Weather and Cameras and Lenses

[dctread]

I hope this is the right forum to post this question. I currently own a Nikon D5000 and for the last year have been using it only on "good days" and was wondering if anyone could give me any insight into what type of weather conditions in which I can safely use this camera. Can I use it in heavy fog, light drizzle, etc.

Thanks in advance

[Jim Poor]

What does the manual say about weather sealing on the D5000?

Until recently, only the pro bodies were weather sealed to any great degree, but that is changing a bit. Unfortunately, I don't know the specs for the D5000.

Even if it's not sealed, there are plenty of covers, etc for working in the most harsh conditions.

[dctread]

Thanks for the reply Jim Poor. The only thing I can find in the manual is under caring for camera and battery. It says "keep dry", this product is not waterproof and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity", etc.

[OsmosisStudios]

Ive had my (unsealed) D80 out in the rain. As long as it isnt absolutely MONSOON rain, you should be fine to just dry it off afterwards.

[Shokinen]

Hey dctread,

Cameras are tougher than they look. I've been traveling with mine in many conditions it's still in perfect condition. There is some precautions to take depending on your environement.

Beach = Sand = worst camera enemy.
Just a little grain can block a gear so try to minimize the lens swap
Keep a filter (UV) at all time, sand combined with the wind can "sandblast" your front glass. Yes it may affect your filter, but it's much cheaper to replace. One day last year there was so much wind I left it in the bad. When you feel the sand on your skin, there is a good chance your camera will feel it too...

Rain = Humidity = not good with electronics
Water drops are not the end of the world but try to keep your camera away from the rain.
I took a big ziplock for freezer and cut the bottom to create a protective bag for my camera / lenses. You can buy pre-made bag for your camera but I found the ziplock solution very cheap and perfect for what it's suppose to do.
Shots under the rain are really cool by the way so don't stop yourself.

Cold = Tough on batteries
The cold itself will not affect your camera but will drain your batteries much faster. This is why I always have a spare batterie in a pocket near my body. Don't leave it in the bag.
The only 1 thing you have to remember is when you get back home. Keep the camera in the bag for a couple hours. You have to let it get back to normal temperature slowly otherwise, it'll go like glasses. All the water in the air will stick to it, even inside your camera and this is not good.


Bottom line, be carefull but do not stop youself from going outside because it's not sunny. Many good shots are the ones that normal people wouldn't get out to make

[Almond.Butterscotch]

I've had my cheapo D40 (the camera that was replaced by the camera that was replaced by the camera that was replaced by the camera that your D5000 [kinda] replaced) out in the rain during some moderately heavy shower and haven't had a single issue. As Shokinen pointed out, if you live somewhere cold, give yourself some time for your camera to readjust to the indoors. I don't give it 'a couple hours' as he recommended, but I do give it a half hour or so. That said, I do give it several hours before I remove a lens (don't want the innards fogging up or condensing liquid- especially the focussing screen or mirror).