Need to beachproof a 20d.

[BonjiB]

I'm ramping up to a purchase of a 20d for my vacation this summer and i really love taking pictures out on the beach with my family. However, sand = death for a camera and water is even worse and i don't have the money to buy a full underwater housing for the 20d. It seems to me like it would be a good idea for some manufacturer somewhere to make a universal housing for this camera. Perhaps just something as simple as a fitted plastic bag with a uv filter sewn in? Anyone heard of such a device or should i totter on down to the patent office? I don't need or want to make it underwater worthy, just something to protect it from getting sand kicked on it or perhaps a splash or two. Thanks for any advice you can throw my way.

[Rhys]

I'm ramping up to a purchase of a 20d for my vacation this summer and i really love taking pictures out on the beach with my family. However, sand = death for a camera and water is even worse and i don't have the money to buy a full underwater housing for the 20d. It seems to me like it would be a good idea for some manufacturer somewhere to make a universal housing for this camera. Perhaps just something as simple as a fitted plastic bag with a uv filter sewn in? Anyone heard of such a device or should i totter on down to the patent office? I don't need or want to make it underwater worthy, just something to protect it from getting sand kicked on it or perhaps a splash or two. Thanks for any advice you can throw my way.

Take 1 large ziploc bag.

Take 1 pair of scissors.

Cut circular hole in ziploc bag.

Take one hot glue gun and one UV filter.

Attach UV filter to lens.

Hot glue bag to UV filter.

Seal ziploc bag.

Take photos.

[BonjiB]

That's a good idea and it's prolly what i'll wind up doing. I was just curious if anyone knew of any universal bags made just for this purpose. What i was thinking of is maybe even something made of a stretchy material like clear latex or something that would literally conform to the camera for easier handling. Forgive the expression but, much like a camera condom. Thanks for your suggestion.

[Bluedog]

I wouldn't even consider submiting the 20D to the salt air. Better to spend money on a decent PS type camera if you don't already have one.

[ENTMD]

I found this device after looking at your question and deciding it would likely come up as an issue for me too. I wasn't really thinking of taking it in the water (I have a sd300 with waterproof case which works great for that) but so I don't go crazy worrying about my camera if I do decide to take it to the beach.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=400204&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[mediyoga]

ENTMD
That seems to be a very good product!
Thanks
Krishna

[Marleetet]

Here is something else I just found: not for in the water, but on the beach and in the rain.

http://www.stormjacket.com/

Mark

[ENTMD]

Here's an update on a response I posted for waterproofing a 20D/30D. Did buy the above item (see earlier post with B&H link) which isn't a great fit for above cameras. Flash is physically obstructed and LCD can't be seen due to lack of clear plastic over this area. May fit a Rebel XT but will likely have same problem with flash. I will likely return this item - will update if any more products cross my path.

[ENTMD]

OK - this one seems like it would be a better solution but the price is getting up there for a plastic bag-

http://www.weatherornotphoto.com/uaxp.html

[Vich]

Really love to check it out. Seems like a gallon ziplock (the kind with a zipper handle), maybe a surgical glove, a few rubber bands, and some moisture bags would suffice. The color of these bags (not clear) doesn't seem practical.

However, upon examining one of these professionally engineered bags one may immediately see why a home made one would be so difficult

I would be lost without being able to push buttons, have clear access to the viewfinder and all the top buttons and dial, rear wheel, and for that matter, you may need a flash sync with all that sunshine.

Guess that's why some folks are opting for the weather sealed Nikon - like the fellow going on Saffarri.

I take my 20D to the beach and am very very careful. I have a simple hand towel over it except when actually shooting. I've taken my 50mm twice, but normally have my 24-105L (weather sealed). I could see that sewing a simple elasticized hand towel that leaves the viewfinder and lens open would probably be enough unless it was actually dropped or the wind kicked up dry sand. I just wipe it down when done. No problems so far.

[JHCris]

I received this as a gift for my EOS 350D and it fits perfectly well. This "AQUAPAC" 100% waterproof camera case works, way cheaper than spending hundreds of dollars for an underwater/waterproof casing. Now I have upgraded to a EOS 30D and it doesn't fit anymore. This waterproof/ sandproof case measures 145mm/5.75in in length, 72mm/2.8in width,100mm/4in in height, and length of lens spacer is 80mm/3.2 and a diameter of 85mm/3.4. Maybe they have other sizes for a 20D,30D and 5D. AQUAPACK is made in the UK by Aquapack International Limited.

Hope this information helps :)

[DonSchap]

I have to agree with the "Bluedog" on this one... resist the temptation of taking your prize dSLR to the flippin' beach. Use a good P&S... like the Canon S3 IS or Fujifilm F30 to get your "beach bunny/volleyball/surfer" shots. Then, if you are unfortunate enough to have the "sandman" chew up your rig... it's a minimal loss and toss... and not $2000+ worth of what used-to-be great glass and a dSLR. Honestly, I can think of no legitimate reason to subject your rig to the beach unless you are:


getting paid BIG to do it and
have the insurance to support such a dangerous effort.


