Quetion about water proof Cameras

Dave CDave C Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
edited June 16, 2011 in Cameras
I am going to be doing some sailing and want more than a P & S camera.The camera will get wet that is guaranteed so are the digital SLR versions out there waterproof enough that getting dumped on by a wave will not kill the camera?

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,156 moderator
    edited June 7, 2011
    Some of the highest end dSLRs and lenses do have very good "water shed" capabilities especially if the lenses are fitted with sealed filters. Not all lenses are sealed and the majority of camera bodies are not sealed.

    In Canon the best bodies are the 1D and 1Ds series bodies, and then the sealed lenses include:
    • Canon Extender EF 1.4x II
    • Canon Extender EF 2x II
    • Canon EF 16-35mm/2.8L USM
    • Canon EF 16-35mm/2.8L II USM
    • Canon EF 17-40mm/4L USM
    • Canon EF 24-70mm/2.8L USM
    • Canon EF 24-105mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 70-200mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 70-200mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 28-300mm/3.5-5.6L IS USM
    • Canon EF 50/1.2L USM
    • Canon EF 300mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 400mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 400mm/4DO IS USM
    • Canon EF 500mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 600mm/4L IS USM

    Again, most of these lenses also "require" a sealed front filter to complete the seal system.

    I would strongly suggest additional precautions for a seawater application including underwater housings for any regular exposure to salt water. Of course, all seals require regular maintenance and testing to insure proper operation. The more intense the exposure the more cautious you should be about specifying a system to protect the camera and lenses.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • insanefredinsanefred Registered Users Posts: 604 Major grins
    edited June 7, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »

    I would strongly suggest additional precautions for a seawater application including underwater housings for any regular exposure to salt water. Of course, all seals require regular maintenance and testing to insure proper operation. The more intense the exposure the more cautious you should be about specifying a system to protect the camera and lenses.

    This ^


    Keep in mind that DSLR camera and lenses have environmental seals, THEY ARE NOT WATER PROOF!
  • Dave CDave C Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
    edited June 7, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    Some of the highest end dSLRs and lenses do have very good "water shed" capabilities especially if the lenses are fitted with sealed filters. Not all lenses are sealed and the majority of camera bodies are not sealed.

    In Canon the best bodies are the 1D and 1Ds series bodies, and then the sealed lenses include:
    • Canon Extender EF 1.4x II
    • Canon Extender EF 2x II
    • Canon EF 16-35mm/2.8L USM
    • Canon EF 16-35mm/2.8L II USM
    • Canon EF 17-40mm/4L USM
    • Canon EF 24-70mm/2.8L USM
    • Canon EF 24-105mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 70-200mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 70-200mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 28-300mm/3.5-5.6L IS USM
    • Canon EF 50/1.2L USM
    • Canon EF 300mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 400mm/2.8L IS USM
    • Canon EF 400mm/4DO IS USM
    • Canon EF 500mm/4L IS USM
    • Canon EF 600mm/4L IS USM

    Again, most of these lenses also "require" a sealed front filter to complete the seal system.

    I would strongly suggest additional precautions for a seawater application including underwater housings for any regular exposure to salt water. Of course, all seals require regular maintenance and testing to insure proper operation. The more intense the exposure the more cautious you should be about specifying a system to protect the camera and lenses.
    Thank you for your help.The salt water environment is tough on everything ,but I have some neat opportunities to go sailing and I really do not want to make the mistake of not having a decent enough of a camera to capture the moments that will present themselves.
    I do not plan on getting the camera submerged in the ocean ,but I can see a wave coming over from the bow and getting both the camera and I wet.
    I will not be on as big of a boat ,but this is the kind of things I would not want to miss photographically.
    Thanks again...



    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoSlMkE2AAQ&feature=related
  • salazarsalazar Registered Users Posts: 392 Major grins
    edited June 11, 2011
    I know you said you were interested in a SLR and I can understand why, but you may want to think about a Canon PowerShot D10 (or a comparable Olympus) along as a backup:

    http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=793

    http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/canon-powershot-d10-review/

    http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4005&review=canon+powershot+d10

    Much more easily at hand and waterproof and drop resistant.
    Please feel free to retouch and repost my images. Critique, Suggestions, and Technique tips always welcomed. Thanks for your interest.
  • Dave CDave C Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
    edited June 12, 2011
    salazar wrote: »
    I know you said you were interested in a SLR and I can understand why, but you may want to think about a Canon PowerShot D10 (or a comparable Olympus) along as a backup:

    http://www.canon.ca/inetCA/products?m=gp&pid=793

    http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/canon-powershot-d10-review/

    http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4005&review=canon+powershot+d10

