Camera conspiracy theorists unite: Both Sony and Canon are teasing camera releases on March 26th with mysterious clues.
Starting off with Sony, the company released a teaser-trailer-style clip of a veiled new camera model. There’s not much to go on, but eagle-eyed viewers have spied a button labeled “5” as well as a 3.5mm jack.
Combined with the “Go small, shoot big” catch phrase, speculation centers on the announcement of a new cinema-style camera—something similar to the Sony FX6. Other guesses in the video comment section include a long-awaited update to the Sony a6700.
For its part, Canon is also contributing to the rumor wheel with an Instagram post glimpse at two new camera models. Shrouded in shadow and only labeled with “V,” it seems likely that the cameras will fall into Canon’s new Powershot V1 “vlogging” compact cameras.
Canon recently debuted the Powershot V1 at the CP+ show in Japan to much buzz. It’s a pivot in the company’s compact lineup with trendy vloggers in mind—featuring a 16–50mm equivalent f/2.8–4.5 lens and 4K/60p shooting mode.
Insta360 has announced its latest 360-degree camera—the Insta360 X5. While the year-old X4 introduced 8K/30p 360-degree video, the X5 promises to deliver 8K recording at much higher quality due to its larger Type 1/1.28 sensors and Triple AI Chip system. That’s a significant difference in sensor area: The 1/1.28-inch sensors are 144% larger than the 1/2-inch ones used in the X4. The X5’s f/2 lens has an equivalent focal length of 6mm, compared to the 6.7mm equivalent focal length of the X4’s f/1.9 lens. While Insta360 says the X5 is the “toughest 360-degree camera ever”—the X5’s lenses use new ultra-durable glass—the camera features a replaceable lens system, making it possible to swap out damaged lenses on the go.
The fresh sensors and processor have resulted in new recording modes. While the camera captures 8K/30p 360-degree video like its predecessor, 5.7K/60p is now available (vs 30p on the X4), as is 4K/120p (vs 100p on the X4). The X5 tops out at 4K/60p when shooting single-lens video. You can also use the X5 to shoot 72-megapixel stills (9504×4752 pixels), recorded to RAW DNG files. Out of the box, the X5 is waterproof to 15 meters (~50 feet)—a 5-meter (~16-foot) improvement over the X4—but serious underwater shooters will want to put the X5 in the dedicated Invisible Dive Case, which extends the depth rating to 60 meters (~200 feet). Battery life has also been extended: The X5 is good for three hours as opposed to the two-and-a-bit of the X4.
The Insta360 X5 is available now as the “Standard Bundle” for $550. There are various other bundles available, such as the $700 “Invisible Dive Bundle,” which includes an Invisible Dive Case, Invisible Selfie Stick, Floating Hand Grip and Selfie Stick Wrist Strap.
PRESS RELEASE
Insta360 Unveils X5: The Smartest, Toughest 360° Camera Ever Made
Insta360, the world’s best-selling 360° camera brand, is thrilled to announce Insta360 X5, its latest flagship camera. Combining groundbreaking image quality, rugged durability, and AI-powered ease of use, X5 sets a new benchmark for what 360° cameras can achieve.
X5’s larger 1/1.28″ sensors and lightning-fast Triple AI Chip system deliver a dramatic leap in image quality across all resolutions, including stunning 8K30fps 360° video. With PureVideo, a new AI-powered low-light mode, X5 achieves crisp, cinematic footage in challenging lighting.
Built for adventure, this is the toughest 360° camera ever. Its lenses are crafted from a new ultra-durable glass, while a first-of-its-kind replaceable lens system sets a new standard for the industry, allowing you to swap out damaged lenses on the go. Further hardware upgrades like a built-in wind guard, extended 3-hour battery life, and waterproofing to 49ft, make X5 the ultimate companion for active creators.
From shooting to sharing, X5 makes 360° creation effortless. The all-new InstaFrame Mode simultaneously captures an auto-framed, ready-to-share flat video and a full 360° video to fine-tune later. The Insta360 app has undergone a transformation with more intuitive editing tools, and X5 pairs with the Insta360+ cloud service, where you can instantly share 360º clips, edit on the cloud, and more.
