Sand & water protection for digital cameras

Suzanne · 11-26-2004

Other than "be really really careful", does anyone have any words regarding protecting digital camera equipment?

Obviously, I love my camera, and would be crushed if anything happened to it, yet I don't want to miss great shorts because I fear the same.

I think I once saw flexible clear plasitc covers in LL Bean, but haven't seen them since. ...

Any of you experts got any tips, products or advice ?

pauldes · 11-26-2004

be really really careful

Take a underwater camera (throw away) Leave good camera at home when you go to the beach

**james** · 11-26-2004

my next camera will be like this one:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_...stylus400.html

I don't want to be really really careful with it. Weatherproof is nice.

**tommy** · 11-26-2004

This is what I put my Canon A80 in..

Nerak936 · 11-26-2004

I've used those disposable one-use water cameras for years for beach, water, snorkeling and have had pretty good luck with them. Snorkeling shots are best if the sun is shining bright, but I also think I heard they now come with flashes, so I plan to look into that. The non-flash ones are about $7 at WalMart. That's also the camera I used for my parasailing photos (in the gallery), and they came out pretty good too. There was no way I was taking my good camera up, up, and away!!

Rixx · 11-26-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerak936

Snorkeling shots are best if the sun is shining bright, but I also think I heard they now come with flashes, so I plan to look into that.

Nerak,

Don't think you'll like the results with a flash underwater. Usually they will light up all the sediment between you and the subject. Unless... it's really clear water.

Rixx

roxie · 11-26-2004

I've taken my digital camera to mexico several times without problems. I've also taken it out on the boat. Hell, it has even been to the beach in Florida. I have never had a problem with salt, sand, humidity, water---that is until our trip in September. I have a canon s40 and cannot get the lens to retract. I have contacted the company and they say to send it to Ohio for repairs. I need to see what the repairs may cost, maybe it is time for a new camera.

Rixx · 11-26-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by roxie

I've taken my digital camera to mexico several times without problems. I've also taken it out on the boat. Hell, it has even been to the beach in Florida. I have never had a problem with salt, sand, humidity, water---that is until our trip in September. I have a canon s40 and cannot get the lens to retract. I have contacted the company and they say to send it to Ohio for repairs. I need to see what the repairs may cost, maybe it is time for a new camera.

I take mine out on the boat everytime I go. What I use is a zip-lock baggie, with a couple of the silica packs at the bottom to adsorb moisture. Works well on the beach too. Just be sure to ZIP it after taking the photos!!

Another thing to take in consideration....What is the camera body made from? You know how corrosive saltwater can be, even spray will rust the hell of something....just once is all it takes for some cams.

I think I have an advantage with my camera. made from Magneisum (Nikon) instead of cheap metal. Something to consider if your gonna be around a lot of water!! But, I AM careful too.

Rixx

jeffandbecky · 11-26-2004

One of the primary considerations for my next camera will be the availability of an underwater housing at a reasonable price. You might try www.leisurepro.com for a list of housings.

Suzanne · 11-27-2004

http://www.oceanbrite.com/display_pr...AMERA+HOUSINGS

Hope this link works for you guys out there. Wow! These are really cool, my husband would breath easier. A weeee bit cost prohibitive though. Maybe I'll use the zip lock baggie idea!

Thanks for everyones input!

Suzanne · 11-27-2004

http://www.weatherornotphoto.com/dicaho.html

Hey everyone ... just looked a little further and found this site. These housings are not as professional as the above link, but I think it will suffice for our use.

I won't be taking the caera underwater ... I just want to protect it from slipups. Carrying kids + junk + sand + whoknowswhat = big bummer!
S

**denisea** · 11-27-2004

I purchased an ewa marine bag for my Canon G1 a couple years ago because they never made a waterproof case for it (well... except for Ikelite but that casing would have cost about as much the camera). My advice... don't buy it. Total waste of money. They're nothing more than very expensive zip lock bags. If you want a waterproof case get one specifically made for your camera like the one Tommy posted. Or spend the money to purchase a waterproof camera. Or just use the disposable water cameras.

