Camera Armor

[tma888]

http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0009/2362/products/can_40d_fr_sm_large.jpg


would you buy this for your camera (let's say EOS 40D) if you have a spare $60 in your wallet?

why???

[scot079]

No, there are so many other things that you can buy for $60, like groceries.

[cdifoto]

I almost bought it, but it really wouldn't have benefited me in the ways I would want.

[tma888]

that's exactly what im contemplating on...

it maybe able to prevent some nicks and minor scratches but aside from that,
i dont really see any point to it...

and it makes the camera look less "appealing" (IMHO)

[RTRIDER]

It will sell very well, some people will do anything to protect their gear, which will benefit them when they come to sell it, it will also benefit the new owner.

No matter how hard we all try, some day you will drop or catch your camera/lens and cause a nick or two, and you will think back to this very post, and you heart will sink.....:D :D

[tma888]

you got a point there....

[Tareq]

I have 2, one for 5D and i use it just the time i got it [6 months ago], and one for 30D and still i didn't use it, i don't need for 1-series [not sure if i should get 1 for them].

[HighLife]

If i was going to war with my camera gear i would buy that...

I wonder if i can get matching body armor =)

Honestly, if i was one of those Pro photographers from Discovery channel or National Geographic, always shooting something in some really weird places..i would consider it

[neil_r]

No,

[sneakerpimp]

it's ugly enough to pass for government issue.

[deci]

I got one of these when I first got my 30D back in August last year, thinking to protect the resale value., Had it on for about a month and not used it since.
The lens protector takes an age to get on and will not fit over most lenses (or I'm just a wimp and can't stretch it enough), the buttons are hit or miss (you're never sure if you actually pressed it or not) and the LCD protector is too easily scratched, making it opaque rather than clear.
It now sits on my 'unloved equipment' shelf:(

[royv]

I wouldn't use it if it was given to me for free. Common, it's so ugly!

[Bill Roberts]

It's not for me.

[SlowBlink]

It looks like it would collect more dust than a gummy bear under the couch.

[thekid24]

Honestly, if i was one of those Pro photographers from Discovery channel or National Geographic, always shooting something in some really weird places..i would consider it
If you were a pro shooting for NG, wouldnt they insure your camera equipement anyways?

And if you that is the case (for arguments sake) wouldnt it be more important to get the shot rather than baby the equipement?

[arrgeebee]

That's fugly! Why would you need it?

[JWright]

It looks like it would collect more dust than a gummy bear under the couch.

Eeewwwwwwww...

If you were a pro shooting for NG, wouldnt they insure your camera equipement anyways?

NG wouldn't insure your equipment... They'd give you enough equipment to do the job and then some...

[Wubblelvr]

There is no way that you would find me carrying around that thing. For one the look of it looks like it was put in a dumster for a year or so and I dont really see how it could protect it. I mean the screen is un covered as well as the lense and the flash on top.

[SlowBlink]

Probably good if you were shooting Adult Macro but other than that, why bother.

[m3the01]

Any comments on the armor for the 40d?

Thanks

[HighLife]

i dont think it makes a difference what body its for...i think majority of people think its fugly.

[zeva]

wow.... Just wow... haha

[canuck88]

Never in a million years.

This product is only for the most super anal of people...

[Calicajun]

What every happen to the Black leather wrap around camera cases, like the one that came with the AE-1, is there anything like that now for cameras? Those were great, one snap and the part of the case covering the lens drop away while shooting. While the rest of the case protected the body of the camera all the time, okay except when changing film.

[borneoeye]

If i was going to war with my camera gear i would buy that...

I wonder if i can get matching body armor =)

Honestly, if i was one of those Pro photographers from Discovery channel or National Geographic, always shooting something in some really weird places..i would consider it

No reputable pro from NG would be caught dead with it I think. Equipment are most probably insured and/or sponsored. I reckon there will be shelfs of cameras back at office HQ too and having a hard time to pick and choose which ones to bring along. It's their tool of their trade and they will probably beaten it to death using it to the max. It's the sign of wear and tear that separates them from the amateurs. Imagine coming out of the Amazon with a pristine looking camera hoping to sell it at eBay.:lol:

No I won't get one.

[johnstoy]

I have it... Paid $35. for one last year... Don't use it much... However, next hiking trip into the woods and I'm definitely using it... It provides a cushion enabling you to set the camera down on sharp stones and ground surfaces without dings, or rubs.
It allows me to work faster on very hard, sharp edged surfaces... The camera doesn't need to be set down with "kid gloves" every time, with the armor on...

