Protecting equipment in the field

I take most of my pictures while in the field, on foot, on an 80 acre tract that is long and narrow. In order to catch pictures of critters on the move (not just bugs, but also birds and other wildlife) I need to have the camera right at hand (usually slung on my shoulder), not in a bag. But this means if a sudden storm comes up, I can be almost a half mile from shelter...and though I've outrun the storms since getting this good camera--so far--I know the day will come when I'm getting pelted by one of our downpours before I can jog back to the house. (And I'm getting older and slower, just to make things worse.)

I've started carrying a one-gallon "freezer" bag with me just in case, but then I wondered if condensation would be a problem inside it (since our fastest-moving storms are often part of a cold front.) Also, the bag gets worn while folded in a pocket (esp. if I forget it's in my hip pocket and sit on it on a rock or stump) so it may not stay as waterproof as I'd like. I can't afford to take a fresh new bag out every day.

What do the rest of you do when you're out on a hike with your camera?

And a second concern: bumps. My owner's manual says firmly not to bump or drop the camera. I'd like to be able to take it along (in some kind of protective harness or bag) while on the tractor, since sometimes I see things from up there that I miss while walking...but tractors aren't the smoothest-riding vehicles, especially when I'm crossing a dry creek or gully. Anyone know what kind of padded cover/bag/case might protect it from that kind of shock?

My third concern is dust. Dust, my manual says, is worse for digitals than for film cameras. We have long periods without rain when everything is dusty--and if I'm shredding (the usual reason for being on the tractor) I get a thick layer of dust and so does everything around me. What's the best way to protect a camera being used out of doors, in an environment that is sometimes dusty (forget the shredding...just walking around dusty)?

Elizabeth

Contributed by E Moon on 5 November, 2005 - 11:30pm

Inexpensive Harsh-Environment Camera Cover

You might like this idea Inexpensive Harsh-Environment Camera Cover

Expanding on the freezer-bag idea. You mount a clear filter into the side of the plastic bag and then just leave the camera sealed-up inside of the plastic bag (the embedded filter mounted to your lens). Been using this method for years now in harsh weather. Heavy downpours, freezing rains, blowing sand on beaches ... and I never worry about my camera. It even saved my camera from a dunking in a foot of water in the bottom of a leaky crabbing-boat one time.

Yes, they get worn out in time but it only takes a few minutes to make a new one and they're cheap to make. I just made a new one the other day because I found a glue that sticks to the poly-bag better (than the silicone sealant I was using), Loctite's "Stik 'n Seal", to make a better water-proof seal between filter and bag.

If you put your camera inside of the bag before going out into humid and wet conditions, then the air inside is already dry and there's no condensation on the camera. If it's freezing outside trap some cold dry air from outside in the bag when you first step out, then leave the camera in the bag when back inside until the camera is back to room temperature, so the warmer moister air in the house won't condense on the cold camera. (Tricks I learned from dealing with taking telescopes in and out of damp night airs.)

"Gay Outdoorsmen" - For Men Who Enjoy the *Real* World

… Keoeeit, 10 June, 2006 - 6:20pm

Thanks...

...for this great idea. Esp. for the hint on what kind of glue to use to make it, and how to prevent condensation in cold weather. We get little of that, but when we do it often presents good photo opportunities.

… E Moon, 11 June, 2006 - 9:36am

Elizabeth

Here is an article on rain. I have to admit I just take my camera backpack if I think it's going to rain. As for bumpy tractor rides I'd think a backpack would also be a good solution. And as for the dust, I know the soldiers going to Iraq wrap all their tech stuff in plastic and then put in their bags. So, you could seal it in you plastic bag and then store it in your backpack. However, the article I linked above says that pro photo equipment is made to stand some degree of abuse.

… Lynette Schimming, 23 March, 2006 - 6:26am

Thanks...

...for this, Lynette. Now that I have some additional lenses, I'm taking the backpack along more than I used to (the daypack, anyway. The big pack is just a bit unwieldy unless I'm hauling feed in quantity.) So keeping a spare plastic bag in there for emergencies will work.

I like the idea in the previous comment for going out when I *know* it might rain and I want pictures anyway.

I've found this camera more resistant to bumps than the point-and-shoot digitals we had earlier--I tripped on a trail and fell flat, with the camera sailing off my shoulder to hit pretty hard--and it was fine. I wouldn't drop it to the ground on purpose, but it seems tougher than its cheaper predecessors.

… E Moon, 11 June, 2006 - 9:43am

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