**Jesus** · 11-27-2004

I agree with Denisea, a friend was using the Ewa Marine Bag and it just looked like very thick plastic bags with a very unreliable water-proof sealing mechanism.
That one would work above water, though, if all you want is to protect it from the sand and sea spray or accidental droping in the pool/ocean.
And also, even if you use a simple zip-lock bag, don't forget the silica gel packs.

11-26-2004	#1 (permalink)
Suzanne into ruins Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Holliston, MA Posts: 75	Sand & water protection for digital cameras Other than "be really really careful", does anyone have any words regarding protecting digital camera equipment? Obviously, I love my camera, and would be crushed if anything happened to it, yet I don't want to miss great shorts because I fear the same. I think I once saw flexible clear plasitc covers in LL Bean, but haven't seen them since. ... Any of you experts got any tips, products or advice ?

11-26-2004	#3 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Kullavik, Sweden Posts: 9,747	my next camera will be like this one: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2003_...stylus400.html I don't want to be really really careful with it. Weatherproof is nice. __________________ My lovely house is for sale Get your own signature countdown image!

11-26-2004	#2 (permalink)
pauldes into ruins Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 67	be really really careful Take a underwater camera (throw away) Leave good camera at home when you go to the beach

11-26-2004	#4 (permalink)
tommy Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Austin Tx Posts: 12,216	This is what I put my Canon A80 in..

11-26-2004	#5 (permalink)
Nerak936 Cat-Lovin Nerak Bead Lady Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 18,639	I've used those disposable one-use water cameras for years for beach, water, snorkeling and have had pretty good luck with them. Snorkeling shots are best if the sun is shining bright, but I also think I heard they now come with flashes, so I plan to look into that. The non-flash ones are about $7 at WalMart. That's also the camera I used for my parasailing photos (in the gallery), and they came out pretty good too. There was no way I was taking my good camera up, up, and away!!

11-26-2004	#7 (permalink)
roxie way into it Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 232	I've taken my digital camera to mexico several times without problems. I've also taken it out on the boat. Hell, it has even been to the beach in Florida. I have never had a problem with salt, sand, humidity, water---that is until our trip in September. I have a canon s40 and cannot get the lens to retract. I have contacted the company and they say to send it to Ohio for repairs. I need to see what the repairs may cost, maybe it is time for a new camera.

11-26-2004	#9 (permalink)
jeffandbecky life=playa Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Driftwood Posts: 735	One of the primary considerations for my next camera will be the availability of an underwater housing at a reasonable price. You might try www.leisurepro.com for a list of housings.

11-27-2004	#10 (permalink)
Suzanne into ruins Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Holliston, MA Posts: 75	http://www.oceanbrite.com/display_pr...AMERA+HOUSINGS Hope this link works for you guys out there. Wow! These are really cool, my husband would breath easier. A weeee bit cost prohibitive though. Maybe I'll use the zip lock baggie idea! Thanks for everyones input!

11-27-2004	#11 (permalink)
Suzanne into ruins Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Holliston, MA Posts: 75	http://www.weatherornotphoto.com/dicaho.html Hey everyone ... just looked a little further and found this site. These housings are not as professional as the above link, but I think it will suffice for our use. I won't be taking the caera underwater ... I just want to protect it from slipups. Carrying kids + junk + sand + whoknowswhat = big bummer! S

11-27-2004	#12 (permalink)
denisea Forum Goddess Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: On the road to ruins... Posts: 7,025	I purchased an ewa marine bag for my Canon G1 a couple years ago because they never made a waterproof case for it (well... except for Ikelite but that casing would have cost about as much the camera). My advice... don't buy it. Total waste of money. They're nothing more than very expensive zip lock bags. If you want a waterproof case get one specifically made for your camera like the one Tommy posted. Or spend the money to purchase a waterproof camera. Or just use the disposable water cameras.

11-27-2004	#13 (permalink)
Jesus Nutty Peep Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mexico City, Mexico Posts: 4,785	I agree with Denisea, a friend was using the Ewa Marine Bag and it just looked like very thick plastic bags with a very unreliable water-proof sealing mechanism. That one would work above water, though, if all you want is to protect it from the sand and sea spray or accidental droping in the pool/ocean. And also, even if you use a simple zip-lock bag, don't forget the silica gel packs.

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