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06/18/2009 02:13:12 PM · #1
More specifically, a kayak.

How should I keep my camera dry?

Currently I'm using a plastic bag with a reinforced hole cut out for the lens. However, this will not be helpful for if I happen to drop it in the water...

p.s. I'm not an idiot - I would not do this if it were not both not actually my camera (it belongs to the camp) and necessary for my internship.
06/18/2009 02:15:28 PM · #2
Whoa! A kayak with internet access?
06/18/2009 02:25:01 PM · #3
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Whoa! A kayak with internet access?


you think you're funny. :)
06/18/2009 02:30:43 PM · #4
Personally, I would leave it on dry land and use one of those disposable digital deals or a cheaper digital type. I know they make housings for them but that seems like to much of an expense for your situation. Other then that you could get a waterproof pelican case for it. They make one's that are yellow and even float I believe. You just keep it in there until you need to use it. Just a thought.
06/18/2009 02:32:19 PM · #5
No, really I was curious.

On topic, I would think without a waterproof housing, if you drop the camera in the water, it's probably toast. I would also think the camp would not let you take it on the water unless it is insured by them or you.

Bottom line: don't drop it in the water.
06/18/2009 02:34:15 PM · #6
Originally posted by Jessi:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Whoa! A kayak with internet access?


you think you're funny. :)


Well, he did make me giggle. Must be funny.

If the camp can't afford a waterproof case and you aren't happy with the baggy idea posted, I would try the disposable route someone suggested. Not much else to do except stay on land...
06/18/2009 02:34:31 PM · #7
How comfortable are you in a kayak?

I just keep it dry (ziplock bag) when i'm not using it, and pull it out when i want to use it.
06/18/2009 02:34:42 PM · #8
DrAchoo uses a bag...
06/18/2009 02:35:43 PM · #9
This thread is highly misleading.

I'm on a boat

This is the clean version but still might not be safe for work.
06/18/2009 02:37:45 PM · #10
Originally posted by jeger:

This thread is highly misleading.

I'm on a boat

This is the clean version but still might not be safe for work.


lol that was my first thought too...

"believe me when I sayyyy... I... mermaid" haha
06/18/2009 02:39:57 PM · #11
Originally posted by jeger:

This thread is highly misleading.

I'm on a boat

This is the clean version but still might not be safe for work.

Haha! :-D
06/18/2009 02:43:30 PM · #12
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

DrAchoo uses a bag...


Which works well enough until you need to actually use the camera while in the kayak. Then you get to fumble it out of the bag to shoot, which is the most likely time for it to get wet/dropped.

:)

Perhaps something more along these lines? They're still a bit pricey, but compared to the cost of replacing a camera. . .
06/18/2009 02:48:23 PM · #13
Originally posted by EBJones:

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

DrAchoo uses a bag...


Which works well enough until you need to actually use the camera while in the kayak. Then you get to fumble it out of the bag to shoot, which is the most likely time for it to get wet/dropped.

:)

Perhaps something more along these lines? They're still a bit pricey, but compared to the cost of replacing a camera. . .

Doh, I was thinking he was talking about the big, clear ziplock bag sitting on top of the opaque bag. IE, putting the camera in it and pressing the buttons through the bag. ??? I'm probably wrong. :-(
06/18/2009 04:01:16 PM · #14
Originally posted by Jessi:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Whoa! A kayak with internet access?


you think you're funny. :)


I think he's funny.
06/18/2009 04:05:57 PM · #15
Originally posted by EBJones:


Perhaps something more along these lines? They're still a bit pricey, but compared to the cost of replacing a camera. . .


Wow. I just bought one of these for the same price...
06/18/2009 04:08:08 PM · #16
Couple of summers ago I learned how to kayak. Took along the Powershot well-wrapped in plastic baggies so I could get pics, but took it out when shooting. Would NEVER take the D40 in a kayak or canoe, though! too tippy!
06/18/2009 04:18:54 PM · #17
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

DrAchoo uses a bag...


seconded. i have one of these dry bags and it's been great.

pain in the butt to get the cam out, though. not recommended if you want to shoot FROM the kayak.
06/18/2009 04:45:19 PM · #18
Seriously though, listen to someone with plenty of experience. I've been out on a kayak or a standup paddleboard with my camera, tripod, circular polarizer, spare lenses, grad ND's, and flash at least a dozen times in the past month and I haven't had a single mishap.

First of all, don't drop the camera. Why would you think that you are more likely to drop the camera sitting on a kayak if you don't drop while walking in the zoo or down the street? Unless you are in a racing kayak then you are sitting down in something stable.

As far as bags go, here is my setup:

Two dry bags and one boat bag, all available at boating supply stores and Bass Outdoor Sports.

The camera goes into one dry bag along with a mid sized hand towel and a microfiber towel. The rest of the camera related gear (lenses, memory cards, filters, etc.) except the tripod goes into the other drybag that also contains a mid sized hand towel.

Both dry bags then go into the boat bag with the tripod.

The hand towels are to dry your hands before you handle the camera and gear. The microfiber towel is to clean the lens and/or filters if necessary.