I'd use it more often, but the buttons aren't that sensitive.

If you're not under pressure to snap the shutter release at critical times, It will work fine...

Unfortunately, I shoot "bracketed" requiring rapid sequence shutter releases... The armor makes the exterior bulky, and the buttons insensitive to the immediate touch.

Also, the rubber lens hood has to stretch onto the lens... It's probably OK on 52mm and 58 mm size fronts, but the 72mm and 77mm lenses would probably not accommodate the rubber hood. (I didn't even bother to try using the hood.)

[Styria]

I use it on my 400D. It fixes the size problem and makes it more comfortable in my hands. I leave it on all the time, because there's no reason to take it off. The buttons press easily enough. Also, in spite of those on here who don't have it and think everyone will call their camera ugly, in real life people think it makes the camera look more interesting and are impressed with the common sense of having protection for it.

I don't use the hood. I'd rather use the hoods specific for my lenses.

[Crossfire]

I'll pass.

[keyx]

I reckon there will be shelfs of cameras back at office HQ too and having a hard time to pick and choose which ones to bring along.

"Hmmm which 600mm will i pick today ? lets take 2 and one of those 200 1.8's over there.. actually lets bring 2 of those as well. oh... don't forget the 4 1ds mk3's"

one can only dream :(

[JBaz]

I wouldn't get it, but if I had it, I would set my 30D on a 2 second timer and throw the camera up in the air to get an areal shot of whatever I was shooting. Set it on a high speed and you're good. Heh

[blacksheepfoto]

I am in the same boat and trying to decide if I want this for my new 40d.

I've read all the threads and here is what I summed up:

Protection: It will protect against bumps and dings, and obviously scratches. It will allow you to be less careful when setting it down on rough surfaces. It may even provide some shock resitance in the case of a very short fall (under 6") but it is NOT intended to protect against a waist or eye level drop on concrete.

Serves it purpose on the nick/ding/bump front.
May provide slightly better weather protection but that is debatable.
If dents/nicks/scratches/general wear is avoided and keeps body in overall better cosmetic shape, will pay for itself when you go to sell the body.

Looks: This is purely a matter of individual taste. By no means does it make you look like a clown, but come on, who gives a BLEEP what other people think? They aren't the ones with $x,000 of gear around their neck where a single scratch might cost you $50 on the second hand market.

I personally love anything military/tactical-ish and I think this screams it.

The added bulk should be more of a concern over the looks. The other primary concern is that being silicone it will collect dust/hair/dirty. I did not check but it is a very fair assumption that washing the armor in warm soapy water will have it looking new again and will be perfectly safe to do. Just dry VERY thoroughly before putting back on your cam.

If I was in a dusty/dirty/hairy shoot, like documenting a cat getting its butt shaved while standing in a litter box (big money in this niche market I heard), I think I'd rather have the silicone skin collect all of that rubbish instead of my bare camera/lens.

Functionality: There are mixed reviews on how well the buttons perform when this is on the camera. Heres a very simple answer to that problem. It is called an Xacto knife. If you find the buttons aren't as sensitive, take the Xacto and cut out the silicon from over them. Problem solved.

Conclusion: Camera Armor does one thing well and at a reasonable price. It protects the body from accidentally scuffs/nicks/scratches. If this is your concern, you found the right product, if not the only product.

For that, I will be purchasing it and most likely cutting away at the buttons to expose them. Unless I can find something cheaper/thinner that works the same way, the added bulk should not matter to me.

[moorel]

I can't believe why one should care about the camera being ugly with this piece on. Just bought one for my camera, and I don't care about how the camera looks as long as I know it keeps my camera more protected from bumps, loosing my camera to the ground etc.

[René Damkot]

I wouldn't buy it.

[Tareq]

I can't believe why one should care about the camera being ugly with this piece on. Just bought one for my camera, and I don't care about how the camera looks as long as I know it keeps my camera more protected from bumps, loosing my camera to the ground etc.

Come and look how funny is my 5D, even my 350D is more sexier and better look than my 5D with that armor, but all what i can say is that my 5D is more protected, once i was shooting in the desert and hard sandy wind come through me and i stopped shooting but not after i and my camera [5D + 24-105L] got wet i mean dry with that sand, now my camera perform as it never touches the sand [ i could be wrong].

