How to Protect your camera from the weather

One of the best parts of visiting a new destination is capturing the
beautiful scenery in pictures, and usually you do that with a camera.
Although most phones and tech gadgets have this facility, they may not
give the best quality of images and can easily run out of battery
power; which is why many people carry a spare camera with them.
However, the truth is that no matter what camera you use, there is a
chance you may encounter a few traditional challenges, the most
significant one being the weather.
While you cannot control the weather – be it rain, heat, condensation,
humidity and dust - you can actually stop it from damaging your
equipment.
Jovago.com, Africa's No. 1 online hotel booking portal
reveals a few tips to help protect your camera from the elements.
1. Carry a plastic bag with you
Moisture can do one of the greatest damage to your camera. Once it
seeps into the inner compartments of the device, the impact makes the
lenses foggy and fungus, rust or corrosion can build up on the shutter
curtains, viewfinder eyepieces, or other interior components, leading
to temporary or even permanent harm to the equipment.
To keep moisture at bay, simply put the camera into a plastic bag for
protection through good and bad weather.
2. Keep the batteries warm
Batteries can be temperamental in adverse weather conditions. Cold
weather can get the batteries to die, while excess heat can cause them
to melt. In cold weather conditions, try not to carry them in your
backpack or camera bag. Rather, carry them in your pocket or close to
your body so that your body temperature keeps it warm Avoid taking
them out until you need to take a photograph. Also switch off
energy-consuming autofocus unless necessary.
3. Provide padding for the Camera
When the weather is extremely cold, parts of the camera (especially
those made with plastic and glass) become more brittle and break
easily. To protect your equipment, keep it safe in a padded pouch and
only take it out when you are standing on firm ground or using the
tripod to shoot. If you are mountain climbing or on shaky ground, use
the neck or wrist strap as it can easily slip out of your hands and
crash after a long fall.
4. Use a good UV filter
In environments where it is windy and there are suspended materials
floating around in the air. You will need to protect the front element
of the lens with an ultra-violet filter, that way you can avoid tiny
pockmarks from ruining the actual lens.
5. Cover the Camera when not in use
Cameras are fashioned to function within a specific range of
temperature and humidity conditions. If you are in a position where
you need to expose your camera equipment to harsh climatic conditions
for long periods of time, consider covering it with a dry white towel
when it is not in use. Also use a soft, dry clean cloth to remove
moisture from exterior surfaces before packing it up.