    Much more easily at hand and waterproof and drop resistant.
    I was thinking that the Canon,Olympus ,Pentax or even the Fugi might be one answer as I am sure they do produce decent quality photos.
    This person is doing some of the things I will have the opportunity to do..
    http://www.niccompton.co.uk/#!__page-1
  • Dave CDave C Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
    edited June 15, 2011
    An interesting point was made to me by Nic Compton
    http://www.niccompton.co.uk/#!__page-1

    This is his website once again.
    I emailed him and asked him how he handled the salt water and camera situation and his response was that he just expected that the camera he used would eventually die and he would buy another one.He looked at it as an expendable tool.Now he also stated that he had nothing ,but second hand cameras so I am sure he did not take the very costly systems we have today that will supposedly keep out the water.
    So in hearing this I am going to go with something like the newer Sony cyber shot or the Fugi or something that is not that expensive and see just how long it will last in the circumstances I put it through.I know the quality will not be so that I can make poster size prints ,but I am sure that the shots if thought out about, lighting etc. will be acceptable for me.
    I unfortunately live in the swamps and have no B&G or Adorama here so going to test before I buy would cost me a plane ticket so I am just going to do research and see what I can find.I also hear there are water proof encasement's that these cameras can fit in if in fact I do know I am going to get soaked.The encasement's probably cost as much as the 400-500$$$ I will shell out for the camera.
    Ahhhh back on the ocean will put a smile on my face as it once did way back when I had no gray hair...
    Thanks for all the input...
    73130008copy.jpg
  • HelenOsterHelenOster Registered Users Posts: 173 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2011
    Dave C wrote: »
    I unfortunately live in the swamps and have no B&G or Adorama here so going to test before I buy would cost me a plane ticket so I am just going to do research and see what I can find.I also hear there are water proof encasement's that these cameras can fit in if in fact I do know I am going to get soaked.The encasement's probably cost as much as the 400-500$$$ I will shell out for the camera.

    I'm no sales person so can't really advise you, but as Adorama also owns Leisure Pro, we specialize in equipment for wet places!

    http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=dtSearch&Term=waterproof%20housing

    http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=waterproof+housing

    If you'd like to email me directly I can certainly put you in contact with someone with specialist knowledge to discuss your requirements: Helen@adorama.com
    Helen Oster
    Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
    http://twitter.com/HelenOster
    Helen@adorama.com
    www.adorama.com
  • Dave CDave C Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
    edited June 16, 2011
    HelenOster wrote: »
    I'm no sales person so can't really advise you, but as Adorama also owns Leisure Pro, we specialize in equipment for wet places!

    http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=dtSearch&Term=waterproof%20housing

    http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=waterproof+housing

    If you'd like to email me directly I can certainly put you in contact with someone with specialist knowledge to discuss your requirements: Helen@adorama.com
    Thank you I will take a look at your links.

    Dave C
  • aj986saj986s Registered Users Posts: 1,100 Major grins
    edited June 16, 2011
    Dave C wrote: »
    I am going to be doing some sailing and want more than a P & S camera.The camera will get wet that is guaranteed so are the digital SLR versions out there waterproof enough that getting dumped on by a wave will not kill the camera?

    Consider something like a Canon G10/11 and the corresponding waterproof housing. The 2 can be purchased for less than the cost of a waterproof housing for a DSLR. Waterproof housings will add size and weight to the gear. But I much prefer a housing over a purpose built underwater camera because you have the ability to easily inspect the gear to see if any water has intruded. I've done some light snorkeling, and my first underwater camera was a Canon Sureshot film model. Unfortunately, the seal failed on one trip, but I couldn't tell until I noticed that the flash was continuously on, although we were able to salvage the film. I replaced with an Olympus P&S digital, and the Olympus underwater housing. More recently purchased a Canon G10, and later bought the Canon housing. Now when we go on a Cruise, my wife and I can both take photos while snorkeling.
    Tony P.
    Canon 50D, 30D and Digital Rebel (plus some old friends - FTB and AE1)
    Long-time amateur.....wishing for more time to play
    Autocross and Track junkie
    tonyp.smugmug.com
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