[Calicajun]

I can't believe why one should care about the camera being ugly with this piece on. Just bought one for my camera, and I don't care about how the camera looks as long as I know it keeps my camera more protected from bumps, loosing my camera to the ground etc.

Please post back after you have done a few photo shoots and let us know how the camera armor works out for you.

[kjhart0133]

I don't buy my equipment for resale and I relish every nick and scratch on the body as a mark of good and thorough use. I protect my lens with a UV filter and use the hood where practical. Beyond that I don't worry about it...just shoot!

[toyguru]

My camera armor is my bag.

[jft158]

Had this for my XTI which was great to increase the size. I recently upgraded to the 40D and bought one for it as well plus the battery grip armor. I shoot alot of softball games and it can get quite dusty. I just take baby wipes and clean off the armor. Works great. I also like the ability to set it down and not work about scratching the body up. As for the buttons, its not bad at all. Once you get use to where the buttons are then its just as fast. It also comes with a plastic screen protector. But in the end it comes down to taste, I just like the look. Plus I can take it on patrol with me and use it as a shield :D

[Mathiau]

i like the rugged rought look it gives it and would consider one for the macro work i do, so i dont get crap all over my body, dirt in the bottom... but can you still use a battery grip with it on?

[jft158]

but can you still use a battery grip with it on?


yes you can plus you can buy a seperate covering for the battery grip.

[sigmonster]

No way it's like like hanging a tea towel over a Monet.
Possibly useful if you throw your camera about but hiddeously ugly
Spend half the $ 60 on wine and women and waste the rest.

[FlyingPete]

I wear my cameras battle scars as badges of honour.

At least you can tell it is actually used.

[Mathiau]

i just would prefer not to get dirty and crap all over my camera when chasing those ants and bugs and snakes and scorpions across the yard or gravel :D, beside, it not whats on the outside that matters! (not like we are talking about women here ;) ;) *awaits the slaps*)

[chovvder]

Hello all. Great forum. I joined for some edumacation and the like as I just purchased a 450D 2 days ago (gift from Wife actually). This topic was my first search as a new'b' member. IMHO, photography is a function, it's a means to the ends of capturing life. My tool is my camera. I don't care what it looks like as long as it functions as I require. Who cares what the armor looks like? It's functional. I didn't buy my camera for its looks.

Looking forward to enjoying, learning and hopefully helping others some day in the future.

chovvder

[derky82]

I have armor for my camera. I keep it hidden in my filing cabinet, disguised as an insurance policy! :-)

- Derek

[duckster119]

i got one for $30 with my 40D. shooting mostly outside and sporting events i like the added cushion and dust/sand barrier...i found it took a little getting used to (buttons, looks etc.) but it's worth it. i don't use the lens cover, just a regular lens hood instead...

[JWright]

What every happen to the Black leather wrap around camera cases, like the one that came with the AE-1, is there anything like that now for cameras? Those were great, one snap and the part of the case covering the lens drop away while shooting. While the rest of the case protected the body of the camera all the time, okay except when changing film.

A victim of rising costs and lower demand... If I bought a camera that came with one of these, I immediately discarded it. It served no purpose except to slow me down.

[RPCrowe]

A better use of my $60 will be to purchase a gallon of gas next month!

[thebishopp]

Got one for about 35 as well. Lens hood is garbage but I personally like the armor. Since I don't treat my equipment with kid gloves it definately comes in handy. Personally I think it looks pretty good, but then again I am ex-army.

[BottomBracket]

Don't be too complacent with this gadget. Sand and grit can get trapped between the armor and the camera body and they act as sandpaper when ever the camera is handled. Be sure to take off the armor to clean the surfaces every now and then.

[Calicajun]

A victim of rising costs and lower demand... If I bought a camera that came with one of these, I immediately discarded it. It served no purpose except to slow me down.

I'm sure you're right about cost being the cause but I still like them on my old cameras. Guess I better move up to modern time and learn to adjust to the new way.:)

[cujo_gone_mad]

A victim of rising costs and lower demand... If I bought a camera that came with one of these, I immediately discarded it. It served no purpose except to slow me down.
Yep, that's why they were derisively referred to as never ready cases. By the time you undid the snap for the portion that covered the top half of the camera and removed the lens cap, your shot would be gone. This camera armor thing is for those who obsess over the condition of their equipment.

