Color Runs

Do I need to be concerned about the color dust used in color runs? They are doing a practice coloring event this week and I'm going to photograph it, but have concerns about the color dust getting on/in the camera. I've googled it some and it seems like most say to put the camera in a plastic bag. That looks like it would result in blurry pics. Any suggestions as to stay clean during this event? Any tips for it?

Lenses that I have available:
Canon 60mm macro
Sigma 150mm macro
Canon 100-400 (but I figure since it is already known as the dust pump, this is the last one anyone would want to use)
Canon 18-55 kit lens

You could always pick up a cheap plastic rain cover. I have a pack of 3 in my pack (I live in the NW you neve rknow when the rain will start). I picked them up on amazon for like $7. It leaves the front element open so your not shooting thru the cover.

What is color dust and what is color runs?

Looks like some sort of running event where they throw color on the runners. The FAQ I looked at did not say what the purpose was.

Looks like they use cornstarch. I would not want that stuff in my camera at all. I would use rain gear and try to stay out of it as much as possible.

Numenorean wrote in post #15675225
What is color dust and what is color runs?

They are supposed to be fun runs that anyone that can run/walk can take part in. At the checkpoints, you get color thrown on you. As stated above, from googling, the dust is corn starch.

I'm doing this for work, but have never been to one before so it is new to me.

I read on one site that they wrapped the camera in saran wrap. I may have to do that since I can't get a rain cover here in 2 days and since it will be my own equipment, I don't have any use for a rain cover after this.

Plastic wrap sounds good, and while I seldom use a clear filter, this might be a good time for one... if it's of decent quality.

neat event, reads like that Holi festival the Hindu people have in India to welcome Spring. Folks have been photographing it for years, I wouldn't worry too much about getting it into your camera. 7D is pretty well sealed, at least I've never had an issue with mine in bad weather - check and see if any of those lenses you are weather sealed and bring the one that is.

Put the camera in a clear plastic bag with the end of the lens coming out the opening. Securely rubber-band the bag around the lens. When you're done, get as much of the dust off the bag and front element as possible (maybe a rocket blower), and remove the bag in a place where the remaining dust won't kick back onto the rest of the camera.

The 7D has a fair amount of weather sealing. The kit lens will probably give you the most flexibility for getting a mix of nice wide crowd shots and moderate close-ups. However, I personally love getting closeups so I'd probably wind up with the 150mm, and just accept that I'm not getting wide shots.

Just pick up one of these.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …18_Rainsleeve_S​et_of.html

I've got some OpTech rainsleeves in my grip bag, never had to use them but they look promising.

But since the event is in just a day, it's probably too late to get your hands on some - unless someone in your local photography club has one on hand to sell or give or loan out.

Thought about shooting one, but instead of bringing my 5D & lenses, I'd probably use my Rebel XT w/ kit lens... that way it's more expendable (and possibly cooler looking by the time it's all said and done!)

Thanks everyone.

Since I can't get a premade cover by tomorrow (no stores and I'm not a member of any clubs, not sure if there is even a club here), I think I'll just make one using ziplock bags, maybe double bag it to be on the extra safe side. I can't afford to use the 7D for this event since I've got a big trip planned in a little over 1 month, so I'll use my 40D instead.

I may pick up one of those optech covers in the future since they are cheap.

badams wrote in post #15679952
Thanks everyone.

Since I can't get a premade cover by tomorrow (no stores and I'm not a member of any clubs, not sure if there is even a club here), I think I'll just make one using ziplock bags, maybe double bag it to be on the extra safe side. I can't afford to use the 7D for this event since I've got a big trip planned in a little over 1 month, so I'll use my 40D instead.

I may pick up one of those optech covers in the future since they are cheap.

Pick up a pack for sure, you never know when it will come in handy.