Moisture and DSLR's...when does it start being a problem?

[FlipsidE]

I'm curious...how much of a problem is it to take pictures outside on an overcast day between mistings? Can any harm be done if a camera is left in the car for two hours on a cool day in its case?

Only reason I ask is because I took some pictures today right before a misting and was thinking of using it for taking pictures of a race my brother-in-law was in today. But, decided against using it because of some mist I ran into. When I got back into my car about an hour and a half later, it was muggy (camera in its bag the entire time). It's only about 60 degrees around here today, so it's not hot at all...just humid. Will this affect my DReb? Did I make a mistake in bringing it out today?

Thanks in advance

FlipsidE

[defordphoto]

While the Drebel (along with the 10D and 20D) is not weather proof by any means, it's not exactly prone to damage from a light mist or high humidity.

One item you should always have in your camera bag is a couple of plastic trash bags. If it starts misting you can reasonably protect your equipment, but you do need to ensure it does not get too damp as there are no seals on the buttons, etc.

You may also consider getting a protector of some sort if you shoot often in misty conditions.

Even having the MKII here is just something wrong about rainwater dripping off the camera.

Though you do need to be careful, I wouldn't freak out over a light misting or a bit of humidity. When transferring the camera from one place to another with large temperature differences, you should let your camera acclimate before using it.

[aam1234]

I'm glad you asked FlipsidE. Today while holding many things, one of which is a glass of water, I somehow tripped and spilled water on the 300D. Good quantity if I may add.

No harm to the 300D. Eventhough I wished it was damaged so it will be an excuse to buy the 20D.

[FlipsidE]

Yeah, I didn't get a single drop of water on my DReb. I just wanted to make sure that humidity wouldn't cause an issue. That is my main concern.

FlipsidE

[robertwgross]

I shoot outside a lot, in all sorts of rain and snow.

If the rain is only twenty drops of water, sort of like a flock of ducks flying overhead, then I simply lay a cloth bandana over the camera body. If the rain increases to the point where rain droplets might seep into the cracks around the control buttons, then that is the time to either cover it up seriously or pack it away.

When cross country skiing with it, I wear the strap around my neck, and slip the camera inside my insulated vest. That keeps 99% of the moisture off of it.

---Bob Gross---

[tpinchback]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

[FlipsidE]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

[Jon]

Fungus on lenses has been a problem in the past. I don't know how much of one it is these days with modern coating materials, but even in the "good old days" it wasn't an overnight occurrance.

[timmyquest]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

It's possible, i've seen it once on these message boards.

[tpinchback]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

It's possible, i've seen it once on these message boards.

A couple of months ago I remember somone had, what looked like snot growing on their sensor. Was it belmondo?

[FlipsidE]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

It's possible, i've seen it once on these message boards.

- Alright...now I'm scared. With as many problems as I've had with my past Drebs, this is the last thing I need to hear. Is it just me, or do DSLR's just seem to be EXTREMELY fragile. I'm seriously almost afraid to even take mine out of the bag some days. With the horror stories that I've heard, I'm almost afraid to even touch it.

FlipsidE

[LouDawg]

I wouldn't be scared. I've taken the 10D out in the rain with the Canon 70-200 2.8L lens and it's been fine. Not pouring rain, mind you, but it was coming down. The camera actually belongs to my school and it gets used by a number of different people who are not very gentle with it. I haven't had any problems with it. I'd say if you do get it wet just make sure it drys before you pack it away--that's when fungi would form.

[FlipsidE]

The camera actually never got wet and was put back into the camera bag shortly after usage. It was just bought out in humidity (right before a misting).

FlipsidE

[FlipsidE]

The more I read about photography, the more intrigued I become. I truly am loving learning about the theories behind lighting and composition. But, the more I study and learn about DSLR cameras (the Dreb specifically), I begin to become overly stressed. I can understand the occasional sensor cleaning by blower or swab. I can understand the occasional lens cleaning needed. It happens. It's part of owning a camera...just like tires and oil changes are part of owning a car.

I'm sure my experience with DRebs so far is clouding my perception of DSLR cameras, but the more I read, the more I realize just how fragile these cameras are. Now, I won't go tossin it or bangin it around. I have no want to do that. But, at the same time, during my time owning a DSLR (which, btw, with all the problems I've had has been very stressful), I get the feeling that if I don't keep the camera in a dry place, padded by 6 inches of foam rubber in all directions, and climate controled to hold a temperature of precisely 70.26 degrees fahrenheit, then the camera is just going to break (even though I handle it SO gently).

I love photography...I really do. And, I want the versitility of interchangable lenses, good DoF control, and digital. To have all that requires a DSLR. Unfortunately, I don't have $1000 or even $500 I can just throw at the camera if something does need to be cleaned/replaced because of...say something like mold growing...especially not when I really need some better lenses.

