Cameras and snow

[JulieM]

Seems as if every time I want to go out and take pictures lately, it is snowing. Can anyone offer any advice on just how much I need to protect my Canon xTi against snow? I know it is not meant to be waterproof, but can it withstand any exposure to water? Thanks!

[hotstuff]

Hi Julie,

You could buy it a rain Coat.:)

http://cgi.ebay.com/RAINCOAT-for-Canon-EOS-20D-30D-40D-350D-400D-XT-XTi_W0QQitemZ120199445228QQcmdZViewItem

And you thought I was joking.

[JulieM]

I don't know, Kev, I'd like to avoid that if possible! :D:D:D

[ljameso1]

Kev is right, get your camera a raincoat. You can make one in a pinch from a plastic bread bag but I find the commercially available ones more durable. Snow will damage your camera as it can blow into crevices and melt when brought back inside. Also, before bringing camera inside put it in a large ziplock bag and let it warm up before removing from bag to keep condensation from forming on your camera.

[Chuck S.]

Now if you really, REALLY want to protect that XTi, here's what you should get....

http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/2dslr_400d.html

;)

[Bayla]

Chuck,

My kids think I'm an embarrassment lugging my dSLR plus lenses/flashgun/battery grip/tripod around. They'd flip at one of those!!:D

Bayla

[Chuck S.]

Chuck,

My kids think I'm an embarrassment lugging my dSLR plus lenses/flashgun/battery grip/tripod around. They'd flip at one of those!!:D

Bayla

Bayla, they'd flip at the price as well ($1200++) :D:D

[Bayla]

Bayla, they'd flip at the price as well ($1200++) :D:D

They might not.....but my husband would!!:D

Bayla

[TonyW]

Here's a cheaper alternative, or you can make your own.

http://abetterphotoguide.bizhosting.com/camera_rain_covers.html

Tony

[lexcell]

Shutter Hat is a great rain coat for D-SLRs with up to a moderate zoom lens. They are not expensive or complicated.

As for how much weather your camera can handle...If it is snowing lightly and you are only out for a short time, I would not worry about it. If you are out in the weather and your camera is likely to get fairly wet, I'd go with the Shutter Hat.
Some of the higher end cameras have seals to protect them against the weather and I have had my cameras soaked without incident. I wouldn't go that far with an entry level camera but, I would not baby it too much either. They are fairly hearty little cameras.

If your camera ever does get wet...use a hand towel to "blot/pat" it dry...DO NOT WIPE IT!!! that can force water into the camera and lens and cause serious problems.

[JulieM]

Thank you everyone for the replies!

I was very reluctant to take the camera out in even a light snowfall but now I'll feel a bit safer just making a quick dash out to snap a few.

I'll look into one of the raincoats. I like the dark color of the Shutter Hat. Hey, the company that makes it makes tents for your camera gear (http://www.fmphotography.us/index.html) too! :D

[Chuck S.]

If you're just going for snapshots in the snow, as opposed to a work of art, it's nice to have a 'sacrificial' point-and-shoot around. Also a good choice if you're trying to ski and take photos the same day; falling on one's DSLR hurts in more ways than one....;)

[JulieM]

If you're just going for snapshots in the snow, as opposed to a work of art, it's nice to have a 'sacrificial' point-and-shoot around. Also a good choice if you're trying to ski and take photos the same day; falling on one's DSLR hurts in more ways than one....;)

Point well taken. Except I no longer have the mental faculties to retain the operating information for more than one camera at a time. :D

[Chuck S.]

Point well taken. Except I no longer have the mental faculties to retain the operating information for more than one camera at a time. :D

Julie, my argument is theoretical for another reason: I retired from skiing two years ago!:)