Photographing in the Rain

[JMJ]

Hi everyone, I have a question I'm struggling with. I was hoping to go on a photo-stroll today and there is a massive rainstorm outside (). I'm sure many have asked this before, but what strategy do you all use for shooting in the rain? I baby my DSLR (sometimes too much) and don't want to get it wet, but I don't want to compromise my photos (I'd love to get an interesting photo of the droplets). I've heard of using an umbrella with one hand, but I still want to be able to get a steady shot. Any advice or ideas for how you all shoot in the rain.

[Daoust]

I guess there is some wet weather gear for some cameras, but I asked a friend about what she does and she said "zip lock bag with a hole in it." Now, if I was carting around a $1000+ camera, I wouldn't probably go out in a big storm using only a plastic bag, but that's just me.

It's a good question though, because I've often thought that I'd love to get out in a rainstorm and take some pictures, just to see what I could do.

[Doug Pardee]

You're right to be concerned. Water damage very often leads to a total loss of the DSLR. Most manufacturers won't even bother to try to repair water damage because of long-term risk of corrosion.

I wouldn't use an umbrella on a non-waterproof DSLR. A gust of wind or a bobble with the umbrella can leave the camera water-splashed. But that's just me.

There's the plastic bag approach that Daoust mentioned. There's the "buy a weatherproof DSLR" approach, and then there's the "buy a waterproof digicam" approach. I went with the latter.

[spazoid1965]

I saw someone using one of these once. I thought it was the goofiest thing I'd ever seen. But take a look.

Hands-Free Umbrella » Coolest Gadgets

[Decran]

SLR Camera Rain Capes - Photographers Rain Protection

I bought a rain cover from here. At least on this site you will see what could be available.