How can I protect my camera from condensation when moving into hot, humid places?

Question

My camera manual warns about sudden temperature changes. Sometimes that seems hard to avoid, such as going from a cool outdoor area into a reptile house, tropical greenhouse, or similar hot, humid environment. For example, moving from about 15°C outside to around 38°C inside can make the lens fog immediately.

Is this kind of sudden change likely to harm the camera or lens beyond temporary fogging? What precautions should I take before entering and while inside to reduce the risk?

user21 · Accepted Answer

Condensation is the biggest risk, and prevention is always better than cure. One thing I do prior to entering such environments is to place a lens cloth over the front element, and heat it with the heat from my hand prior to entry -- the target is to get the front element above the dew point for the area you're going into.

With the specific case of the Eden Project, the trick is to go into the arid Mediterranean house first where the humidity is lower than the rainforest house (but the temperatures are generally similar).

If anything, I'd suggest SLR (and bridge) cameras are easier to remove condensation from the lens (but it would take longer to warm through). It would be a "very bad idea" to change a lens inside an area with elevated humidity, as humid air could then condense all over the place.

It is worth remembering that some SLR cameras have professional quality weather sealing

How can I protect my camera from condensation when moving into hot, humid places?

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