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Earl Grey
01-27-2007, 20:46
Right now I have just a neoprene type velcro enclose to store the camera and extra batteries as well as a spare SD card. I dont think this is a very rugged solution and the camera could damage easily but is convienet. Its not waterproof either. Are there any products that could protect the camera in all situations short of throwing it off a mountain? :-?

hammock engineer
01-27-2007, 20:48
What type of camera do you have? Certain cameras have optional waterproof cases you can get.

Earl Grey
01-27-2007, 21:10
What type of camera do you have? Certain cameras have optional waterproof cases you can get.

Its a Canon A530 and this is what I have right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PSC-65-Deluxe-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007MGFFU

There isnt a waterproof case for it unfortunately.

sleeveless
01-27-2007, 21:37
Hmmm, I don't know what happened to my reply so I will try again. I used a freezer baggie for my camera. I had a ULA P2 pack that had pockets on the hip belt that I kept the camera in. If it started to rain, I put it in an additional baggie inside my pack. I did the same for the river fords in Maine.

Sleeveless

bigcranky
01-27-2007, 22:06
The problem that I have with the protective cases is that I don't take any pictures. I have to have my camera right there in front of me, ready to go, or I never remember to use it. I too have the ULA hip belt with the cool pockets, and just keep my camera in the pocket, with a 'dummy cord' of 3mm cord and a mini-biner so it doesn't hit the ground if I drop it. The dummy cord is attached to my shoulder strap and the mini-biner goes through the camera's wrist strap. That way I can take it off if I'm in camp or in town. The camera goes in a ziploc bag if it's raining, or it gets buried in my pack in serious downpours.

Your camera is only moderately delicate -- I don't think you need to baby it too much, but YMMV.

--Ken

Whistler
01-27-2007, 22:14
My theory is that the camera is more likely to be damaged while I'm (mis)handling it than while it's just sitting in a case. So, I lean away from heavily padded/ protective cases in favor of something simple and easy to get to. I think what you have should be fine.

I keep a plastic grocery bag stuffed inside my case; I pull it out and wrap the camera in case it gets really rainy. The other thing is that I prefer to keep my camera case mounted on the shoulder strap instead of on my hipbelt. It keeps it ever so slightly further from damage when I set the pack down on rocks or wet spots or whatever.

-Mark

Gray Blazer
01-27-2007, 22:23
I keep a plastic grocery bag stuffed inside my case; I pull it out and wrap the camera in case it gets really rainy.

-MarkI use a plastic bag like a newspaper bag.

hammock engineer
01-27-2007, 22:42
Its a Canon A530 and this is what I have right now.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PSC-65-Deluxe-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007MGFFU

There isnt a waterproof case for it unfortunately.

Try this one (http://www.shop.com/op/~Canon_WPDC2_Waterproof_Case_for_A540_A530-prod-34955773-48534902?sourceid=3)out. Pricey but it is made for your camera.

hammock engineer
01-27-2007, 22:45
Here are a couple of generatic ones. The one above is made just for your camera. I have the canon A610 and have been thinking about getting a case for it.

http://chbulk.stores.yahoo.net/dm36-01-500-00.html

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1929

Sly
01-28-2007, 00:48
I plan on using this one. Looks waterproof and can't beat the price.

http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7297

hammock engineer
01-28-2007, 00:50
I plan on using this one. Looks waterproof and can't beat the price.

http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7297


That was good.:D

rafe
01-28-2007, 01:02
Are there any products that could protect the camera in all situations short of throwing it off a mountain? :-?

Respectfully suggest... this is the wrong attitude towards carrying and using a camera (not to mention, from a gram-counting point-of-view.) I've never needed much more than a Ziploc.