I know this may sound like I'm paranoid and taking things a bit to the extreme. But, I have a feeling that, if you were in my place...now on your sixth Dreb because of five faulty ones before it...you might just think the same way I do.

FlipsidE

[tpinchback]

Flipside, cameras a made to be used, not surrounded by 6 inches of foam padding (only if your check your baggage while flying (I don't recommend)).

Just dont drop your camera, or let your tripod tip while taking pictures of the ocean and you will be fine. Plan on upgrading your camera at least every 2 years as the technology changes. So make the most of it!!

[FlipsidE]

Plan on upgrading your camera at least every 2 years as the technology changes.

- That I already plan to do. I realize that good DSLR cameras are like gaming computers. To keep up with the latest technology being used, you need to upgrade every couple of years (maybe even everyyear).

I guess I would feel MUCH more comfortable if I had a backup DSLR to keep around. Like, say if I bought a 20D next year and had my DReb around to use as a backup. I'd feel much better then. Because, even if something had to be replaced, cleaned, etc., I'd still have something decent to use while it was at the shop or while I was saving up money to send it to the shop.

FlipsidE

[tpinchback]

In my opinion, before you even think about buying an extra body, I would consider investing that money in glass.

[FlipsidE]

I guess I would go so far to say that I am just concerned about the future of that Camera. I hate to have to think that one humid day out taking pictures could cause mold to start noticably growing two months down the road. I hate to have to think that my unfortunate tripod head tip where my camera's lens hit a table (didn't slam into it, but it didn't just tap it either) might somehow cause some problem four months down the road.

I know it's extreme to think this way...but I'm just very picky about high dollar electronics. After reading these threads and having these small unfortunate accidents that honestly seem to have no effect right now might end up causing the entire camera to fall apart in four months, I begin to get paranoid.

I want to just enjoy taking pictures. I want to enjoy just takin my camera out any old time I want to and snap off some shots w/out having to worry about what is listed above. I think I'd be a lot better off if I honestly knew just how much of a beating those things can take.

Maybe after owning a DSLR for six months or so, I'll feel better about it. I guess I just need to spend some time with my DSLR.

FlipsidE

[FlipsidE]

In my opinion, before you even think about buying an extra body, I would consider investing that money in glass.

No question about it. Glass is THE MOST important thing on my mind right now (with the very small possible exception of lighting which sits about even (runs a very close second) with glass in my book right now).

FlipsidE

[Belmondo]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

It's possible, i've seen it once on these message boards.

A couple of months ago I remember somone had, what looked like snot growing on their sensor. Was it belmondo?

No. I mean yes. It wasn't something growing on my sensor...it was a blob of something liquid that found its way there. No clue what it was or how it got there.

[Jon, The Elder]

"The sky is falling....The sky is falling"!!!!

Don't baby the thing - use it !!

[Jon]

I have been told that high humidity, can cause fungus to grow in the lens.

So, I gotta ask...are you serious?

FlipsidE

It's possible, i've seen it once on these message boards.

- Alright...now I'm scared. With as many problems as I've had with my past Drebs, this is the last thing I need to hear. Is it just me, or do DSLR's just seem to be EXTREMELY fragile. I'm seriously almost afraid to even take mine out of the bag some days. With the horror stories that I've heard, I'm almost afraid to even touch it.

FlipsidE

Hey - this is on the lens not the camera. It's as likely, or otherwise, to happen to a film camera's lenses as a digital's lenses. And like I said - it's generally been a problem wiht older lenses. If you're worried, keep your gear in a sealed box loaded with dessicants between uses.

[samdring]

[

A couple of months ago I remember somone had, what looked like snot growing on their sensor. Was it belmondo?

Never actually met belmondo but suspect that description is not accurate :)

[SuperFly]

Hi All,

Took my 300D out in an EWA Marine Case today... due to a "technical glitch" the case leaked... having not realised this at the begining, i stayed in the water for a few minutes, until i noticed water INSIDE the case!!!
Ran out of the water and went home to find that the camera had sustained some serious water penetration... :cry: :cry:

when i switched it on, it would give Err99 left it in a warm place for about an hour and then it would at least start, however it would go automatically to the Menu settings, and the autofocus would not work, and it would not even take pictures when i pressed the shutter button.

After a few more hours of "Drying" it was starting normally, and the autofocus started working and the thumb wheel used to change Apt. Shuttter settings etc... was working ok.

Only problem now (couple days later) is none of the buttons on the left side (Menu, Play, Info, etc...) work... the lcd lightup button doesnt work either, other than that the camera still takes pictures and i can use all the settings on that wheel (Av, TV, M, Auto, etc...) they all work ok. ;)

Will be going to Canon service place tomorrow to see how much this is gonna cost !!! :cry:

Think i'll be investing in a proper housing now... probably Ikelite (unless anyone has another suggestion - im still doing my research for that).

Just wanted to share this story here... get it off my chest.