With winter weather quickly approaching us, our prized gadgets (digital cameras, mp3 players, etc.) will become exposed to cold damp air, UV rays, extreme cold/heat temperatures, rain and snow. All of which can affect the overall performance of your electronic device. Keeping this in mind Abolins, Inc is pleased to offer consumers with helpful advice to fully optimize their shopping experience, everything from in-store camera classes to a series of tips on how to properly protect your electronic gadgets this winter.

1) Protection – Make sure to protect your camera while traveling or having it exposed to the elements. It is best to invest in a good, high quality camera bag. There are plenty of camera bags out there for all types, even some weatherproof models. Bogen and Lowepro are two of the top makers of quality camera bags. Your equipment will be safe and easy to carry in a variety of camera bags.

2) Filters – It’s a good idea to use a filter such as a UV (ultra-violet) or skylight filter to protect your lens. This will save you money in the long-run as they are much cheaper to replace then compared to a lens.

3) Weather - There are a few things you can do for your camera if you happen to be stuck outside when weather really becomes a factor. If the weather turns to rain, you can put your camera under your jacket, shirt, hat or anything else that will shield it. If you’re interested in getting some pictures of the weather, you can put your camera in a plastic bag and make a hole big enough for the lens. Just use a rubber band to secure the bag to the lens.

4) Extreme Heat - Avoid leaving your camera in the extreme heat. Laying a light towel over your camera will help shade it from the sun but make sure to not use dark colors, as they will just absorb the heat. Also remember to keep your camera out of the car for extended periods of time as the sun in the winter can really heat a car up to a temperature that is damaging to your camera.

5) Extreme Cold - Try to keep your camera as warm as possible - putting it under your jacket works well using your body heat to warm the camera. Keeping your camera warm will help prevent condensation from occurring. If condensation does in fact happen, open the battery and memory compartments empty them and keep the compartments open until they are completely dry. Remember don’t take your camera back outside if there is still condensation in/on it as it may freeze.

By following these tips, you can be certain that your camera will be most productive this winter season. Please visit the Abolins Inc. website to gain more insight on digital camera classes and tips, http://www.abolins.com/bulletinboard.html .

With so many menus and settings on digital cameras these days it is near impossible to learn them all. Keeping this in mind, Abolins Inc. has designed a class to help tackle these troubles, “Digital Boot Camp” class is now being offered to people who purchased a digital camera from Abolins Inc. within the last year. The class is aimed for people who want to learn all features and full optimize their new digital camera. “Digital Boot Camp” will cover everything from printing, composition and tips on how to take better photos.

The “Digital Boot Camp” class with consist of two sessions that include tutorials from both Nikon (Rose Whitaker) and Canon representatives (Cal Ellis), lasting approximately 2 hours in length. The class will be held sometime mid-January, (most likely on a Saturday) with a capacity of 25 people. Light refreshments will be served.

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