[fxk]

It may possibly dampen some mirror and shutter sound

[Mathiau]

Yep, that's why they were derisively referred to as never ready cases. By the time you undid the snap for the portion that covered the top half of the camera and removed the lens cap, your shot would be gone. This camera armor thing is for those who obsess over the condition of their equipment.


i dont obsess over anything i just to take care of my gear so it lasts me, and if i can save dirt getting stuck in small cracks or something while i am crawling around on the ground, so be it.

[I26]

If you wanna spend $60 on something I'll send you a list of small things I could use and an address for you to ship to. Plus as a bonus I will help you keep your camera from looking like its going to the worlds biggest orgy.

[sigmonster]

The thing that renders this item useless is the fact that dslr become obsolete so quickly you will have a mint condition worthless paperweight to play with.
It looks to be made of ectoplasm or snot.

[thebishopp]

I don't think it will become obsolete so quickly. If you are turning out good pictures with your 40d then you probably won't need to upgrade for at least a couple years unless you just want the latest greatest. I seriously doubt my camera will be a worthless paperweight in a matter of a year or two as long as it still works. Now, like I said, some people just got to have the "latest and greatest" but how long as the 5d been out? Is it a worthless paperweight? How about the 30d? Worthless paperweight?

Heck I'll take someone's working 5d off their hands if they feel that way, I'll even pay for the shipping. Should be a heck of a deal for their "worthless paperweight".

I like to take care of my gear. Something I learned in the service. You take care of your gear and it will take care of you.

We aren't talking about something extreme here, like getting it rhino coated (though a rhino coated Canon might actually be kind of cool LOL), just a piece of rubber that I don't even notice is on anymore. I have no problems accessing any of the features and once every few weeks I slip it off and make sure it's clean (no grit underneat and so far grit has been negligible).

Now some people are luckier or just don't care. Me, I'm the guy who buys a new pair of sunglasses and within the first few days has scratches on the nice pretty shiny lenses (so far no such ill has befallen my camera lenses). So for 35 bucks I have a nice buffer between my camera and minor bumps and scratches (and fortunately too because I have banged it up against a few things and I believe the armor has helped).

We are talking about an inexpensive item here that can help extend the life of a product for some.

Since I know weapons a bit more than cameras, I'll put it like this. It's like duracoating (or moly, or any of the other aftermarket finishes, if you prefer - I like duracoat and do it myself as I have the equipment) my firearms. They keep them from rusting (when I did a few EP/Static Security Gigs down in New Orleans I got to put the finish to the test) and were worth the investment ( and it cost quite a lot more than that rubber armor for the canon).

So far I've had this armor on my camera for a couple months and I like it.

Now you may not like it, or feel you don't need it, but to tell people that the purchase is useless or deride people for purchasing it is stupid and the sign of a small mind. A more mature and intelligent response would be to list pro's and con's of such an item, preferrably by actual use and/or research.

Again you may be one of those "lucky" people who can walk through a fire and not even get ash on them, however not everyone is.

On a side note I will say the lens hood has some design flaws which make it impractical for use. Perhaps if they had connected to an actual hard plastic ring (much like regular hoods) that locked down onto the lens. In fact, as I think about it, that may be what you are supposed to do. Instead of trying to put the hood on the lens itself, maybe it's supposed to go onto the plastic hood one already has. I will have to check it out.

[I26]

Well if your so worried about your gear then buy the new Nikon D3. This guy puts it through everything imaginable and it always works. Check it out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3hjBv9wYOEE&feature=related

I realize its a nikon but I was impressed.

[flybum]

while it may not be for everyone, I would use it in a heartbeat.....I am an aspiring photographer and die hard fly fishing guide. I carry my 5D on the river with me and am often times touching fish or wet nets, or dirt and mud at the same time I am trying to snap a couple of shots.......for me $60 would be piece of mind and a barrier between dirt, water, and other stuff.

Just an opinion from someone who may be out in the raw elements more.......

[Jon]

while it may not be for everyone, I would use it in a heartbeat.....I am an aspiring photographer and die hard fly fishing guide. I carry my 5D on the river with me and am often times touching fish or wet nets, or dirt and mud at the same time I am trying to snap a couple of shots.......for me $60 would be piece of mind and a barrier between dirt, water, and other stuff.

Just an opinion from someone who may be out in the raw elements more.......You may want to rethink this. Wet, whether mud, slime or "just" water, will seep in through any open edge of this, leaving you worse off than without it. In your situation, I'd suggest one of the "waterproof" soft housings that are out there.

