Taking 20D to Mexico

[Lynn Lane]

Okay so I just got my 20D last week and really haven't had an opportunity to try it out other than around 10 shots around the house. I've been swamped editing this documentary that I just wrapped shooting. Okay, enough of the excuses. This is an awesome camera that deserves some time and I deserve some as well, so I'm headed to Mexico for a long weekend this Friday and need some tips/answers.

First, how concerned should I be shooting on the beach? Will the salty air affect my camera in a negative way (I assume it will to some degree if not taken care of, but I also know people do beach shots all of the time. I'm just being careful of my new baby). What else do I need to know about? I picked up a polarizing filter for some cool shots!

Any help or suggestion or flat out rude comments are truly appreciated. Well maybe not the rude ones, but if that is all that you have, let me have them too! ;)

[tim]

I've not used my camera at the beach. Just by careful changing lenses, do it out of the wind, and try not to drop it in the sand or get it wet, and you shouldn't have too much trouble. Read the manual if you have time, otherwise just turn it on ,turn the dial to P, and go for it! You won't get brilliant shots without a bit of understanding, but it should do better than most point and shoots on P. Try turning the dial on the top right, and the button to pop the flash up's on the front left kinda :)

[dhbailey]

I've used my camera at the beach and there's nothing to worry about other than, as Tim said, don't drop it in the sand, be careful when changing lenses (don't do it when there's a wind blowing sand around), and leave it in a bag when you're not actually taking pictures.

Bring lots of CF media or a storage tank device of some sort (notebook computer, FlashTrax, Epson p2000 or similar device) so you don't get frustrated at having a full CF card and can't take any more pictures!

Since the price of developing the pictures is zero, take lots and lots of pictures and enjoy the experience!

[mdr]

Make sure you have a good quality lens cleaning cloth, and a blower like Giottos rocketblower and/or a sensor brush with you, as getting dust/sand on your optics and sensor is unavoidable.

Take spare batteries. Make sure they're fully charged.

If you take a storage device like my FlashTrax, make sure you have at least two CF cards, as I got caught out once sitting on a stone alongside the river, missing a shot of a pied kingfisher hovering above the river less than 20 feet away as my only CF card was in the FlashTrax.

I partly disagree with the 'keep snapping away' comment. Make sure you still take your time getting composition and exposure settings right. Hundreds of snaps are worth less than a couple of crackers.

[I Simonius]

Just try to decide before hand which lens yoou want most on te camera and try not to change if is there is any wind blowing, take a plastic bag to cover things up if it gets too windy or wet

[OviV]

I shoot near the ocean quite often. Keep in mind that although you may not see it, salt is often in the air. I just did a shoot at an air show by the beach and never got any spray on the camera or lens (I was actually a good distance from the water) yet when I got back to my room there was salt on the lens and camera body. Avoid changing lenses if at all possible not so much for the sand but for the salt which is very corrosive. If you must change lenses, do it inside your camera bag. After you get back to your room, take a slightly damp lintless rag and wipe down the camera and lenses that you used. Clean all lenses and filter with lens cleaner (make sure there are no sand grains on the surface that can scratch).

Ovi

[RobK]

I'm new at this too. but I suggest you purchase a clear lens filter to protect you lens from being scratched. I think it a (0) ev or something. I'm sure someone else in the forum can clarify, but its way cheaper than replacing your lens.

btw dont drink the water, Coronas cheaper...

[ScottE]

In dusty conditions, keep the camera covered when not using it to minimize the amount of dust that will settle on the camera and potentially get into workings.

As far as using it in Mexico, the camera has a Spanish setting so it should be OK.

Scott

[Lynn Lane]

Thanks for all of the suggestions guys! I'll definitely take them into consideration when down there. I won't be changing any lenses and will keep a blower with me. I leave in less that 24 hours. :D