How to Weatherproof Your Camera
photo by golubovy via iStock
Regardless of whether your camera claims to be a weatherproof camera, it’s important to note right off the top that no camera is truly 100% weatherproof. It’s a piece of very expensive electronics and you need to be careful if you’re ever shooting in or near water.
Now, with that out of the way, there are definitely weather-resistant camera accessories that can help you to be as safe as possible when shooting near lakes, oceans or rivers.
The type of weatherproofing gear you need is going to change depending upon the exact circumstances you’re planning on shooting in, but I’ve pulled together a short list of gear that I think anyone shooting in or near water needs.
Here is some equipment to help you learn how to weatherproof your camera.
Get a Waterproof Carrying Case
One of the easiest ways to learn how to weatherproof your camera is to get a carrying case that is seriously safe.
I actually recommend waterproof carrying cases for people who aren’t even shooting near bodies of water because you never know when a freak rainstorm could roll in and damage your equipment.
The best waterproof carrying case I’ve found is from Pelican. It’s their 1510 Case. It basically acts like a suitcase so you can store all of your equipment and roll it around behind you. The case comes with some foam layers to make sure that all of your equipment is protected while you’re traveling.
It can also carry up to 64.15 lbs and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
It will cost you $200, if you buy it off of Amazon, but the peace of mind is definitely worth it.
And Some Waterproof Housing
photo by indianoceanimagery via iStock
You won’t learn how to weatherproof your camera without some waterproof housing. If you’re ever planning on taking your camera with you on a family vacation, even if you aren’t really concerned with learning how to weatherproof your camera, then I highly recommend waterproof housing.
Waterproof housing will ensure that you can take your camera wherever you go. Unfortunately, there are literally hundreds of options for waterproof housing online, and they definitely aren’t all of the same quality.
I have made the mistake of purchasing something that looked good off of Amazon before and ended up damaging my equipment.
I think the best waterproof housing is DiCAPac’s waterproof case for DSLRs. This waterproof case allows you to slip your camera into a plastic bag that you can then keep around your neck as if it were just regularly hanging from your shoulder straps.
That plastic bag is made out of PVC and TPU so you know it is seriously strong. But, it still allows you access to all of the important controls you would need on your camera. Whatever you can’t press through the plastic bag, you can press through one of the many pockets which are specifically designed for ease of use.
As an added benefit, the case floats. So, if you ever accidentally lose your grip on your camera, it will still float safely to the surface so you can find it again.
This waterproof housing is rated to over 16 feet, which means you could feasibly bring it snorkeling with you if you really wanted (although I obviously don’t recommend this).
Importantly, this housing only works with lenses that are between 2.0”-3.75” long and up to 82mm.
While you’re learning how to weatherproof your camera, why not get this waterproof housing for $95.
Learn More:
Finally, Get a Camera Canopy (for Shooting in the Rain)
You’ll never truly learn how to protect your camera if you don’t have the right equipment for shooting both in the water and in the rain. The Camera Canopy helps you with the latter.
The Camera Canopy basically acts as a rain shield for your camera so that you can shoot in the rain, snow or sleet without any problems.
It works by mounting to your camera’s hot shoe. The plastic shield then protects your camera from anything falling on it.
The Camera Canopy comes in two different sizes, as well, so that both your mirrorless camera and your DSLR camera will be protected. The Mini Camera Canopy, for a mirrorless setup, costs $60, while the regular Camera Canopy, for a DSLR, costs $88.
The Camera Canopy will help you learn how to weatherproof your camera because it will protect your camera so that you can focus on protecting yourself. Because, let’s be honest, shooting in the rain is never enjoyable.
The Camera Canopy also helps you learn how to weatherproof your camera by ensuring you’re thinking of everything, since it comes with an optional retractable shield for zoom lenses.
