subject: Camera Care: How to Care for Your Camera at the Beach [print this page] Camera Care: How to Care for Your Camera at the Beach
Bright sunshine and warm sand between your toes. Oh how so many people love the beach. Some love tanning, others like swimming and surfing while some just love the calming sound of hearing the ocean slap against sandy shores. For whatever reason you can find to be at the beach, chances are high that a camera is not too far away. If you enjoy outdoor photography, then you know all too well about the possible dangers that exist which could damage your camera. One of the most significant challenges of protecting your camera is Mother Nature's elements - wind, heat, sand, and water. These elements don't only pose a risk to your camera, but also to the photos taken with the camera.At the beach, conditions can be extreme especially during summer. Luckily, manufacturers sell protective gear for their cameras as accessories which you can purchase separately. The most common of these is a camera bag; it almost goes without saying that you should own a camera bag to safely store your camera when shooting photos outdoors. Typically these bags are made of synthetic products and are built to be durable and water resistant; just don't expect your device to survive if you go diving with your camera in the bag.Another way to care for your camera is by using a protective filter on the lens. Ultra- violet filters are often used by photographers to protect their lenses from scratches and debris while not affecting image outcome. On a digital single reflex (DSLR) camera, lenses are the most expensive component so it is only natural to want to protect the lens. Though using a filter can make it easier to clean your device, cheap, low quality filters have been known to foul a photo shoot at times by degrading image quality, inducing vignetting, and sometimes causing flares in the shots. Either way, they come highly recommended for photographers with lenses that are expensive to repair or replace.Since beaches are found in hot and humid areas you should never place your camera outside in direct sunlight or heat. Heat and sunlight can completely damage the internal components of your camera. Also, the humidity can make it difficult to use the viewfinder as it tends to fog up when the camera is used in these conditions. You can combat this by using a tiny gel pack that absorbs moisture while carrying around the camera in your bag. These packs absorb the moisture around your camera, and keep the viewfinder from fogging up.
