Winter Weather Guide: Cameras Catch Colds Too

This post is a bit wordy. If you want to skip the explanation, just read the stuff under the big bold headers.

The colder the air the lower the moisture content. That means when you take your camera inside after being outside in the cold for a while, condensation can form on the insides of your camera. As you may remember from childhood (either: Hairdryer in bath = NO, or: Spilled water on iPod = PANIC MODE) water on electronics is never good!

When you make your way outside, keep your camera zipped up inside your coat or in your camera bag for as long as possible. If it’s really cold outside it’s best to leave it out once you’ve taken it out. I know it’s tempting to stuff it back in your coat, but depending on how warm you are and how cold it outside, that could be a really bad mistake. Remember, we don’t want any condensation inside the camera. So if it’s really cold and you’re layered up and extremely warm, chances are when you stick the camera back in your coat it will be too fast of a transition.

Before you throw your hands up and retire your camera for the season, hear me out. You can protect it from the outside and the inside and still have a great time shooting. All you need is a Ziploc bag.

• A large plastic seal-able (Ziploc) bag that fits over your camera and lens.
• A small microfiber cloth for wiping down your lens when the inevitable snowflake hits.
• OPTIONAL: A second large plastic seal-able (Ziploc) bag that fits over your camera and lens, with a hole cut out that just fits over the tip of your lens. This is if your camera is not professionally weather sealed (check your manual or Google your model to find out) or if you just want that extra bit of protection from snow or the camera getting wet. If you feel like you might be too embarrassed shooting with your camera stuffed in a Ziploc bag, there are ready-made waterproof bags that do the trick for rain, snow, or light underwater activity. Honestly though, you can make the same thing yourself with a $10 ultraviolet filter and a plastic bag. You can also wrap up the important bits in cling wrap. The choice is yours!

Okay, if there isn’t snow on the ground and it isn’t raining, you’ll only need the one Ziploc bag. Before you head inside to your home, a grocery store, or even a warm car, put your camera inside the bag and seal it shut. Once you’re inside, leave the camera in the bag until it’s around room temperature. I know, I know, you want to look at your photos immediately when you arrive inside, but you must leave the camera in the bag sealed. If you really can’t wait, take the memory card out before you head inside.

NOTE: If you’re like me and like to go to indoor tropical gardens or butterfly conservatories in the winter, or even if you live in tropical conditions, remember the same thing applies! It may look silly to be carrying your camera in a Ziplock bag for ten to fifteen minutes before you start snapping but it’s important. Remember, it’s going from cold to hot that you need to worry about condensation. Air conditioning to an 80°F humid conservatory counts!

That’s it. Now go out, shoot like crazy, and have fun knowing your gear will last you years to come.