Keeping camera safe?

Zamboni

Going skiing for first time.
Want to take a few shots.

Any tips on keeping the camera dry?
Will inside pockets suffice?
Cheers

St0n3d

Probably if your careful

But, id personally go with the water proof waist belt or at least a small water proof bag to put it in,

its not just the snow, i think condensation and humidity would affect it too. If your carrying it on your body, then your going to be wearing ski gear, this has a tendancy to keep you warm. between your bodys natural heat and the cold out side the gear you have... ... ? A damp camera. Damp and electrical chips = Poot.

Get a decent waist belt, or wrap teh camera in cloth or somehting to keep it dry inside your water proof gear.

Question is, How much is the camera worth to you Do you mind if it did get wet or if you lost it in the snow from falling out your pocket

5h4mr0(k

Best way to keep it dry is to leave it at the hotel!;)

St0n3d

5h4mr0(k wrote: »

Best way to keep it dry is to leave it at the hotel!;)

And miss all the funny bits? Like a wife head first in snow with only her heelies sticking out

Triangle

One of the crowd i usually go with keeps hers in a sock in her backpack.

it won't allow you to take the above snapshot (i got a nice mental picture of my wife ) too much fiddling, but it does keep it safe.
Suppose it all depends on what type of pics you're after and the cost of the camera (i.e. more expensive = more protection)

gzoladz

Backpack is the way to go. It is much more comfortable (and safer) than having it on your waist. I also drop there my lunch and it is always handy to be able to put anything there. Go form something on the 18-20l and make sure it feels comfy and you can adjust it properly to your body.

robinph

It will depend on the size of the camera and how much it will hurt when you land on it, but I have mine on a strap around my shoulder and then stick it one of the outside pockets of my jacket. I has survived many falls both whilst being safely in the pocket but also whilst in my hand taking pictures so ends up getting covered in snow.

It all depends on how annoyed you'll be if it does give up after one of those instances though I guess.

Necronomicon

The first time I brought my video camera on holidays I was really ultra careful, filling my back-pack with socks to pad it. I put my digital camera in there as well. But it was a pain in the ass getting it in and out, so now I don't put any padding in there and just leave my digital in my pocket. Probably not sound advice, but after bails, bumps and bruises I've never had a problem with either camera.

You could get a hard case for your camera, I actually have one but just don't use it very often. It can be clipped onto a belt.

jameshayes

One of these would be your best bet;

http://www.uxcell.com/protective-silicone-skin-case-for-ipod-nano-white-p-9639.html

you can get them online or in some mobile phone shops... try to find one that fits your snapper?

robinph

Although water is bad for electronics and snow is made of water, it is also easily brushed off in the event of a tumble so although my camera has been completely covered by snow many times it has not actually got "wet". More of a problem was the cold when on top of the glacier beside the Matterhorn, but that only effected the video camera attached to the top of my helmet so well exposed to the elements. My still camera was fine with the cold just by being kept out of the wind most of the time, and the video camera came back to life once the sun came out a bit and it warmed up a touch.

edmund_f

think there are a few options -

1. buy a 'cheapie' aldi or similar camera - i.e. one that if you break it you won't be too upset
2. buy one specific - think Olympus were voted best (see here
3. ditto for the backpack option - probably the best and what i do.
4. don't listen to a thing i say because i am in fact a snowboarder and have never been skiing before (more of an expert faller than anything)

gzoladz

Let's keep it focus. There are 2 risks in here:
1. Get the camera wet.
2. Smash the camera.

Risk 1 is easy to overcome by simply placing the camera in a plastic bag or similar. I.e. the one you get at the airport for security check.
So you have to focus on the risk 2.

It is more likely that you will fall on one of your side rather than with your back. Hence, the backack scores again....:)

Don1

I just used my phone for random snaps then decided on on day to bring a backpack with camcorder and all in it. Did a few runs with it, recorded some bits and pieces then left the bag in the bar with the girlfriend when she was recovering. Took it out with me again for her last run then stuck the back on the lift down with her.

Myself and Shayk1, now bag and camera free raced the gondolas to the bottom and won by a mile!

In short, bring it in a backpack but take it handy. Leave it down for high speed tomfoolery! Easy!

robinph

Don1 wrote: »

In short, bring it in a backpack but take it handy. Leave it down for high speed tomfoolery! Easy!

High-speed tomfoolery requires a helmet-cam like this one then no hands are required, especially if you have been drinking before hand:

Those ropes are not connected to my helmet, there was a fence post hidden behind me.

Don1

robinph wrote: »

Those ropes are not connected to my helmet, there was a fence post hidden behind me.

And there was me thinking they were ariels for live streaming to an offsite HDD recorder................. :rolleyes:

edmund_f

note the clever use of the mountain side 'sheep seat'