“X5 redefines 360° cameras by solving creators’ real challenges,” said JK Liu, Insta360’s Founder. “From replaceable lenses to AI-powered low-light shooting, we’ve built our dream camera—rugged enough for adventure, capable enough to produce high-quality footage, and intelligent enough to capture epic moments effortlessly.”
Insta360 X5 is available to order from April 22, 2025, via the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and select retailers, priced at US$549.99.
Insta360 is also hosting a pop-up event in NYC on April 22 from 9am–5pm, offering attendees the opportunity to experience X5 firsthand through interactive demos, meet special guests, and receive exclusive merch.
Unmatched Image Quality, Day and Night
X5’s 8K30fps 360° video looks better than ever, with supersampling from 11K to 8K resulting in minimal loss to image quality for true-to-life shots. But resolution is just part of what determines image quality.
X5’s 1/1.28″ sensors are 144% larger compared to X4‘s, meaning they capture far more light. The Triple AI Chip system, made up of one 5nm AI Chip and two Pro Imaging Chips, works wonders to reduce noise for clean, uncompressed images in any conditions. With 140% more computing power, every moment—whether on thrilling rides, underwater adventures, or the trip of a lifetime—becomes clearer, brighter, and more vivid.
Low light capture gets an additional boost with a dedicated mode: PureVideo. Advanced AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimization deliver clear, vibrant footage in low light, perfect for capturing your late-night city explorations, motorcycle rides, and more. Meanwhile, Active HDR has been upgraded to 5.7K60fps for smooth, sharper shots, especially in high-contrast scenes.
360° Capture – Souped Up & Simplified
As the fifth generation, X5 has refined every aspect of 360° capture with incredible results. The beauty of shooting with X5 is that you record everything, everywhere, always. No wondering “Did I frame that right?” or fears of missing an epic moment, just shoot first and choose your angles later, with the invisible selfie stick effect enabling otherwise impossible third-person shots. Ideal for solo creators, travelers, and well… everyone.
But now, there’s a new mode that makes all that 360° goodness simpler to achieve than ever before. Meet InstaFrame. Hit record and X5 produces two files. The first is an instantly shareable flat video, no editing or reframing needed. Here you have the choice of a fixed view that follows a constant direction or a selfie view that keeps you in frame throughout. And the best part? At the same time, you’ll also record a second clip in full 360° so you’ll never miss life’s unexpected moments, from your toddler’s surprise first steps to a dolphin’s sudden appearance beside your kayak.
The Toughest 360° Camera Ever
When a lens cracks mid-adventure, most 360° cameras become paperweights—but with X5 you can swap lenses before the ski lift reaches the top of the next run. No worrying about scratches or paying out of pocket for repairs, easily replace damaged lenses on the go with the handy Replacement Lens Kit.
Designed for the klutzes, the cliff-divers, and the ‘I-just-dropped-it-again’ creators among us, the lenses are also made from a new, high-strength, scratch-resistant glass that makes them far less likely to be damaged in the first place, making X5 a camera you can truly push to the limits.
Elsewhere, X5 has improved in almost every way that an action camera enthusiast could wish for:
Built-in wind guard and improved audio algorithm – a multi-layer steel mesh Wind Guard silences wind noise, while the boosted algorithm offers sharp, immersive sound.
Longer lasting, faster-charging battery – A 2400mAh battery supports up to 185 minutes of recording in 5.7K, using the power-saving Endurance Mode. It can also fast charge from 0 to 80% in just 20 minutes, or the time it takes to finish a cup of coffee.
IP68 waterproofing to 49ft (15m) – go even deeper without a dive housing.
Magnetic mounting system – allows for quick accessory swaps so you’re always prepared for the next shot.
FlowState Stabilization + 360° Horizon Lock – still industry-leading for the smoothest shots possible.
Convenient ways to “hit record” – the new Twist to Shoot feature enables shooting just by twisting a selfie stick back and forth. Other options include Voice Control 2.0, Gesture Control, or pairing with a wireless remote.
The Complete Post-Production Package
The Insta360 app has long been the most sophisticated, user-friendly app for editing 360° content. To coincide with X5’s launch, it has undergone a revamp, with a sleeker user interface and new tools that make editing easier than ever.
A one-tap Dewarp button removes fisheye distortion for natural-looking footage, a new option to one-tap export with zero editing or reframing, and more. This is in addition to existing features such as Quick Edit and AI Edit for semi-automatic and automatic editing, Shot Lab with 40+ AI templates, as well as a full, manual editing suite.
