Protective plastic cover for G3

[bbates]

I'm planning on spending some time at the beach soon and I'd like to do whatever I can to protect the camera from sand, water, suntan lotion, etc. I was planning on placing it in a ziploc bag inside a lumbar pack but I was wondering if anybody made somewhat of a molded protective covering...so I could take the camera out of the ziploc bag and not have to worry about washing my hands every time I use the camera. I suppose I could cover it with some saran wrap but I'd prefer something a bit more elegant.

[phili1]

They have under water housings for it.

I dont think I woud put it in a zip lock, it might build up condensation and get inside the lens. Find a small cosmetic bag made of cloth that might do it.

[DaveB]

I spent 10 weeks this past summer living outdoors, sleeping in a tent, with my G3 and a Ricoh G1v all packed away in a Pelican Box.

I took photographs under all sorts of conditions. The only special thing I did was to put a plastic thingy over the LCD to prevent scratches.

Otherwise, I didn't take it out in the rain or in situations where I'd worry about the camera.

I'd take picture on the beach. I'd just be scrupulous about contamination and protect against it.

[dicky109]

You are correct to be looking at protection for your camera on the beach. A single grain of sand can destroy the lens mechanism, or if windblown pit the lens. The salt air can quickly corrode contacts.

For beach protection, you may want to check out the Ewa-Marine bags, which are a heavy duty (& pricey) plastic bag through which you can take shots without opening same. I've never used them, however they look like a reasonable protection from the elements, certainly less expensive than molded underwater cases. An added bonus is that they are actually made to go under the water (I believe about 30 ft), although at the lowest points, may collapse to the point of pushing buttons on the camera, due to the higher pressure at lower depths

As far as condensation goes, they sell silica desiccants to absorb the moisture, or you can go to your local pharmacy, & ask them to save the desiccants that are packed in stock bottles, that usually get thrown away.

[bbates]

Thanks for the tips guys. I checked into the marine housings like the Ewa bags but you're right - they're pricey and they make it difficult to use a tripod or add on a lens. I think I'm just going to use a platic baggy with a hole cut in the end for now and I'll watch for condensation.