Protecting Cameras from the Elements?

[mty10]

Hey Guys,

I was just interested in how you kept the rain/sleet/hail/snow/dust/tears of your rigs?
And to what level you would let them be exposed before pulling out of the shoot.

I'll post pics of my setup (DSLR) with its rain protection tonight sometime, but was just interested in some of you other guys set ups.

M.

 

[custerc]

Personally, my setup is "oh sh*t, it's raining, run for shelter!" I don't have any pictures of it, but it mostly looks like me, running for shelter in the rain and trying to cover the camera with my hands. I've found it to be pretty effective, or at least, my camera still works....

 

[StuOS]

I use a commercial cover when warranted. I've heard about a guy who shoots "The Deadliest Catch" who, I believe, uses trash bags.

 

[royfel]

Deadliest Catch does not use trash bags: It does use inverted large size ziplock brand bags (5 for $4.65). Cut hole for lens with shade and gaffer tape, cut hole for view finder..gaffer tape. Zipper shut to allow just enough space for hands, zipper shut completly and throw in some drying gel packs when not in use. (Using a HDV camera not DSLR)
That being said (from Discovery) : The show uses about 50 Sony HDV cameras per season, and most of these are lost or inoperable by the end of the run. Saltwater and ice are not good for high-definition cameras and tiny viewing screens. Only cameras with LCD viewing screens are used because of safety issues -- it's tough to stay aware of your surroundings if you're constantly looking through a small viewfinder