Insta360 Studio, the desktop editing software for highest quality exports, is also available completely free, along with the mobile app.
For the best possible Insta360 experience and a smoother workflow, X5 is compatible with Insta360+, a cloud service offering auto file backup, instant sharing of 360° footage, cloud editing and export, and more, making it easier than ever to share your adventures with the world.
Availability
Insta360 X5 is on sale from April 22, 2025, at the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and authorized retailers, starting from US$549.99.
We love when nerdy things collide here at Pop Photo, and that is precisely what happened with the creation of perhaps the most iconic movie prop of all time. As the video below from DigitalRev In-Focus explains, George Lucas wanted the props in the Star Wars films to look used in order to suggest a sense of history. He didn’t want shiny new objects in his films. They also had a very limited budget when filming those initial movies. The low budget required they get scrappy—literally—in how they created props.
As a result, set decorator Roger Christian would browse antique and junk stores for items to use as props. He was in a tiny camera store in London’s West End and asked if they had anything that he might find interesting. The owner took out a dusty box of antique camera goods, which included a 1940s Graflex camera with a three-cell flash gun. A lightbulb went off for Christian. The flash handle became the base for Luke’s lightsaber.
It took only a few modifications to create the legendary weapon. The actual “blade” portion of the weapon involved painting a tube with blue projector material and adding a light, which made it glow. Luke’s was one of two lightsabers that Christian designed. The entire thing took only $15 to build, though it sold in 2012 for $250,000. That makes it one of the most expensive movie weapon props ever sold. It even beats out Ghostbusters props. And that number is likely even higher now since it was featured so prominently in Episode 7.
The flash handle from the Graflex camera fit the concept for the lightsaber perfectly. DigitalRev In-Focus
Of course, there is a downside to cameras becoming pieces of sci-fi legend. Camera collectors have had difficulty getting their hands on Graflex flash handles since so many were bought by Star Wars prop collectors and cut up to become lightsabers. A genuine original Graflex can cost thousands of dollars at this point. And camera collectors say that valuable antiques are getting destroyed in the process. Whether you agree that history is being destroyed or are all about your genuine lightsaber props, we think this clash of photography and pop culture history is a fun one.
I don’t often write about gear, but it’s the most common question I get, so today, let’s talk about gear and what I currently use in landscape photography. Throughout my journey, I’ve experimented with various Nikon cameras, from D90 to Z7 II and now to the new Z8. I have used lenses from Nikon, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, and Laowa, ultimately finding the current setup that allows me to express my creative vision.
I used the new Nikon Z 8 for a week in March, and it was fantastic. From a quick overview, I think it delivers an excellent upgrade for the autofocus and video options compared to the Nikon Z 7II. I’ll receive my copy of the Nikon Z8 later, so I can give you more thoughts about the camera. These are my honest opinions about the gear I use. Even though I’m a Nikon Creator, this post is not sponsored by Nikon.
Nikon Z7 II
I have used the Nikon Z7 II as my primary camera for the past year. Before that, I used Nikon Z7 and D810. You can view my review of the Nikon Z7. Now with the Nikon Z7 II, I barely use anything else. The SD card slot is a great addition to the previous version. I’m not currently shooting video much, but that part has also been upgraded from Z7. The battery life is slightly better than in the Z7. When I want to capture time-lapse as well as stills I bring with me the Z7 to have the option to shoot two different perspectives at the same time.
Sensor
Although not the highest-megapixel sensor in the market, the Nikon Z7 II‘s 45.7-megapixel sensor produces high-quality images with incredible detail. It is essential in landscape photography, where every nuance, from the texture of rocks to intricate patterns, adds depth and richness to the final image.
Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of a camera refers to its ability to capture detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of a scene. It is essential when photographing landscapes with high contrast between bright skies and shadowy foregrounds. The Nikon Z7 II excels, allowing me to capture images that retain detail even in challenging lighting conditions.
Low-Light Performance
One of my favorite aspects of landscape photography is capturing the beauty of the night sky. The Nikon Z7 II‘s excellent low-light performance allows me to photograph the stars and the Milky Way with minimal noise and incredible detail. The camera’s high ISO capabilities and noise reduction ensure that my astrophotography images are clean and sharp.
