Photofocus

Image and Post by Rick Sammon – Follow Rick Sammon on Twitter

Photographers certainly need the right camera to record their memories. They also need accessories to protect their gear – especially during the summer months, when quick rain and sun showers can show up in a flash.

In this quickie blog post, I’ll share just a few of my favorite accessories to keep you gear safe and sound – in and under water.

Small plastic bag

A small plastic trash bag is the most affordable accessory listed here, but it can save the day in the rain, sleet and snow. It can make the difference between a photograph and no photograph. Sure, store-bought camera protectors are available, and some are listed below. But if you keep a plastic bag tucked in your camera bag, you will never miss a shot during a sudden downpour.
I recommend using small bags to avoid too much bulk around your camera. Before you go in the field, cut a small opening for the viewfinder in the bottom of the bag.

Keepin’ Dry

A step up – a big step up – from a plastic bag is Kata E-702 Large Digital SLR Camera Raincover. This accessory protects your camera so you can keep shooting under any conditions. The transparent cover can be adjusted to fit any pro digital SLR using the pull cords and the PP hood accommodates a variety of lens diameters. The sleeves on either end are spacious, allowing you to easily access your camera’s controls.

Tote your gear in all weather

For the traveling photographer, the Lowepro Stealth Reporter D550 AW Camera Bag
shoulder bag allows you to quickly access your gear, which can be organized however you like it with the removable, adjustable dividers. An all-weather cover and hood wraps entirely around the bag for ultimate protection against the elements. The bag also includes a foam-padded shoulder strap and waist belt slots to distribute the weight more evenly.

Enter the Dry Zone

The Lowepro DryZone 200 Camera Backpack has a water-resistant exterior and a 100% watertight inner dry pouch, so even if you drop the bag into a running river, your gear is fully protected. Other great features of this rugged backpack include a well padded interior that can be customized to fit your equipment, adjustable shoulder straps, a tuck-away tripod holder, self-draining mesh pockets, and attachment loops for accessories.

Protection in rain, sleet and snow and even underwater

Ewa-Marine flexible camera housings are designed for photographing underwater, but can also be used to protect your camera from rain, ocean spray, humidity and sand. The housings are made of thick PVC and come in several variations to fit nearly all types of digital compact and SLR cameras. Secure and durable, they adjust to the water pressure and allow you to take your camera to depths of down to 150 feet. Contact: Ewa-Marine (RTS Photo), (631) 242-6801, www.rtsphoto.com.

Take a Dive

The underwater systems offered by Ikelite are heavy-duty, thick wall housings that are molded from clear polycarbonate material. You can choose from the many different models to fit your specific camera. The compact systems, safe to use at maximum depths of 200 feet, give you full access to the camera’s controls, sealing them with reliable Quad-Ring seal glands. The provided magnifier offers improved viewing while wearing a diving mask. Contact: Ikelite, (317) 923-4523, www.ikelite.com.