I don't know why, but suddenly the word "Foolhardy" comes to mind... weird, huh? :rolleyes:

[BonjiB]

I have to agree with the "Bluedog" on this one... resist the temptation of taking your prize dSLR to the flippin' beach. Use a good P&S... like the Canon S3 IS or Fujifilm F30 to get your "beach bunny/volleyball/surfer" shots. Then, if you are unfortunate enough to have the "sandman" chew up your rig... it's a minimal loss and toss... and not $2000+ worth of what used-to-be great glass and a dSLR. Honestly, I can think of no legitimate reason to subject your rig to the beach unless you are:


getting paid BIG to do it and
have the insurance to support such a dangerous effort.


I don't know why, but suddenly the word "Foolhardy" comes to mind... weird, huh? :rolleyes:

Thanks man. I never thought of getting insurance for the device. That's a great idea! I'm callin my state farm guy as soon as i get off work toady to find out some details. I've been reading about personal article insurance and aparently it covers nearly everything that could ever make a camera not work anymore. Thanks.

[Vich]

Thanks man. I never thought of getting insurance for the device. That's a great idea! I'm callin my state farm guy as soon as i get off work toady to find out some details. I've been reading about personal article insurance and aparently it covers nearly everything that could ever make a camera not work anymore. Thanks.
Costs $1.35/yr for every $100 in value. So my $3500 cost me $50/yr. Only caveat, if you ever use it, count on being cancelled and count on finding it difficult to get ANY kind of insurance for 3 years. However; it sure beats having your homeowner's policy cancelled for a mere $3K loss.

I regularly take my DSLR to the beach. I'm real careful, keep it covered with a towel, keep it on my ambulant person (ie: it's either in my bag in a towel, or around my neck while I'm standing).

Beach isn't the only harsh environment though. If you live in a desert region, then a simple wind gust could be far worse.

On reading this thread, my wife sewed me a Velcro / elasticized cover made from silklike windbreaker material (waterproof for about 5 minutes but not so waterproof that condensation would be an issue, I wouldn't think). It’s not completely sealed, but short of actually dropping it in the water or sand, I'm pretty sure it's protected. Also, the thin material allows me to easily operate the dials and buttons from the outside, something I don't think the plastic solutions would offer. I call it my "Saltspray Cover".

It occurred to me, I should perfect and patent this thing. Or at least take patent-like measures. There seems to be interest.

One additional benefit. It makes the camera less conspicuous (she chose pale green). It's like a sniper camouflage. The material is made to fit loosely for different lens lengths, but it's thin enough that it doesn't bunch up. It's also a relatively dust-free material (nylon I think). I think a Paparazzi would be interested.

Also, it takes about 8 seconds to slip on. Band over lens, band over viewfinder, slip hand up bottom or velcro bottom shut and just operate through the material.

Still have to work out a flash flap and accessory flash sleeve.

Anyone interested, PM me. Curious to see if such a thing would fly. Also PM me if you know anything about product patents.

[DonSchap]

Post a picture of the product, Vich.

Gotta camera handy?

Geesh! :rolleyes:

[Vich]

Post a picture of the product, Vich.

Gotta camera handy?

Geesh! :rolleyes:
I just KNEW someone would say that. Give it 2 minutes and DonSchap will be all over posting a picture (your forte' :)).

I hate to say, but I don't have a camera since I sold the 20D Saturday. Expecting the 30D today. However, I'm still stuck with photos in the mirror, haha. I think action shots is all that will do this justice. It's very incognito / low profile so doesn't look like much, but sure is sweet to use.

Other thing is, she has the back flap going up right now. I thought I would need that. Now I think it should go down. Like I said, it's still a work in progress, but once the kinks are out, it'll kick-A.

When I first saw it I mentally rolled my eyes thinking ("now force yourself to be gracious here, she spent an hour on it"). Then I used it and "WOW". A few kinks to work out, but it's a cinch to put on, a cinch to use, and looks like it'll stop all the salt spray and sand kicks (except for the viewfinder and end of lens). I also need to figure out some sort of plastic over the LCD. Either that or just leave the bottom open and lift it each time - will help with sun glare anyway.

I know I know, find a 2nd camera and stop "talking".

[noyjimi]

Also PM me if you know anything about product patents.

Errr...if you want to patent it, you probably want to refrain from public disclosure until you've filed an app (even just a provisional one). Otherwise, it may no longer be "non-obvious" or, worse, someone beats you to it. ;)

Alternatively, you can copyright the look/feel/style/colors, just like with most merchandise.

[BonjiB]

Ok. So i purchased the 20d. YAY! I'm very VERY pleased with it's performance. I have a 50mm 1.8 and a 28-105 usm f/3.5-4.5 metal mount from my film days to play with and although my 28-105 isn't NEARLY as sharp as my 50mm it's still delivering very nice results and covers a very nice "walk around" focal range. Anyways, down to the point. What i wound up doing is buying a turkey sized oven bag from kroger. Stay with me.. i know it sounds crazy. I took that bag and put my camera inside and put a heavy duty rubber band around the uv filter to hold it in place. I then snipped a hole in the slack in front of the lens and pulled that back behind the lens to allow the lens clear optics and secured with another rubber band over the top of the first. Then i just sucked all the air out (quite literally) and tied the bag up. I screwed in a tripod quick release mount through the plastic and got to shooting. The bag is large enough to allow me to use my full zoom range (with a little rearranging as i go.) It's also clear enough to allow me to use the viewfinder very effectivly. All in all it has provided me with piece of mind while having my camera out in the dangerous elements. 1.99 at kroger beats the fool out of a 110 dollar "camera bag." So although it's not the prettiest of options out there, it gets the job done. Thanks for all your input.