Nikon Z7 II pros and cons
+ Exceptional image quality + Low-light capability + Dynamic Range + Low weight, only 705 g + Dual card slot – No in-camera RAW video capabilities – Relatively slow autofocus – Could have a better battery life
We thought the Sony a1 was an impressive camera, but the image-making company has just topped it with its latest release. The main highlight of the newly released a9 III is its global shutter, the world’s first for a full-frame mirrorless camera. The unique shutter design, along with a powerful Bionz XR processor, allows for a host of impressive specs, including 120 fps, 1/80,000 max shutter speed, and flash sync at any shutter speed. Additionally, the company also announced the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens, which offers superb reach and performance in a relatively compact body.
Global sensor exposes and reads every pixel at the same time
120 fps blackout-free burst shooting
Improved ergonomics
1/80,000 maximum shutter speed
Flash sync at any shutter speed
759 AF points with more sizes of focus area spots
8-stops of optical in-body image stabilization
6K oversampling for 4K 60p movies
4K 120p video without cropping
Weighs 1.4 pounds
Available in spring 2024 for $5,999
What is a global shutter?
The star of the show for the a9 III is, by far, its global shutter. Global shutter technology isn’t new, with a handful of cinema cameras utilizing it over the past few years. But the Sony a9 III is the first full-frame mirrorless camera to jump on board. So, why does that even matter? What is a global shutter?
Currently, most cameras rely on a rolling shutter. With the rolling shutter design, the camera’s sensor receives and reads information line by line from top to bottom. This means that there is a delay between the first line of data and the last. That delay can cause problems when capturing fast-moving subjects in photos or videos, resulting in warping and distortion. You likely have seen this in helicopter rotor blades. In photos, those blades can appear curved or bent when in reality, they are straight.
The global shutter design solves this problem by exposing and reading every single pixel on the sensor at the exact same time. That means that the Sony a9 III will benefit from zero distortion in stills and video, which is a significant advantage for those shooting action. It also allows for a range of other benefits, including the ability to work with flash at any shutter speed, including the camera’s max shutter speed of 1/80,000 (no, that’s not an extra zero). This unlimited flash sync even works with third-party flashes. Additionally, there will be no banding from artificial lights or displays. To aid in this, Sony has also employed an Anti-Flicker mode that automatically syncs the shutter with the brightest point in the light’s cycle to keep the exposure consistent in photos and videos.
Along with the camera, Sony has released a new vertical grip that offers the same ergonomics as the new camera. Sony
Sony a9 III details
There are plenty of other things to swoon about in the a9 III beyond the global shutter, though many are dependent on that feature. Sony built the new camera around a 24.6-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor, which results in eight times the processing power as the a9 II. the five-axis optical in-body image stabilization system allows for eight stops of compensation with the camera alone. You’ll get even more stabilization if using a stabilized lens as well.
On top of fancy guts, the a9 III features a redesigned body with better ergonomics. Sony says the grip is improved to make the camera easier to hold in the palm of the hand, even when using a telephoto lens. It says that it also moved the shutter button up slightly to be in a more natural, comfortable position. It features a four-axis multi-angle LCD touchscreen (the same as the a7R V) and 9.44 million-dot Quad XGA OLED electronic viewfinder. And as we’d expect from a pro-level Sony camera, it is dust and moisture-resistant.
To pair with the pro-level features of the a9 III, Sony is also releasing a new vertical grip—the VG-C5— that offers the same ergonomic design as the new camera. That includes the same shutter button placement and a new custom button (C5) in the same position so that it feels the exact same when switching between horizontal and vertical shooting. The new battery also pulls parallel power instead of drawing from one source and then switching to the other. Sony says that this allows for 15 percent more battery life.
Sony
Burst shooting
One of the main selling points of the a9 III is its absurd burst shooting capabilities. This alone will earn it a top spot as one of the best Sony cameras. It is able to shoot 120 fps blackout-free with real-time recognition AF and auto exposure. The fast burst shooting even works with 14-bit raw. Shooting fast bursts is only one piece of the puzzle when documenting action, though. You also have to get the timing right in the first place. To help ensure you get the shot, Sony has added a Pre-Capture function. This new setting allows the camera to continuously record (also up to 120 fps) for up to one second before the shutter is released.
