One of the best parts of visiting a new destination is capturing the beautiful scenery in pictures, and usually you do that with a camera. Although most phones and tech gadgets have this facility, they may not give the best quality of images and can easily run out of battery power; which is why many people carry a spare camera with them. However, the truth is that no matter what camera you use, there is a chance you may encounter a few traditional challenges, the most significant one being the weather.

While you cannot control the weather – be it rain, heat, condensation, humidity and dust – you can actually stop it from damaging your equipment. Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal reveals a few tips to help protect your camera from the elements.

Carry a plastic bag with you

Moisture can do one of the greatest damage to your camera. Once it seeps into the inner compartments of the device, the impact makes the lenses foggy and fungus, rust or corrosion can build up on the shutter curtains, viewfinder eyepieces, or other interior components, leading to temporary or even permanent harm to the equipment.

To keep moisture at bay, simply put the camera into a plastic bag for protection through good and bad weather.

Keep the batteries warm

Batteries can be temperamental in adverse weather conditions. Cold weather can get the batteries to die, while excess heat can cause them to melt. In cold weather conditions, try not to carry them in your backpack or camera bag. Rather, carry them in your pocket or close to your body so that your body temperature keeps it warm Avoid taking them out until you need to take a photograph. Also switch off energy-consuming autofocus unless necessary.

Provide padding for the Camera

When the weather is extremely cold, parts of the camera (especially those made with plastic and glass) become more brittle and break easily. To protect your equipment, keep it safe in a padded pouch and only take it out when you are standing on firm ground or using the tripod to shoot. If you are mountain climbing or on shaky ground, use the neck or wrist strap as it can easily slip out of your hands and crash after a long fall.

Use a good UV filter

In environments where it is windy and there are suspended materials floating around in the air. You will need to protect the front element of the lens with an ultra-violet filter, that way you can avoid tiny pockmarks from ruining the actual lens.

Cover the Camera when not in use

Cameras are fashioned to function within a specific range of temperature and humidity conditions. If you are in a position where you need to expose your camera equipment to harsh climatic conditions for long periods of time, consider covering it with a dry white towel when it is not in use. Also use a soft, dry clean cloth to remove moisture from exterior surfaces before packing it up.

Do you have more tips on how to protect your camera from the weather? Kindly share them in the comment box below.