Camera covers ensure that you can keep taking pictures even when the weather is less than optimal. These camera bag fundamentals are intuitive to use, and protect your equipment from rain, dust, mud, and numerous other environmental factors. Adding rain shields to your picture-taking tools increases your professional and artistic range by expanding the number of outdoor environments and conditions where you can shoot without worrying about damaging your valuable investment.

How to Protect a Camera from the Elements

Most DSLR cameras aren't waterproof, and exposure to water, dirt, mud, and sand can easily damage them. Yet, picture taking doesn't stop for most professional photographers, photography buffs, and travelers just because inclement weather hits. Camera rain covers, waterproof eyepieces, waterproof lens covers, eyepiece shields, waterproof bags, and products that work with tripods keep you snapping away even in extreme conditions. For protection against everyday knocks and bumps, consider investing in a digital camera skin.

How to Choose Rain Protection for Your Camera

Rain protection for DSLR cameras comes in a variety of designs, each of which is ideal for specific types of cameras and activities. The following are a few factors to consider when making your decision.

Color

Waterproof camera covers come in a number of colors including camouflage, clear, black, white, and blue. If you own a camera bag, consider purchasing a product that matches the equipment you already own. For those interested in taking pictures of wildlife, camouflage choices help you stay hidden and get closer to your subjects.

Activities

You can use waterproof bags to constantly protect your camera and the accessories you take with you when you're taking pictures. If you have a serious gear collection that comes with you on shoots, a bag or shell to keep your camera bag contents clean and dry can be a smart investment. Waterproof backpacks make it easy for landscape photographers to carry gear while exploring the great outdoors. Products that float protect your gear when you're shooting on the water.

Size

Simple plastic sleeves are easy to carry, and shield equipment from the elements. These lightweight, see-through camera rain sleeves are ideal additions to even the most casual photographer's camera bag and they adjust to most any camera dimensions. If you frequently work with several lenses of differing sizes in less-than-ideal weather conditions, consider covers for each piece of equipment. It's important to note that some eyepiece shields and lens covers only fit particular size gear, so be sure they match.

Whether you're a professional photographer or a dedicated amateur, protecting your gear and keeping it in working condition is a top priority. Look at B&H Photo and Video's extensive selection of gear protection options to find protection from the elements for your treasured equipment.