Waterproof Case for DSLR

FrankLad

FrankLad

Anyone here have experience with the waterproof camera "bag" products that are out now? (ie. made from a durable, plastic. ...usually with a clear, hard front for the lens.)

I'm planning a rain scene, so we're not dealing with the whole submersion / water pressure leakage issue, but I still want something better than a DIY ziplock bag setup. This will be shot on a Canon 7D.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Aquapac Waterproof SLR case. (Wasn't sure if I could post the link. ?)

Oh, and if anyone has advice on waterproofing a microphone, I'd be glad to hear it! :)

THANKS!
 
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FrankLad said:
Anyone here have experience with the waterproof camera "bag" products that are out now? (ie. made from a durable, plastic. ...usually with a clear, hard front for the lens.)

I'm planning a rain scene, so we're not dealing with the whole submersion / water pressure leakage issue, but I still want something better than a DIY ziplock bag setup. This will be shot on a Canon 7D.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Aquapac Waterproof SLR case. (Wasn't sure if I could post the link. ?)

Oh, and if anyone has advice on waterproofing a microphone, I'd be glad to hear it! :)

THANKS!
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From my (very) brief time working on a professional shoot… both of the ACs seemed to think that the proper waterproof bags weren't that great - they had a couple in the camera truck, but didn't use them. They just used large clear heavy duty plastic bags, trimming them to fit and cutting holes where they needed access to the camera. As soon as the 1st AD shouted cut, I went in with a massive umbrella to keep the camera and DoP dry. If you're using artificial rain, I guess it'd be easier to turn it off/step out the way.

Not so sure about microphones, but I've seen unlubricated condoms for shotgun mics recommended quite a few times. I guess one of the hardest things to control will be stopping the rain hitting the mic and making a noise.

Finally (and you'll probably already know this…) - if you squirt water upwards and let it fall it'll look more natural than aiming it straight down.
 
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Thanks for the info, Chilipie!

I guess one of the hardest things to control will be stopping the rain hitting the mic and making a noise.
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That's what I was concerned with as well... the "pok, pok, pok" of water drops hitting right against the microphone covering.

About the best thing I could think of would be to maybe use some type of deadcat/fur/windscreen over the waterproofing to soften the water drops. Not sure if that's the best.
 
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rockerrockstar: Thanks! That's fairly similar to the one I was looking at:
http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/waterproof-slr-case-br-455-1411-0.html

I've seen a handful of others as well. Seems several companies are making these.

murdock: I'm really hoping to film in natural rain. Or - with consideration to lightning, perhaps after a rain (with the trees, ground, leaves, etc. well saturated) with controlled rain falling over the main action.

Was hoping to find something I can just put the camera in and not worry about. I'm even concerned about moisture in the air. (Maybe that's from being a long-time GL2 owner. ...got that dreaded error message often.)
 
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I'd just use an umbrella over the camera, but isn't the 7d heavily weather proofed? I've heard about people leaving them out over night for time-lapse and the camera freezing over and still working.
 
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Murdock and ryanmortonuk: Thanks for the responses! I am considering that kind of a solution now. May still use some type of bag (not necessarily a purchased one, though) in conjunction.

When searching for weatherproofing ideas, I did in fact see a link where a guy was using the 7D in Antarctica or someplace. Pretty crazy seeing a bare 7D covered in snow. I thought maybe there was something on it, like a spray (LOL)... but realized that was just the camera as-is. Until then, I had no idea that the 7D was supposed to be weather resistant.

Just looked up the link again. Here we go:
http://canonfieldreviews.com/7d-1-weather-sealing/

Can't say I'll do that. Heh. But the above seem like good solutions that I'll be comfortable with.

Thanks again, everyone!
 
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If circumstances change, and you're unable to shoot in "Natural" rainfall. Remember positioning, it's neglected by many who try to re-create an authentic fall. It's purely an optical illusion, discovering the points by repetition and prep.

I apologize if it wasn't the advice you desire, as it seems you're intent on filming "Natural". It's a precaution as i hadn't seen the alternative mentioned, if the weather decides to change your plans.
 