Hana_Hanger
01-28-2007, 01:07
This one is great and you can take photos thru the pack while it protects your camera...

http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/erol.html

highway
01-28-2007, 07:27
Fanny pack
Some items i always want at hand-camera (Canon small digital), maps(Companion on AT), compass, etc and decided to store them in an always immediately accessible, very lightweight fanny pack, that goes around my waist, just below the hip belt. The camera is stored in a thin, protective foam zippered case, tucked just inside the hip belt, case open and upright. So, with just the fanny pack zipper partially closed, I can quickly, without looking, reach down and quick draw the camera for a shot. Or, any of the other items as well. With this I don't see a need for the baggie. When it rains, its zipped up in the case, under the flap of the fanny pack, and what ever rain gear on is over that, too-three protective layers.

i don't like putting these items in hip belt pockets (I don't have them anyway) because I wouldn't have access to them when I put the pack down and walked away.

Bigcranky: Great idea about the safety cordage connecting camera to gear.

unl1988
01-28-2007, 08:39
1 Quart Ziploc Freezer bag in the hip belt pocket of my ULA. Keeps it handy enough, haven't had a problem so far, just keep the bag zipped when your not using it, everything should be fine.

bigben
01-28-2007, 11:45
Try this.....http://store.thewaterproofstore.com/cameracasepac.htmlI have one attached to my hip belt, for all the same reasons you listed. It's H2Oproof, padded, and handy. I also keep my cell phone and stuff in it. Bigben

bigben
01-28-2007, 11:46
Sorry if that link doesn't take you straight to it. It's the grey and black WxTex soft padded camera case, I think it's made by Pacific Outdoors.

JJB
01-28-2007, 12:55
I have made my freezer bag cooking cozy large enough to fit my camera inside a zip lock. While not immediately accessable it keeps my 30+ y/o
Nikon F2 from taking any more knocks than need be. Peace. JJB.

Fiddleback
01-28-2007, 12:57
I use the Zing Action cover ( www.tiffen.com/Zing802.PDF (http://www.tiffen.com/Zing802.PDF) ). It affords moderate shock protection, dust and dirt protection, and is water repellant (but not waterproof). While I often don't use the torso strap the rest of the case is always on the camera; at home, in town, or on the trail. It's about 5oz and is very quick and easy to use.

Retail is around $40 but you can usually do much better on EBay.

FB

Froggy
01-28-2007, 13:10
There are waterproof digital cameras out there that work just fine.

Mine is a Pentax OptioWP, and ready to go it weighs 5 ounces, with a long, thick cord from another camera.

You can make a fleece sock for it, or use a baby sock, if you want protection.

Fannypack
01-28-2007, 13:12
SLY, how convenient, these (http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7294)(on the same page) can also be used when u r having a bad day.

I plan on using this one. Looks waterproof and can't beat the price.

http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7297

bigcranky
01-28-2007, 13:29
I have made my freezer bag cooking cozy large enough to fit my camera inside a zip lock. While not immediately accessable it keeps my 30+ y/o
Nikon F2 from taking any more knocks than need be. Peace. JJB.



You could use your 30-year old Nikon F-2 as a hammer to build your new house. You could defend yourself against a bear with your F-2. If you were to drop it on your foot, you'd break several metatarsals. The F-2 is the perfect defense against a roundhouse kick by Jack Bauer. You really don't have to worry about knocking it about. :D (But the plastic bag isn't a terrible idea in the rain.)

jambalaya
01-28-2007, 13:30
I had my husband carry the camera (in it's regular little velcro case) hooked onto his belt-loop, right in front. Figured this was an area that he's already in the habit of protecting, if you know what I mean. Camera survived the thru and is still good as new -- even though he did fall down a time or two.

The only drawback was that in the rain, the camera had to go away in the pack, in a ziplock -- so I missed out on some good pictures on semi-rainy days.

Chicken Feathers
01-29-2007, 23:03
Freezer bags if it starts to rain or stream crossings. try doubling them

Sorrys2Cliche
02-24-2007, 19:03
Or you can check out the Olympus stylus 720 S/W shock proof and waterproof....I have it and love it.

Sly
02-24-2007, 19:23
SLY, how convenient, these (http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=7294)(on the same page) can also be used when u r having a bad day.

