Protecting SLR while in India

Hi everyone.


On my last trip to India I took my macbook and a digital camera and had no problems, this time I will be taking my SLR camera which is slightly more delicate. Is there anything I can do to protect it while out there? It already has a case, and I have a soft cloth that cushions it while in the case, but while using it I'm worried about sand, exposure to moisture etc - and wanted to make sure I wouldn't break it!

Its new and although I'll have insurance while I'm out there it would be nice not to have to claim if anything went wrong

Thanks!

A lot of us take DSLRs to India with standard case, and standard protection and care. I presume you have a UV filter on your lens.

Well, I learnt this trick from some IMer here (probably Theyyamdancer, but not sure) and that seemed to me very logical as well as easy way to keep it away from moisture.

Keep the camera in a zipped pouch and put a perforated small pouch inside with some rice grains. The rice grains absorb moisture and keeps your camera dry.

When you come from an AC room, keep you camera case closed until it has warmed up --- else condensation will form on it.

I did the Electronic Monsoon Challenge during my last trip - February to late July, Varanasi, and Varanasi only. I took: Macbook pro, iPod, digital SLR, and a HD Sony video camera. Stayed in a Rs150/night room (see: no AC, and more often than not, no fan). Did nothing along Superhero lines to protect them; used the same cases I use in the States for storage/protection: Cordura cases for the cameras, foam-ish case for the Macbook, nothing but a small cotton bag for the iPod. I had no problems with electronic equipment. None.

The UV filter idea is, in my mind, a must. And NIck's idea regarding going from AC rooms into the "real world" is a good one. Soft cloths for wiping sand away from external camera controls . . . lens cleaning brush/with blower/paper/cleaner and you should be good to go. Safe Travels

All of the above sans a HD Sony survived Brazilian humidity

Excellent, thankyou! I'm not sure weather it has a UV lens, how can I tell? It is a Nikon D60 VR with the lens it originally came with.

Thankyou x

Issy, what you want is a UV lens "filter". Probably didn't come as standard equipment on your camera. Simply a screw on filter to protect the glass of the lens.

Thankyou all! I got a uv filter very cheap, so I'm set to go. Thanks!

Get into the habit of careful cleaning after a days shooting, buy a cleaning kit for this. Buy a clear plastic screen protector, for the LCD screen on your camera. UV filter is good but keep the lens cover on too when not shooting. A packet of silica gel keeps the moisture at bay.
Don't buy Canon ;-)

I've been advised by someone who's using same SLR (analog one) for 20 years - that it is good idea to keep the camera in airtight bag with silica gel, when not using it day after day.

UV filter is nice and cheap way to protect the lens from moisture and scratches. Please buy and carry a lens cleaning kit as well - a good carry bag. Also get a screen protector for LCD.

The other option is to not worry about it. Your camera will be fine. Just don't drop it in the Ganges.

My poor camera has more mileage on it, than most humans. It has survived the sands of Egypt, the rainstorms of central America, the snow of Argentina to being dropped by TSA in Hawaii and no problems yet.

There are a few tricks...
First off a good camera bag and neck strap. Nothing will break a good camera faster than a fall. I was lucky when TSA dropped mine on the floor.
A little fabric bag of rice (or silica gel) in the camera bag, will help with very humid climates.
My best tip is to either buy your camera a rain cover (about $6 USD online), or use a gallon sized zip lock bag to protect it from hazards like down pours and quick temperature changes. If you forget to pack it, in a pinch any clear plastic bag is better than nothing.

As to the UV filter, I used one for while, the dumped it. Yes it will protect your lens, however it's another piece of glass between your camera and what you are shooting.

Other foods for thought:
Don't change lens more often they you have too. Each time, you risk getting getting either dirt, sand or moisture in your camera.
Always keep your cleaning supplies with you!
Don't keep your used memory cards in your camera bag. If your bag is stolen, you don't want to also loose all your shots. I keep mine in my pocket.
Make sure your camera bag has enough space to double as a purse. That way you only have one bag to keep up with rather than two.
If you are taking your laptop, load it with the software to recover from damaged memory cards. The cost is only about $20 USD, but priceless if you have a failure. (experience speaking)
Take a plastic sandwich bag, or sew a fabric one that can be filled with rice when you get there. Cheaper than a store bought been bag, and you don't have the extra weight in your luggage.