Camera Protection

[tombomb300]

So since the the zip loc bag method didnt save my Canon S3 from the bit of water in the bottom of the canoe this weekend on 13th lake, I was wondering what does everyone else use to protect their camera from the elements?

[pico23]

A real dry bag, a waterproof camera (olympus and pentax make them), a dry box (can even get them at Walmart), a dry bucket.

My method had been a dry bag, and I still use dry bags for my spare lenses (in a dry box) but I put my camera in a dry bucket with a screw on lid. This allows me to access it in about 5 seconds, and stow it away in about the same.

If your mainly looking to catalog your journey have the camera accessible, and don't really need a ton of zoom, I'd opt for either the Pentax Optio W10/20/30 or the Olympus version (720W I think). Both are waterproof (submersible) and in the right hands both work well. My dad complains constantly about the W20 being slow, but somehow, I managed to tweak it to work just fine for me when I borrowed it last year for 2 months. Lots of customization on that camera. He did note he never read the instructions so enough said...but after listening to him complain this weekend I shut him up when I said, if you don't like it buy another camera and give me that one.

Pet peeves are the screen is fairly low resolution and there is no manual mode. The LCD is like 120,000 pixels while my wifes Panasonic FX01 has a smaller screen with 230,000 pixels. Just makes the Pentax look awful, of course the FX01 has a lot of pixels for a 3 in screen which is part of why I went with it.

[redhawk]

So since the the zip loc bag method didnt save my Canon S3 from the bit of water in the bottom of the canoe this weekend on 13th lake, I was wondering what does everyone else use to protect their camera from the elements?

This works for me. They have different sizes

Hawk

[tombomb300]

Pico, I have been looking into the olympus and pentax models, however I havnt heard many good things on the image quality ( at least on the olympus, I've also heard the waterproofing on the pentax is spotty) and the lack of manual mode is a con for me. But i may just go for either one as a pocket camera because of its durability, and then save my money for a DSLR(and get a dry-VAULT for it!) for the more serious stuff.

[kayakrski]

The ziplock bag method also failed me two weeks ago on the Raquette. I've since decided to get a dslr to fill the slr sized drybag I bought for my film camera back in my whitewater days. Mine is from ems and I do recommend them.

Gregg

[ALGonquin Bob]

I wouldn't put a camera in a zip lock bag in the bilge either, but if it's also inside a soft cooler, there is extra protection. An accessible alternative is to keep the camera in a small Pelican case that you can easily pop open when you want to shoot a picture. The case can also be attached to a thwart with a canoe carabiner to keep it out of the bilge puddle.

[pico23]

Pico, I have been looking into the olympus and pentax models, however I havnt heard many good things on the image quality ( at least on the olympus, I've also heard the waterproofing on the pentax is spotty) and the lack of manual mode is a con for me. But i may just go for either one as a pocket camera because of its durability, and then save my money for a DSLR(and get a dry-VAULT for it!) for the more serious stuff.

You know, the Olympus has the same reported issues with waterproofing but more issues with IQ. If you look at Amazon reviews you'll question either.

I can't say the Pentax won't fail, but my dad and stepmom each have either a W10 or W20 and I used the W20 under water, and left it on the deck of the boat in rain. No issues. Both of theirs have survived 4-5 year olds twins and the W10 even survived being lost in India, and a return trip a few months later.

Bottom line is the Pentax will definitely be splash proof/rain proof, as will the olympus, the place you see the failures is people taking them snorkeling. It only takes one bad seal on a $150 camera where the quality control is probably not the greatest for the camera to fail once submerged.

The manual mode can be worked around with a little EV compensation, Flash EV comp, etc. These cameras have so much DOF that aperture really doesn't matter anyway. Oddly, the W20 has a manual focus mode, but no manual mode???

Here is a in the water shot while I was swimming just for money where my mouth is purposes.

[tombomb300]

Just when i thought there was so no hope for the s3 to dry out, I decided to give it another try, and it worked! false alarm haha. However i will be investing in drybags, as much as i like the sound of the Olympus and pentax, theres no need for them at the moment. but thanks all!

[Justin]

It's not 100% waterproof, but this is what I use to hold my cheap little camera, map, compass, and other small items that I need to keep dry, and can reach quickly and often.

It's just a little hunting pouch that I bought at Dick's Sporting Goods that you can clip to your pack, belt, or line, and I spray it with some "Kiwi-Camp Dry-Heavy Duty Water Repellent" and it keeps those important items nice and dry while I get soaked hiking/bushwhacking through densely saturated woods during/after a down pour!

--
Oh, and it works great in the winter too!

[Diadora]

I tend to fancy Pelican cases... I know they are a little bigger; but they are waterproof, float, and are almost indestructible...

I use Pelican cases for my cameras and my tools both while hiking and travelling world wide.

http://www.pelican.com/