The Digital Photography Companion

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PROTECT YOUR CAMERA FROM CONDENSATION AND DUST

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Protect Your Camera from Condensation and Dust

One of your most valuable photo accessories isn’t available at your local camera store—

a Ziploc bag. is highly sophisticated, multipurpose device can protect your camera

from rain, condensation, and dust.

First, you need Ziploc bags that are large enough for your camera to fit inside with the

zipper securely sealed. I recommend the one-quart size for compacts, and as big as you

can get for your DSLR body.

Notice that I said “bags.” You’ll want at least two in your camera kit, because if one gets

soaked or dirty, you want to have a replacement on hand.

After shooting in cold weather, put your camera in the bag and seal it before going back

indoors. Leave it in there until it completely warms up. at way, the condensation will

form on the bag and not on the camera.

If rain strikes, but you’re not ready to stop shooting yet, cut a hole in the bottom of the

bag that is large enough to poke the lens through. You can stick your hands through the

open end of the bag to hold the camera and operate the controls.

Dusty conditions are nerve-racking for photographers. Keep your camera in the Ziploc

while not in use. If conditions are extremely bad, use the rain protection technique to

shield your camera from blowing particles.

Extremely humid conditions are hard on ...