Once you get to where you want to take a picture, secure the paddle so that you don't have to hold onto it or be concerned with it. Maybe use a leash on the paddle. Open the boat bag in your lap or between your legs, leave the dry bags in the boat bag and open the dry bag with the camera. Dry you hands on the towel,take out the camera, get your shot and replace the camera. Replace everything, close up the bags, move on to the next spot and repeat.

Once you are comfortable with the process you will find that you won't be closing everything completely between shots. No problem once you know your limits.

Here's my boat bag and dry bag setup opened up:



I don't always get off the paddleboard or out of the kayak to get my shots, especially if it's deep water of course.



I've been kayaking for years with my cameras and the only problem that I've ever had was while paddling through a mangrove tunnel in which the mangroves were so close on both sides that they met in the middle overhead. I was holding my camera and pulling myself through branch by branch on the kayak when the graduated ND filter, adapter, and holder snagged on a branch and the spring loaded holder popped off and into water in which I know that there are crocodiles (no, not alligators, crocodiles here). I had to lay on the kayak face down looking down seven feet trying to find the assembly. Eventually I did find it and after a long look for crocodiles I went for a swim to retrieve it. That's the only problem that I've had.

Someone mentioned a waterproof housing. My thoughts are that they are expensive and you might not want to invest in one. I have one for my D70 but I never use it on the kayaks or paddleboard. It's too much of a hassle and besides, the methods that I described above have been refined after a hundred or so trips and work well for me.

edit to add: While I'm showing off my setup, let me show off another pic that I got of myself in the Everglades...



I setup the shot with a Grad ND, tripod and timer, and then had my son press the shutter over and over again. It's nice to get some shot with me on the other end of the camera for a change.


Message edited by author 2009-06-18 16:53:14.
06/22/2009 09:49:04 PM · #19
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

No, really I was curious.

On topic, I would think without a waterproof housing, if you drop the camera in the water, it's probably toast. I would also think the camp would not let you take it on the water unless it is insured by them or you.

Bottom line: don't drop it in the water.


The camp actually wants me to take it out on the water...not sure if it's insured or not. Luckily I've not even come close to dropping it yet...the video team takes a CANOE out, which is not my idea of fun.

the dry bag idea sounds fabulous. I will ask and check on the camp's money-spending abilities.

I'm out in the kayak at least once a week - usually two or three times - taking pictures of kids blobbing and canoeing. always fun!

ALSO! paintball. any ideas on how to protect camera? (this one is my actual camera with my actual lens - the 75-300 just doesn't cut it)

Message edited by author 2009-06-22 21:57:08.
06/22/2009 09:55:33 PM · #20
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

DrAchoo uses a bag...


Didn't he drop a camera in the water and ruin it?
06/22/2009 10:11:00 PM · #21
Originally posted by Jessi:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

No, really I was curious.

On topic, I would think without a waterproof housing, if you drop the camera in the water, it's probably toast. I would also think the camp would not let you take it on the water unless it is insured by them or you.

Bottom line: don't drop it in the water.


The camp actually wants me to take it out on the water...not sure if it's insured or not. Luckily I've not even come close to dropping it yet...the video team takes a CANOE out, which is not my idea of fun.

the dry bag idea sounds fabulous. I will ask and check on the camp's money-spending abilities.

I'm out in the kayak at least once a week - usually two or three times - taking pictures of kids blobbing and canoeing. always fun!

ALSO! paintball. any ideas on how to protect camera? (this one is my actual camera with my actual lens - the 75-300 just doesn't cut it)


Where orange so they know who you are. hahahahaha
06/22/2009 10:23:11 PM · #22
Canon MkII 's are waterproof, to a point, but probably not submersible.
Robert yakatme 's suggestions are valid if you have some time in the kayak, and are comfortable with staying upright in it.
I take my Fuji S3 boating all the time, but it is usually boats larger and more stable than a kayak. I take along a zip lock bag in case it rains or the water gets rough enough to be splashing or making spray. The towel and microfiber are excellent suggestions.
A cheap and easily available solution for safety while you are in motion, would be a plastic food container with a sealing lid, then take out the camera when you stop to shoot. If you roll over while paddling, the container will float if it is not open. Good luck with the whole deal. Show us some pix when it's over.
06/22/2009 10:51:53 PM · #23
Hey Waddy, I like your idea of the plastic food container with the sealing lid. If I can find one large enough to hold my camera with a wide angle lens and 4x6" grad ND attached I might prefer that to the dry bag. It would be a lot quicker to open and close.
06/22/2009 11:11:50 PM · #24
Originally posted by jeger:

This thread is highly misleading.

I'm on a boat

This is the clean version but still might not be safe for work.


That's exactly what I thought of when I saw the thread title.... hehe
06/22/2009 11:43:13 PM · #25
Originally posted by yakatme:

Hey Waddy, I like your idea of the plastic food container with the sealing lid. If I can find one large enough to hold my camera with a wide angle lens and 4x6" grad ND attached I might prefer that to the dry bag. It would be a lot quicker to open and close.


Since you own your kayak, you could stick it to the deck, or make a piece to hold it just above your knees, and open or close it with one hand. I think that I would put a string on the opening tab on the lid to tether it to the kayak.
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