Hmmm... I would think anyone with a first name Fanny would need them more than I. :p

Cuffs
02-25-2007, 00:01
I plan to carry a separate waist pack for my camera, just so that it is accesible, like Cranky says. While I cannot report on how well these products work, I can say that I did order the larger one (Ballard model) this afternoon for myself, I carry a SLR body style digital camera and its the only one it will fit...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,65548_Pacific-Outdoor-Hip-Sack-WX-Tex-Traverse-Waterproof-.html
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,73280_Pacific-Outdoor-Dry-Hip-Sack-Alki.html
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,73279_Pacific-Outdoor-Dry-Hip-Sack-Ballard.html

bigcranky
02-25-2007, 11:20
ALHikerGal,

Great solutions. The smaller version with a waterproof zipper is probably the best bet for a compact digital camera. The roll-top dry bag version is probably too difficult to use when the weather is good -- but it's much more protective when the weather is bad. Like all things, a trade-off.

Since this thread started, I bought a new camera. I am using the waist pack solution for hiking, using an Eagle Creek small pack with two compartments. I still use the 'dummy cord' so when I drop the camera, it's less likely to hit the ground. The cord is attached to a strap on the waist pack, making the whole package more compact. The waist pack easily fits under my hip belt, and I still have the camera handy after I take off my pack.

Nice find on the waterproof waist packs.

--Ken

Footslogger
02-25-2007, 11:31
[quote=ALHikerGal;328028]I plan to carry a separate waist pack for my camera, just so that it is accesible, like Cranky says.
=========================================

Used that approach on my thru in 2003 and still carrying the same waist pack. Has a main compartment big enough for snacks and quick access items and a smaller front zip pouch that's perfect size for my camera. I keep a freezer strength ziplock inside and if weather dictates I store the camera inside while hiking.

If your camera is easy to get at you'll tend to take more pics ...

'Slogger

Cuffs
02-25-2007, 13:46
ALHikerGal,

Since this thread started, I bought a new camera.

Nice find on the waterproof waist packs.

--Ken


So what camera did you get??!?!?

I had been searching for this kind of solution for months. All of a sudden, yesterday, those bags showed up in my search results. Dont know how or why they werent coming up before... I have an idea that they will work out pretty good tho!

bigcranky
02-25-2007, 16:04
Wendi,

I got a Canon G-7. I wanted a digital camera with a lot of manual control, but that could still fit in a pocket. It's a little heavy for hiking, but I'm going to take it anyway :)

--Ken

hopefulhiker
02-25-2007, 16:21
In really wet situations I used a small dry lock bag or two zip locks which I kept next to a small piece of blue foam in my front pack.. It kept the camera dry...

Cuffs
03-04-2007, 13:21
I plan to carry a separate waist pack for my camera, just so that it is accesible, like Cranky says. While I cannot report on how well these products work, I can say that I did order the larger one (Ballard model) this afternoon for myself, I carry a SLR body style digital camera and its the only one it will fit...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,65548_Pacific-Outdoor-Hip-Sack-WX-Tex-Traverse-Waterproof-.html
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,73280_Pacific-Outdoor-Dry-Hip-Sack-Alki.html
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,73279_Pacific-Outdoor-Dry-Hip-Sack-Ballard.html

UPDATE:

received my Ballard waist pack the other day and took it out yesterday for a day hike... POE is easy on their dimensions, meaning that the pack looks (didnt not measure) bigger than the product description. I ordered the Ballard based on its dimensions thinking that my SLR-d would barely fit. Thats not the case. The camera, with tripod, snacks, gloves and gps all fit!! So Ive now ordered the Alki model to see what happens next!

I did not order a "roll top" style, I believe that would be too much work for getting the camera in and out. I was only our yesterday for about 5 hours and took over 250 photos, and the zipper was almost too much for me by the end of the day!

Lumberjack
03-04-2007, 13:49
the only camera I damaged on the trail was dropped down a ravine and rolled to within a foot of a stream. :eek: a padded case that sheds rain is good so long as you dont throw it around too much. In really bad weather I just put it inside my pack with a ziplock.