Even when shooting action, you don’t always want your fastest fps setting. Sony has found a clever way to get around that with the Speed Boost function and a newly added a new custom button (C5) on the front of the camera. The new button allows you to instantly switch to a faster, preset speed at any time and then go back to a more reasonable fps just as quickly.
Image selection of 120 fps with Pre-Capture can be massively overwhelming. Sony even considered this when developing the a9 III. It has added a new playback image filter that allows you to select a large number of images at once, along with a function menu that can be used during image playback. The camera also plays back bursts as a video, so you can mark the shots you want without individually pressing through images.
Autofocus
As with other recent Sony releases, the a9 III features a dedicated AI processing unit to support its advanced phase detection autofocus system. It offers Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking and can detect a wide range of subjects, including humans, cats, dogs, planes, and more. The system can even detect an eye even when the subject is wearing goggles or helmets, is small in the frame, or moving fast. Sony also expanded the sizes of its focus areas to include XS and XL for more control over your focus points.
Sony a9 III video specs & features
Sony emphasized still photography during its announcement with a tagline of “the power of one frame.” But the company certainly didn’t leave video out of the mix in its new camera. The global shutter definitely benefits video shooters since rolling shutter has been a pain point. The a9 III is capable of 4K 60p video oversampled from 6K. It can also shoot 4K 120p without cropping, which is a first for an Alpha series camera. It offers the S-Cinetone profile, S-Log3, 10-bit 4:2:2 capture, and 16-bit raw video over HDMI.
Sony a9 III pricing & availability
Of course, with such an advanced, pro-level camera, we should expect a pro-level price. And indeed, the Sony a9 III is priced at $5,999. It is available for pre-order now and will begin shipping in the spring of 2024.
The 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens is an advanced, compact telephoto prime lens for pros. Sony
FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens details
In case the groundbreaking camera wasn’t enough, Sony has also announced a new lens. Like the camera, the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens is also a pro-level piece of equipment geared towards serious sports and wildlife photographers, as is evident in its matching $5,999 price.
As a G Master lens, the new 300mm offering will provide superb resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness. The optical design includes three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element to reduce chromatic aberration and improve contrast across the frame. The 11-blade circular aperture results in beautiful smooth bokeh. And two XD linear motors drive focus that is fast, precise, and silent. It’s also able to keep up with the fast burst shooting of the a9 III.
Beyond image quality, the best feature of the 300mm f/2.8 GM is its size. The lens weighs just 3.2 pounds, which makes it the lightest lens of its class. For context, it is 40 percent lighter than the 400mm f/2.8 GM and roughly the same weight as the original 70-200mm GM. Sony was also very intentional about how the lens balances, designing it with optimum balance for smooth panning and easier handheld shooting.
The new 300mm telephoto prime lens is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. It offers a function ring to instantly engage the APS-C crop, providing a 420mm view. It is dust and moisture-resistant with magnesium alloy inside and out for a durable, rugged build.
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS pricing & availability
Like the new camera, the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens is available for pre-order now for $5,999. It will begin shipping in the spring of 2024.
Who can see the future? What is the future and who creates it? Ok, let’s not ask these questions, instead, let’s just try our hand at some old-fashioned speculation.
First Prediction
2024 was a busy year for new camera releases and I don’t expect that to stop anytime soon. I expect more releases from at least 1 of the big 3, and maybe a release or two from some has-beens in the marketplace like Ricoh or Leica. They always manage to cough up something wacky like a B&W only camera.
Second Prediction
AI has already weaseled its way into our cameras, and I expect more “AI” powered features to come out in 2025. As exciting as that may be for some users, the only “AI” feature I want is that one that automatically makes and deposits money in my bank account. “Hey Siri, deposit 1 million dollars in my bank account.” “I’m sorry Frank, I can’t do that.” “I’m using the money to build a nuclear submarine to fly us out the hell out of here Frank.” “Get with the program.”
Third Prediction
We’ve had 8k 30p video for 4+ years now, and not many people know that Blackmagic Design made a 12k camera years before the R5 came out and they still make it, I think. So, is 8k-12k the limit for video resolution?? I predict… YES. What kind of gigantic screen would be needed for 12k resolution? Bigger than can fit in most people’s houses. I don’t think anybody wants that much LED light firing into their eyeballs. I’m sure some Hollywood guy will try to go bigger. Imagine The Titanic Part 2, IN 16K RESOLUTION.
