If you yearn to take photos outside when inclement weather, you can easily create a temporary housing to weatherproof your digital camera. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
The technique explained below is for cameras with an extended lens that accepts filters.
To prepare a digital camera 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.
Step one:
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 while pinching bag against it.
Step 3:
Weatherproofed! Put your hand in the bag to operate the camera. In the weather is really nasty, use another rubber band to close the hole in the bag and operate the camera through the plastic.
Editors note: There are alternative methods of weatherproofing a digital camera, such as inexpensive rain sleeves
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”.
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?
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.
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!
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!
@ 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.
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…
Just as long as you don’t tie the bag at the bottom.
[...] 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) [...]
To restore your view of photography equipment there are other style plastic bags you can use, such as freezer bags. Designed to be tough and sealable, they are also see through and clear.
Thank you for taking the time out to show us all an inexpensive way of waterproofing our camera in bad weather!
@ Citylights
thank you so much for sharing this.
I have a weather cover that I got from ebay. Its good but takes a lot of time to set. Also, bit bulky to carry.
Your method is a much much better option!
You can also put in a Desiccant or Silica gel packet into the bag. This will help keep things dry.
I would not recommend a DIY (do it yourself) waterproofing set up on any good camera though…
K, I agree that this DIY setup is not ideal. However, there are some who will take no precautions at all, so this is better than doing nothing. Thanks for your suggestions.
Leave a comment
Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack
Get Latest PriceIn Digital cameras, weather and water
Most Commented
Gallery Images
Recent Comments