How to Keep a DSLR Protected in Humid Weather

Digital SLRs must be protected from moisture.

While the amount of humidity in the air differs between regions and seasons, the potential damage to your digital SLR remains the same. Knowing how to keep your digital camera safe from the air's moisture will save you money on expensive repairs. These six tips will help ensure your DSLR's safety.

Things You'll Need

• Camera bag
• Camera strap
• Lens cloth

Instructions

1. Store your digital camera and lenses when you're not using them. Keep your camera bag near you to keep your gear out of the elements. Expose your camera to the weather only when it's in use.

2. Wipe down your digital camera body and lenses. Remove any excess moisture from your equipment. Repeat this step regularly if spending more than an hour in humid weather.

3. Reduce lens changes as much as possible.

4. Be conscious that the humidity can cause moisture to gather on your DSLR. Wear a neck strap to reduce the chance of dropping your digital camera.

5. Minimize fogged lenses. Avoid bringing a camera from an air-conditioned location into a humid environment when possible. Allow the camera to adjust to the environment before using it.

6. Keep your hands sweat-free. Drying the moisture off of your hands will greatly reduce the amount of moisture that gets into the camera when opening it up to change lenses.

References

• JMG Galleries; 10 Tips When Using dSLRs in High Humidity; Jim M. Goldsteinon; April 2009
• Iconino; Caring For Your DSLR Camera; 2008
• Digital Photography School; How Should I Clean My DSLR's Lense?; Darren Rowse; 2006
• Nikon; Caring For Your Camera Equipment; 2011