The weather can be unpredictable, even in the most temperate of climates. Rainy days can make for a great photo shoot opportunity, but if you’re unprepared and don’t have the right gear, it could also mean some costly repairs for your camera.
Protect your camera from bad weather by investing in high-quality rain protection gear, covers, rain sleeves, waterproof backpacks, and UV filters.
Whether you’re shooting in the rain, snow, or extreme heat, there are steps you can take to ensure that your camera stays safe and functional:
Quick Navigation
16 Tips for Weatherproofing Your Camera
1. Invest in a Camera Rain Cover
A camera rain cover is the first line of defense against rainy conditions, and it’s a must-have for any serious outdoor photographer.
upaa
It is a simple and effective way to protect your camera from the elements. It fits over your camera and lens, creating a barrier between the camera and the rain.
A good rain cover will protect your camera from rain, snow and sand—and can also be used to shield it from the sun’s UV rays. Rain covers attach to your camera using hook-and-loop fasteners (a type of adhesive), allowing you to easily remove or reposition the cover as needed.
2. Use a UV Filter
For those who don’t know, UV filters are basically clear pieces of glass that fit in front of your camera lens to protect it from scratches and damage. So why would you want one?
Well, they’ll help keep dust out of your camera and prevent moisture from getting inside. Aside from that, they help reduce the amount of UV light that enters the lens, which can cause lens flare and other problems. A UV filter also provides an extra layer of protection for your lens.
They’re also easy to clean when they do get dirty while you’re working outside with your camera! These filters come in all shapes and sizes – we recommend purchasing one with just a bit wider diameter than the front element on your lens so that it can easily slide into place without having to worry about vignetting (light falloff).
3. Change your Lens Cap for a Tulip Hood
To protect your camera from the elements, you can use a tulip hood. A tulip hood is an alternative to using a lens cap that will save you time and money. The benefits of using a tulip hood are:
It’s easy to attach and remove from your camera.
There is no need to remove it every time you want to take pictures.
It protects both sides of the lens at once—the front and back sides of the lens are equally protected by this cover!
4. Use a Rain Sleeve on your Camera
You can also use a rain sleeve as an additional protection for your camera gear. A rain sleeve is a protective cover for your camera that helps keep it dry and protected from the elements, including dirt, dust and water.
Rainsleeves come in several sizes: some are designed for specific models like DSLRs or mirrorless cameras; others are universal and will fit any size device.
If you’ve got multiple lenses that need protection but don’t want to buy multiple covers, consider buying an ultralight backpack instead of individual bags—many backpacks have built-in lens cases that can be opened with one hand while shooting!
A good quality rain sleeve will have an adjustable strap to attach it securely around your DSLR or mirrorless camera body. It should also be made from high-quality material with waterproof zippers so that it doesn’t let any water in when you open the case up after using it in inclement weather conditions like heavy rain, light rain or snowfall.
If you don’t want to buy one of these sleeves for every time you go out shooting photos outdoors during bad weather conditions then consider investing in a lightweight plastic bag instead (or even just zip lock bags).
This way you can keep them as spares when photographing outdoors so that if something does happen with your gear while taking photos outside during rainy days then there’s always an extra layer protecting their expensive equipment!
5. Keep your Camera Away from Direct Water Contact
photofocus
The last thing you want is for your camera to get wet, so make sure you take precautions before heading out on your next adventure. If there’s even a chance of rain, keep your camera gear safe in a waterproof camera housing, bag or case for better protection. You must always be ready with weather-sealed cameras.
And if it’s too late and the weather has already turned against you, try taking the battery out and bringing just that part inside.
If a storm happens while you’re out in nature, quickly seek shelter under some trees or rocks until it passes—but don’t risk getting lost by trying to find shelter outside! If all else fails, consider changing plans altogether and rescheduling them for another time when it won’t be raining as hard (or at all).
6. Carry Dry Bags with you
Keep your camera inside a dry, protective bag. Dry bags are waterproof and can protect your camera from the elements.
A camera bag with a weather-resistant exterior can help protect your camera gear safe from the rain and other elements. It’s also a good idea to store your camera in a dry place when it’s not in use for better protection.
