dSLR and rain

How carefull should one be in using a dSLR in the rain? Should there be any precautions.

I used to use SLRs in the rain without having to worry - was I jusk lucky?

Thanks

Don't get it wet!!!!

Use an umbrella, or a plastic bag. Put the bag around the camera, screw a filter into the lens through the bag, carefully remove the bit in front of the filter, and DON"T GET THE CAMERA WET!!

Most SLR and DSLR cameras are not waterproof, and there are various points where water can get in. This leads to rust and damage of internal components. Water and especially electronic cameras do not mix!

You will probably get away with a few drops of rain, but wipe the camera dry as soon as possible. Anything more than that will potentially be disastrous.

Plastic bags, umbrellas and waterproof housings are all useful. A cheap film SLR will survive better, preferably a manual one.

While I second the above, you should probably worry more about your lens than the camera itself. If you get water in the camera it can probably be repaired, but if you get water inside the lens itself a repair may not be economical. And bear in mind that water damage isn't covered by guarrantee.

I always take a carrier bag with me to wrap round the camera in case of a sudden downpour, but you can buy more professional all-weather covers which will allow you to carry on shooting in the rain.

Thanks for taking time to reply guys.