Are you worried about using your camera in rain? If yes, then this article is for you. I will cover all the possible ways which will help to protect camera from rain
During my initial days of photography, I was using Canon EOS 500D with the 18-55mm kit lens for photography. Whenever there is rain, I will pack up my camera stuff and keep it in my camera bag, even for a small drizzle. Later, I realized that I was missing many good photography opportunities due to this habit.
So, I started looking for different ways to protect my camera from rain.
12 Best Ways to Protect Camera from Rain
I will list out some of the best ways to protect camera from rain.
1. Invest in a Good Camera Rain Cover
The best way to protect your camera from rain is to use a good camera rain cover. You can get different types of camera covers that are capable of protecting your camera from rain.
They are available in different colors and costs. So, you can choose any of these rain covers according to the camera and lens.
If you are using a high-end DSLR/Mirrorless/Medium format camera for photography, then I strongly recommend investing in a camera rain cover for safeguarding your equipment.
2. DIY Low Cost Camera Cover
If you find it costly to invest in a proper camera rain cover, then you can create your own camera rain cover.
You need to select an appropriate waterproofing sheet and stitch it accordingly.
You may not be able to achieve the same level finish as the branded ones, but still, it will be able to do the job.
3. Umbrella
You can also use an umbrella if it is a gentle drizzle.
In the case of the umbrella, you may need the help of another person to hold the umbrella. Otherwise, you can fix the umbrella in a stand and use it.
4. Polythene Cover
The cheapest option is to use a polythene/plastic cover to protect your camera gear. You can make a hole at one end of the plastic cover so that the camera glass gets a clear view.
You can control the camera settings from the other side. Make use of some rubber bands or tapes to secure the plastic cover on your camera. Otherwise, the water may enter inside.
5. Use Weather-sealed Camera and Lens
High-end DSLR and mirrorless camera and lenses come with the weather-sealed feature. So, if you are using such cameras and lenses then the camera is capable of handling a slight drizzle.
But, you must make sure that both the camera body, as well as the lens, is weather sealed. Otherwise, it is not effective.
I still recommend using some kind of rain protection gear around the camera even if it is a weather-sealed one.
6. Invest in a Good Camera Bag with Rain Protection feature
If you are doing trekking or hiking inside the forest with your camera, then you will have to keep the camera inside the camera bag during the trek.
In such situations, if your bag does not give adequate protection to the camera from rain, then the camera and the lenses inside can get damaged due to rain.
So, make sure to select the best camera bag that protects the gear from rain.
7. Use Waterproof Camera Housing
You can also go for a waterproof camera housing. Here, you need to invest in an additional casing for your camera and lens set up. The casing will allow you to access the camera buttons externally.
Such casings are mostly used by underwater photographers. These casings are costly for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
If you are planning to invest in it, then you need to ensure that the casing matches with your camera and lens models.
You can also get waterproof camera housings for GoPro and other action cameras, which will not cost much.
8. Use Lens Hood
If you are planning to take pictures during a slight drizzle, then I strongly recommend using the camera lens hood in front of your lens. It will prevent the water droplets from falling onto the front element of your lens.
Thus, it will ensure that your image does not get distorted due to these water droplets.
I strongly recommend to use the lens hood along with your camera rain protection gear during rains.
9. Waterproofing Sprays
You can also make use of the waterproofing sprays that are available in the market. These sprays can be applied to certain types of fabrics.
So, you can design a DIY camera rain cover using any of these suggested fabrics. Apply the waterproofing spray on the exterior of this DIY cover.
The life of the waterproofing will be mentioned in the spray. So, you may have to recoat it after some time.
Don’t try to apply the waterproofing spray directly on your camera. It may damage your camera.
10. Shoot from a Rain protected Area
It is always good to capture images from an area that is not exposed to rain.
You can capture images, sitting inside a vehicle, or you can use the nearby house/shed when it is raining outside. Thus, your camera will not get exposed to water from the rain.
11. Always Carry a Dry Cloth
It is a good idea to carry a dry cloth in your camera bag. You can use this cloth to wipe out the water droplets from camera body and lens. Make sure that the cloth is capable of absorbing water.
Keep the cloth in a separate compartment, preferably inside a zip lock cover after wiping the camera. Otherwise, the moisture builds up inside the camera bag, it will result in fungus in the camera gear. So, avoid keeping it together after use.
12. Never Change Camera Lenses During Rain
If you are using an interchangeable lens camera, like a DSLR/ Mirrorless camera, then don’t try to switch to a different lens during the rain.
When you try to remove one lens and put another during rain, there is a chance that the water droplets might enter the camera body and lens. So, it might short circuit the electronic boards inside the camera body and lens and may damage it. So, avoid changing the lens.
Is It Ok to Use Camera in Rain?
Is it safe to use camera in rain
It is safe to use camera in the rain if you have adequate protection for your camera gear. If it is a harsh rain with wind, then I strongly recommend not to use your camera.
If you are doing macro photography in a tropical rain forest, then you will be shooting images even during the rain. The macro subjects will be more active during this period.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways which you can use to make your camera waterproof
I have tried all these methods which are listed above in different situations. I have a proper rain camera rain cover for my Canon 500mm lens and Canon 1DX Mark II combination.
But, when I use the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens, then this cover is not useful. So, I use a simple plastic cover for protecting the gear from rain.
I have made a DIY camera rain cover for my Canon 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM lens and Canon 7D Mark II combination.
From my experience, it is best to invest in a good camera rain cover. It is very useful in the long run.