Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Just wondering what you folks use, if anything, to protect you camera & lens from a long day of direct sunlight? I've been spending some time out at softball games, and it's been desert hot outside, and I'm concerned about the heat damaging my gear. I expect any long exposure will eventually take a toll on the seals, and possibly other components. Or maybe I'm way off on my concerns?

I notice that Peak and a couple of other vendors sell a protective cover, snow, rain, winter, but it's black in color, and to me black is a heat magnet. Even if the cover is black will it still protect my gear?

Thanks,
Cookie

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I simply keep mine shaded or in the bag when I'm not using it. The bag can get hot also.
If I'm using it, well, I'm using it.....
If it's THAT hot out, I'm not out for long. Same with cold.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A white hand towel laid over the equipment when not in use is one option I use at the beach or summer airshows. Back in the bag with the lid closed is another good option. Keep in mind, cameras have 100+ years of design for use in a variety of environments. SLRs / DSLRs are approaching 60-years. I wouldn't worry about complete sun causing a failure in top-grade equipment.

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Will this help? At least, from rain and sun and may be, even wind.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No way, no how, never.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

When I went to a Canon class on shooting the solar eclipse, the photographer that set up the class showed us how he kept his equipment cooler. He uses the white towels from the hotels he stays in combined with a bit of gaffers tape to cover them. When I shot the eclipse, I used some old cut up t-shirts and painters tape to loosely secure the cloth to the lens barrel for shade. I was out in the sun all morning and my gear never got very hot. In fact, the iPad got overheated but not the cameras.

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

I don't worry about heat when outside, just when in the car if the air conditioner is not working. I tend to take shots from the shade anyway as it is almost impossible to see in the viewfinder in the sun. (And at 72 I don't like being in the sun either.)

Sunnely Loc: Wisconsin

Thought I'd throw in my 2 ccents.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Sunnely - I for one thought it was quite funny! /Ralph in the WI north woods.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Bill_de Loc: US

I keep a couple of light colored or white towels in my car for covering stuff on the back seat and to toss over a camera sitting on a tripod. I often leave a camera on a tripod in my yard for a full day. A towel held in place with a bungee cord stays put, even if the wind picks up.

--

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I've been spending some time out at softball games, and it's been desert hot outside..." please stay well hydrated... wear light colored protective clothing (and hat)...

Why are you asking for technical product information on a hobbyist web portal Cookie223?
You seriously need to review the Owner's Manual for your camera, which is likely the only authoritative source of information to address your query...

I have read my Owner's Manual and study it religiously for each and every issue I encounter...
Albeit I shoot Nikon who has possibly the finest documentation in the industry (in my humble estimation)

Direct Quote from the Nikon D810 Manual: "Do not store your camera in locations which are exposed to temperatures above 122 degrees Fahrenheit or below 14 degrees Fahrenheit" I follow Nikon's advice religiously here.

A quick Google search indicates that New Jersey's record summer high temperatures are below 122 degrees Fahrenheit: (110 °F / 43 °C recorded on July 10, 1936)

albeit if your leave your camera in a closed vehicle all bets are off...
This example is only for a Nikon D810... other cameras may vary...

My SOP is to always use a lens hood and never point the lens directly into the sun...

Best Advice? Get off UHH and read you Owner's Manual... seriously

All the best on your journey Cookie223

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Thanks, I don't get to go to many of my granddaughters games. Many of these games are in wide open fields with very little shade, or the shade trees are pretty far. So far a white towel, T-shirt, or taking more breaks seems to be the best option.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Thanks for the advice, I'm probably overly protective and based on the replies (Except for one) a towel, of another white cloth will provide all the protection needed.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

Thanks. Easy enough solution!