Protect camera from sand?
I just bought a Nikon D3200 and we're going on a cruise Feb 2. I want to bring the camera with us to the beach, but I'm worried about the sand. I bought a UV filter and I have a camera bag
Any advice on the best ways to protect my camera?
Added (1). What is the point in having a great camera if I don't take it on vacation with me and take lots of pictures with it?
Advice? Yes… Leave the camera at home. So many horror stories about sand in cameras. If I were you I wouldn't take the chance. Sand can destroy a camera's lens.
If you keep the camera and lens away from direct contact with the sane, there should be no problem.
I carried a Nikon dSLR through out a 1600 nautical sailing adventure and visited many different beaches and never got a grain of sand on either my camera or three lenses I carried.
You may want to carry what is called a "Rain Sleeve" with you to protect the camera and lens from ocean spray or rain. Those are very inexpensive.
The rain sleeve will work mostly, they are only about $6 or so. If all else fails though, a simple gallon size ziplock bag will work. Sand is bad, but salt water is worse. The bag will keep both out.
New to DSLRs? You might want to consider sticking with a compact or phone camera until you're more comfortable with the camera.
If you're up for the risk, make good use of the neck strap, lens covers, and a bag where you can store the camera (and only the camera) should you want to enjoy the beach better. Avoid changing lenses, especially near the water where spray and moist air can carry saltwater *inside* the camera.
The rain sleeve mentioned by others would certainly be a good investment. Many of us also rely on UV/clear lens filters for lens protection.
When returning, give the camera a thorough inspection to ensure it hasn't gotten wet, and that any rogue grains of sand haven't stuck onto the camera.
I'm with Jim on this one… I'm experienced with cameras and leave the DSLR at the 'villa'… I use disposable waterproof/underwater cameras when i'm at the beach… I worked in a 'service department' and seen too many cameras with sand in them getting sent for 'estimates' of repair… They were all condemned as uneconomical to repair…
Definitely wouldn't recommend someone just new to photography to take their 'precious' new toy - you can take your camera most places… Just not the beach.
Every tool has its limitations. Dirt, sand, salt spray/water is hard on cameras.
When I out birding on the beach, I cover the camera with an old t-shirt when not snapping pictures. The t-shirt keeps wind-borne sand and salt spray out of the nooks and crannies of the camera. As others suggested, a rain sleeve for the lens is helpful. Sand getting in to the focus and zoom rings makes a horrible sound and is a good way to destroy a lens.
Even little point & shoot cameras have problems with sand unless it's one of those waterproof models.
Be sure your hands are free from sand and salt when handling your camera.
What a load of codswallop! I'm on the beach every day, rain, hail or shine, and so are hundreds of other photographers. Anyone who's been to Vietnam knows what I'm talking about. Local pro photographers will wade out into waist deep water with their ''Rebels'' to get shots of potential customers. Cameras are designed to be used not kept home in mothballs, so get out and use it! I use, the 500d, 5DM2 and now the 5DM3 with all sorts of glass and I've never had a problem. Just use your common sense, if you get a bit of sand on your camera, just blow it off with a blower, brush it over, then wipe it over with a clean wet towel. The sand on most beaches is compacted up to the waterline, I've never come away from the beach with sand on my gear… Ever!
Neck strap unless you have one of these.