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Before I bought my 7D, I remember seeing a video where a guy poured A LOT of water over it, then continued to use it, still wet, with no problems.

I don't plan on submerging mine anytime soon, but I'd feel comfortable with an umbrella gaffed to the tripod, even if the odd drop could still hit here and there.

Funny enough, we've actually used umbrellas over the camera before, but it was because it was 107+ degrees and the cameras were overheating way faster in direct sunlight haha.
 
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Lol pretty crazy stuff, I've had my 550d (t2i) out bear in the pouring rain when photographing fireworks, it got pretty soaked but works just as it did when new, this happened over a Month ago now. I wouldn't use it in the rain again, but yeah the 7d is a tank and the 550d is a car when it comes to how well protected they are.
 
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Wow - good stuff, guys! Thank you all.

I'm feeling better about the camera's resilience, and I'm glad to not be purchasing an underwater housing just for one scene. :)


Papertwinproductions: I do indeed appreciate that!

Remember positioning, it's neglected by many who try to re-create an authentic fall. It's purely an optical illusion, discovering the points by repetition and prep.
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By this are you referring to placement in relation to the subject and/or camera? I would imagine certain angles would allow one to get away with limited artificial rain (ie. a waterhose spraying into the air, falling on the action). For instance, a higher angle where the background isn't visible. Hope that makes sense. I've not shot with any artificial rain, but may be required to, so thanks for the tips!

PaulGriffith: Yeah, the heat issue is another story. Being from South MS, I'm glad we're shooting this in late November. ;)

ryanmortonuk: Good to hear it! Very reassuring! :)
 
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FrankLad said:
Papertwinproductions: I do indeed appreciate that!



By this are you referring to placement in relation to the subject and/or camera? I would imagine certain angles would allow one to get away with limited artificial rain (ie. a waterhose spraying into the air, falling on the action). For instance, a higher angle where the background isn't visible. Hope that makes sense. I've not shot with any artificial rain, but may be required to, so thanks for the tips!
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Correct. It's a technique that many deploy with a solitary "Blanket" of rainfall. It's not the case, when scrutinized, it's more often than not you're able to depict that this technique has been used, instead believing that it is indeed authentic fall-or perhaps authetic fall constructed correctly.

Rainfall is layered, and it should remain that way when re-created. Try out numerous positioning in prep, two or three spots at a time at differing depths out of shot, consult your field monitor for the results.

P.S Beware of that winter sun. Lenses aren't appreciative that way. :cool:
 
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Opteka makes disposable rain covers for SLRs with a drawstring & lock at either end of the tube. They also make one with an area designed to hold an attached flash. It's big enough to hold a 1D body with a 580EX and a 600mm L lens. If you can mount your mic to your hot shoe or turn the cover to fit over your mic it might be a cheap solution. They work great. I've used them before and even in a downpour my 1D Mk2n bodies stay pretty dry. Yeah, they're waterproof, but some of my L lenses aren't. A pack of two covers is under $10. Also, they may be disposable, but I've had the same one in my camera bag for two years and I still have one in the package. I guess if you used it a lot it would eventually wear out. They seem fairly sturdy though.
 
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PT, elaborate on this statement please, I live in ignorance..
P.S Beware of that winter sun. Lenses aren't appreciative that way.
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I have a script that calls for lots of rain and in daydreaming about it I figured Id use a couple of these..

s7_519820_999_01


one for the camera DP setup and one to cover the lights that are needed to actually make the rain VISIBLE on camera..

Those popup things are cheap and look to be useful for many situations.. shade, risk of rain, etc..
 
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P.S Beware of that winter sun. Lenses aren't appreciative that way.

I think he means that your lens is basically a magnifying glass aimed at your camera's sensor. So you don't want to leave it pointed at a bright light source. It's something I hadn't considered much since I mostly shoot still photos, but with a video DSLR in video mode it's probably a good idea to remember to put the lens cap on when you're not shooting and point it away from bright light sources.
 
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