Using the 300D in a Dusty place!!!!

[Red Devil]

I have recently purchased my 300D and intended to take it on hoilday in a few weeks as I am going on safari for the first time :D .

I have heard so much about dust problems and given the amount of dust I understand you get when out in a jeep all day I am slightly concerned. If I just leave the one lens attached all day and give the camera a good wipe over each night will there be any problems or is just dust in general so bad that I should think twice about using it.

Obviously I am hoping that my first suggestion is ok as I can't see the point of having a camera that you can't use but if anyone has any tips or advice for covering or cleaning it I would be most grateful.

Many thanks in advance to those who reply.

[friscomgm]

I took mine all the way up and down the Grand Canyon (just a tad bit dusty out there 8) ). Keep a lens on it at all times and wipe it down constantly and you should be okay.

If you are ever going to switch lenses - do so in a very quick manner being sure to do it when there is NO dust anywhere near..

[robertwgross]

I've been on a single safari with my Canon, so I can comment just a little.

You tend to drive around in an open Jeep or truck for a half-day or full day. It tends to be dusty, so keep your camera covered up whenever possible. Then when you get to the animals, you may need to get your camera up very quickly, and have it all pre-set for typical wildlife at a distance. There may be scenes for a wide lens, but those will not come up quickly. The animal shots are the priority. They come quickly and disappear.

Despite whether you use an IS lens or not, I would recommend to have some kind of camera support. I used a tripod with the feet folded into a monopod. If you have your head sticking out of the top of a truck, then a beanbag might be a good idea.

At the time, my longest lens went out to 300mm, and it was useful, but 500mm or so would have been nice.

Keep your lens brush handy in a pocket for use during the day, and then clean it better each night.

Power can be a problem. Some safari camps have electricity, and some don't, so recharging batteries may take some effort. Better take extra batteries, to be on the safe side.

Learn to speak the Swahili phrase for "#&!?*^ dust!"

---Bob Gross---