Keeping your Camera Safe?

[Shaggysnack]

I was on the beach this weekend when some of the storms were rolling in. The beach contrasted with the dark luminous clouds and would have made some excellent landscape shots. However, afraid of blowing salt and sand, I did not carry my camera with me.

So, my question is, What does the average photographer do to protect his gear from salt, sand, spray or any other thing mother nature might throw at you on the beach or lake or river or etc....?

Does the potential for great photographs outweigh the risk of possibly ruining your gear during an outing?

[babybluetx23]

Only thing I can think of that could possibly protect it from something like that, a waterproof housing. Those can be REALLY expensive, but seems like it would be worth the costs if it meant keeping your camera out of repair.

[kyeoman]

I use a rain sleeve, works okay for me!

[billbunton]

Simple -- insurance. There are a lot of things you can do to try and keep the elements off (plastic bags and rubber bands work wonders), but ultimately the best way I've found to keep it safe is either not use it, or carry insurance.

[MikeC]

Great thread guys!

I'm heading to S. Padre Island this weekend and wanting to take some photos of the sunset or sunrise and thought about the elements too.

Great minds think alike!

[photonewb]

check out some paintball videos...a lot of times you can see some of the camera men in them and they've got all sorts of contraptions to protect their cameras both from impact, and the elements as well as the paint

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by billbunton

Simple -- insurance. There are a lot of things you can do to try and keep the elements off (plastic bags and rubber bands work wonders), but ultimately the best way I've found to keep it safe is either not use it, or carry insurance.

I second this as the best way....

[laawaaris]

what kind of insurance?

[MikeC]

Originally Posted by laawaaris

what kind of insurance?

Home owners insurance?!?

.............please do tell us bill & john.

[Shaggysnack]

All of my gear is on my home owners policy, which covers everything from accidents to theft to the dog getting ahold of it. All I have to do is pay the deductable.

However that does not "protect" my camera, it just replaces it when I break/lose it.

[Gordeez]

Hmmm, Ive read on other boards, where members
use plastic bags.

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Shaggysnack

All of my gear is on my home owners policy, which covers everything from accidents to theft to the dog getting ahold of it. All I have to do is pay the deductable.

However that does not "protect" my camera, it just replaces it when I break/lose it.

Who is your insurance company? Many (including mine) have now included exceptions for camera equipment in their policies. Mine USAA changed this year. :(

Also, if you shoot professionally (ie, get paid anything for shooting)...A typical homeowners policy will not cover your equipment. You'll need a separate policy in this case.

At least that has been my experience...

[jeffkohn]

Who is your insurance company? Many (including mine) have now included exceptions for camera equipment in their policies. Mine USAA changed this year. :(

The standard policy may not cover full replacement on camera equipment, but you can usually either get additional "scheduled" coverage or supplemental policies that will give you full replacement coverage for a few cents on the dollar.

Also, if you shoot professionally (ie, get paid anything for shooting)...A typical homeowners policy will not cover your equipment. You'll need a separate policy in this case.

Yup, if you're DBA you almost certainly need a separate business policy.

[bodynmotion]

Where / Who would you buy that from (the policy). Who / what companies offer that kind of insurance for amateurs or professionals?

[jeffkohn]

Originally Posted by bodynmotion

Where / Who would you buy that from (the policy). Who / what companies offer that kind of insurance for amateurs or professionals?

For amateurs, I think just about any homeowners insurance company would have something like this. I have mine with Allstate, and I know State Farm has it too. You might have a hard time getting this coverage if you don't have a homeowners policy though.