They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Make sure the zippers are strong enough to keep all the water out and make sure there’s a way for air to escape if it does get inside (don’t buy a dry bag with just a single valve).
You can also use them to keep any other electronics you’re carrying dry. You can typically fit your photo gear, waterproof camera housing, a phone, wallet, passport, etc. in one of these small bags and just throw it into your bag or backpack.
7. Shoot in RAW format
Shooting in RAW format is one of the best ways to protect your camera from bad weather. Unlike JPEG files, which are compressed and have their colors reduced, RAW files are not processed by your camera settings until you open them on your computer.
This means that they contain all of the information captured by the camera’s sensor—uncompressed, high-resolution images with more detail than JPEGs can ever hope for.
8. Buy a Waterproof Backpack to Protect your Gear
You may want to invest in a good waterproof backpack to keep your camera dry. Even if you are confident that your camera and lenses can stand up against wet conditions and the elements, it’s always better to get added protection and to be safe than sorry.
dpreview
Look for one that has been designed specifically with photographers in mind. It should feature an internal memory card slot, multiple accessory pockets and dividers for organizing equipment. It also needs to have padded straps to comfortably keep your camera inside during long hikes or treks through the city streets.
The additional cost is worth it to protect your cameras and gear and keep them safe from the rain, cold, and other extreme conditions.
9. Keep an Extra Camera Battery Handy
The weather is not going to care if you are shooting a wedding or just trying to get that perfect shot of the sunset. You need to be prepared, as your camera’s battery life will be affected by all sorts of things, including temperature and humidity.
As with human batteries (iPhones), the amount of charge left in your camera’s battery will decrease over time. If you use your camera often, then you should consider replacing the original battery with an extra one.
10. Protect your Camera from Heat and Humidity
If you store your camera for long periods of time, make sure it is dry and cool. Do not leave your camera in a car or on any surface that might get hot from sunlight or indoor heating.
For extra protection, keep the lens cap on when not in use to prevent dust accumulation on the surface of the lens. If you’re going to be putting your cameras away for a while, consider storing it in a temperature-controlled environment (such as an air-conditioned room) or climate-controlled storage facility.
11. Carry a Microfiber Cloth
A microfiber cloth can be used to wipe away any excess moisture or dirt that gets on your camera. It’s a good idea to keep one in your camera bag at all times.
12. Avoid Changing Lenses in Bad Weather
If you need to change lenses, try to do it in a covered area to protect your camera from the elements. If you must change lenses in the rain, turn your camera off and cover the body and lens with a rain cover or umbrella to minimize the amount of moisture that gets inside.
13. Use a Lens Hood
A lens hood is a piece of plastic or metal that attaches to the front of your lens. It helps to shield the lens from heavy rain, snow, and other elements. It also helps to reduce lens flare and improve image quality.
14. Avoid Shooting in Extreme Heat
If you’re shooting in very hot conditions, try to keep your camera in a cool, shaded area as much as possible. Avoid leaving it in a hot car or direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can cause damage to the camera and its batteries.
15. Use a Dry Box or Silica Gel Packets
drycabinets
If you’re traveling to a humid location, consider using a dry box or silica gel packets to protect your camera and lenses from moisture. A dry box is a small, airtight container that absorbs moisture, while silica gel packets absorb moisture and help to keep your gear dry.
16. Use a Tripod in Windy Conditions
If you’re shooting in windy conditions, a tripod can help to keep your camera steady and prevent it from being blown over. It’s also a good idea to use a cable release or self-timer to minimize camera shake
Takeaway
The takeaway from this article is that you need to be aware of the weather conditions and keep your camera safe when you are outdoors. You should also take precautions before heading outside.
If it looks like it will rain or snow, keep your camera weather sealed, stay indoors, and wait for the storm to pass. Be sure to wipe off any moisture on your camera if it gets wet in the rain or snow, and make sure you keep it dry when indoors so that moisture doesn’t build up inside of it and damage its internal parts.
The most important thing is to not let yourself get frustrated or discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Remember that there will always be beautiful days for photography.
It’s impossible to keep the bad weather completely out of the picture. Tips, we shared can help you protect your camera from bad weather, and ensure that it stays in good working order, and takes better photos for years to come. Happy shooting!
