
How to keep my camera safe when snow is falling?
I shoot with a Nikon D5100 with a 18-55mm lens. I just got my camera about two weeks ago and took it outside to shoot in the snow for the first time today. I set it up on a tripod (I'm a self portrait artist) and wrapped a scarf around the camera body and lens. However, I was constantly worried about snow/water getting in or on the camera and damaging it. I ended up cutting the session short and going inside with inadequate photos and an unfinished shoot. Disappointing. Does anyone have any tips for shooting in snow or how I can stop worrying and just enjoy my shoot?
Added (1). Oh no no no, you misunderstand. I don't do basic sit-and-smile portraits - I do conceptual work combined with manipulation. I enjoy shooting and editing, it is what I hope to pursue as a career. It is what I enjoy, and it is my form of expression. If I DID do basic portraits, then yes, I'd hire a professional.

I want to get a dslr camera but don't know which one would be good, although i'm considered beginner-intermediate, i want a good quality camera because i do not want to buy ANOTHER one once i get "better" i want nothing more than 700 -800. (i can find sales though so something that's 800 i can get it for 700 or w/e) so around that price with sales. I was weighing my options on the canon eos rebel t3i or the nikon d5100. Which one should i get? Which one is "better" or is there any options simliar to these that you think might be even better?

How to change the shutter speed on a Nikon D3100? - 1
I'm looking to get into star trails, and I'm just getting into DSLR photography. Please try not to dump cosmic panda guts on me.

Which of these two lenses is better for the Nikon D3100?
I just recently got the Nikon D3100 and have the 18-55mm lens. The camera is great, i just am getting a lens for different events. I need to be able to take pictures from long distances, and sports. The 55-200 lens is more expensive, but has auto focus. The 70-300 is cheaper and more distant, but does not have an auto focus. This is my first DSLR camera but I'm a fast learner. I just need advice. Which lens would be the best for taking sports and other distant pictures? I don't really know a lot about manual focusing, but I can learn.
The link for the 55-200 is: http://www.amazon.com/...000O161X0/
The link for the 70-300 is: http://www.amazon.com/...00005Y3OM/
Added (1). These lenses fit my budget. I can't get the better versions of these. That being said, I guess the question is if I used the 70-300mm lens with no VR and manual focus, will I be able to take photos of sports and other events just as good as the 55-200mm lens with VR and AF?

Can I take my Nikon out in the mist/drizzle/snow
I really want to film a video out in the snow. But only when its snowing not that hard. Is it ok when i take my Nikon D3100 out in the snow? How can i keep it dry and or safe? Please ANSWER As soon as possible

How to Fix blurry pictures from nikon d5100?
How can i Fix blurry pictures from nikon d5100?

My choices as of right now,
Sony SLT a57 vs. Nikon D5100 vs. Canon Rebel T3i
My primary use is video, I need an answer soon because I'm buying it today, however, if there's a camcorder under my $600 budget, than I will consider that. The reason this are my choices is because DSLR's tend to have better video quality nowadays. Please no bias answers thanks.

I just got a DSLR for Christmas. Also, i got $75 in amazon gift cards. I was thinking I could buy a lens for my camera? My budget is around $100. What type of lens should I buy that is also good for beginners? I use a Nikon D5100.

Get a Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 or a Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Lens? A monitor vs a TV?
Should i get a Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 or a Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 Lens?
or is there something else you would suggest for my Nikon d5000?
I'm looking to get more light into my camera and a crisper image.
ALSO: a monitor vs a TV? For Photo work through my laptop.
Added (1). Better in low light is my main concern, a crisp image being second. I prefer to get in close with a lens vs wider too.

What is your opinion of the Canon Powershot SX500 IS for a beginner photographer?
I want a Nikon D3200, and was saving up for it, but I got the Canon Powershot SX500 IS for Christmas. I'm a beginning photographer who wants to fine-tune her skills. The camera doesn't take bad pictures (I spent yesterday trying it out), they're actually pretty crisp and I like them. However, the camera isn't an SLR like I had wanted. Does that matter?