular when you close the whole thing up in “really nasty weather”.

On 26 March 2009 at 9:23 am Arindam Banerjee said:

1. Bad look.
2. Viewfinder could not be seen.
3. I am having Olympus 550UZ with 18X zoom where lens comes out. How to fix?

On 27 March 2009 at 3:22 pm Gail Bjork said:

Try an alternative method of weatherproofing, such as this inexpensive rain sleeve provides. Check out waterproof casings too. They come in a variety of sizes and costs for many model digital cameras.

On 8 April 2009 at 5:39 am Karen Rice said:

In this situation I think using LiveView would be best. This is great, because often I want to take pictures when it’s snowing…and don’t want my camera to get wet!

On 12 April 2009 at 7:12 am professional photo retouching said:

not everybody can afford all the gear, so I love these tips that give everybody access to usefull and innovative ways to improve their shots!

On 16 April 2009 at 8:27 pm citylights said:

@ Mike54. If you need to close up the bag for “really nasty weather” then you are going to have a hard time seeing through that weather anyway. Nothing like being sand blasted in the wind or sprayed with salt water, while keeping your camera protected. In that case you are going to point and get the best you can.

@ Arindam 1. When you are getting drenched by a sea wave, your camera in an ugly plastic bag is going to be the least of your worries. 2. Viewfinder is seen though the open end of the bag, unless you fully close the bag for the really nasty stuff. 3. I am not quite sure about that question.
@Gail, This is a great site!
@Karen, I have used this setup in the snow. Keep your camera dry and your batteries warm!
@PPR In a pinch, I can’t always find a pre manufactured rain sleve, but I can always dig up a trash bag and a rubber band. I like these duct tape and chewing gum solutions too.

On 27 July 2009 at 11:48 am Zim said:

I’d suggest to keep an eye in the humidity inside the plastic bag, because it’s not absolutely impermeable.
Just dropping an idea: When the weather allows it (and if you don’t mind doing it), using a bigger plastic bag, you can put it over your head and use the viewfinder. Maybe is not the most comfortable experience, but maybe it helps for a couple of shots…

On 27 July 2009 at 11:59 am Gail Bjork said:

Just as long as you don’t tie the bag at the bottom.

On 1 September 2009 at 11:00 am Links of the Day said:

[...] Weatherproofing a digital camera for inclement weather Learn how to protect your DSLR from the rain for under a buck! (tags: weatherproof weatherproofing hack learn diy doityourself protect rain) [...]

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Weatherproof a digital camera for under $1

When a digital camera gets wet