[thebishopp]

Well if your so worried about your gear then buy the new Nikon D3. This guy puts it through everything imaginable and it always works. Check it out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3hjBv9wYOEE&feature=related

I realize its a nikon but I was impressed.


Because 30 bucks for a little extra protection is a lot less than 4-6 thousand for more camera than I will ever need.

Of course the body of that Nikon is still prone to bumps and scratches so on top of that 4-6 thousand it would still be handy to have this rubber sleeve.

[flybum]

You may want to rethink this. Wet, whether mud, slime or "just" water, will seep in through any open edge of this, leaving you worse off than without it. In your situation, I'd suggest one of the "waterproof" soft housings that are out there.

Understand that I wipe off my hands from extra water or slime....etc....before shooting....however, I would love to hear some recommendations on the soft housings you are talking about....I haven't seen them.

[thebishopp]

Jon,

That is true, however it's main purpose is to protect from bumps and scratches (it has already saved my camera on several occasions so I am happy).

I too would be interested in some of those "soft housings" that are waterproof... I recall one on another thread where it's made of a clear rubber and is about 130 bucks.

I am actually considering this because I am supposed to head back home to hawaii for my cousins wedding this october and it may prove useful on some hiking trails (rains a lot on kauai) as well as if if we decide to go paddling.

But again for everyday use the armor has served me just fine.

[Jon]

This (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=518753) for one . . .

[I26]

Watch more of those nikon vids. He tosses it down stairs or something, and also takes a key to the lcd.

Because 30 bucks for a little extra protection is a lot less than 4-6 thousand for more camera than I will ever need.

Of course the body of that Nikon is still prone to bumps and scratches so on top of that 4-6 thousand it would still be handy to have this rubber sleeve.

[thebishopp]

This (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=518753) for one . . .


LOL, that was the one I was talking about. ALOT cheaper than a hardbody for occasional use.

[Jon]

EwaMarine also makes one . . . If I were working on a boat on a regular basis, I'd be using one or the other housing.

[Raivyn]

I got the camera armor for a birthday present for my 40d, and I kind of like it. It does make the camera more bulky, but I do find it easier to hold and set down on stuff. I'm pretty hard on my things (my 335i has a small dent in the bumper, scratched rims, and a broken cupholder; not nice for such an expensive car), so I don't mind the extra protection.

I have the hood on my 72mm lens; took a strong man-friend to put it on, but it stretches enough. I bend it back to put the camera in its bag and to remove the lens cap, and then just flip it back into place. I don't remove it, though, since I won't be able to get it back on again, so for me its only good for one lens.

[pradeep1]

I actually like a few battle scars on my cameras. I don't buy to sell, I buy to use, so a few scratches, nicks, dents, and other blemishes are welcomed. I actually like to get that first scratch or nick on any new body. Even though it hurts to see it, you then know you can go out and actually use your camera without worrying about babying it.

[brecklundin]

The thing that renders this item useless is the fact that dslr become obsolete so quickly you will have a mint condition worthless paperweight to play with.
It looks to be made of ectoplasm or snot.

??? the mind wobbles....

10D's still take fine pictures as does my 9+ year old Sony DSC-S70. I guess we can chalk this up to the new Gen-Disposable generation of people.

[Mathiau]

dslr don't become obsolete quickly..lol well for me at least i planned to have my 20D for 3 years, now i have a 40D and i plan to have it until extended warranty runs out, 4 years!

resale may not always be great, but i think a nice condition 40D would sell for more then one banged up with scratches and dents and broken pieces.

[TheEye]

I got my armor for 5D Yesterday. But the rubber was dusty before I took it from the case. I cleaned it and was ready to take it over the camera, but the dust was back again. It is like a magnet for dust. My camera has not seen any dust so far and I have never cleaned my sensor. I don't know if putting the dust magnet on the 5D is a good idea.

Does anyone have any experience with it on 5D?

[scorpio_e]

http://static2.jadedpixel.com/s/files/1/0009/2362/products/can_40d_fr_sm_large.jpg


would you buy this for your camera (let's say EOS 40D) if you have a spare $60 in your wallet?

why???

It's a waste of money and looks fugly. I can spend it on something else.

[MagikTrik]

I had a pretty little red one on my remote camera (Rebel XTi) & it looked real fancy & "protective" and then when I wasn't looking (at a track meet of all places) someone else thought it looked real fancy & "protective" and took it home with them :(
Certainly didn't protect against that...

[darosk]

No.

[goldcanon]

i like the rugged rought look it gives it and would consider one for the macro work i do.