Taking camera to a beach: avoid or safe?

[Vladyxa]

I am planning a beach vacation! I will take my new Nikon D7100, but I am concerned about taking the camera to the beach.

What are the risks, and what precautions I should take?
Or should I just avoid taking it to the beach?

Thank you!

 

[hirejn]

Joel Nisleit Photography | Colors of Hawaii | Cliff Diver. Take it. Beaches afford some great shots. However, be advised that any salt water on metal parts very quickly leads to corrosion. If that happens, rub it off with pure water and a microfiber cloth. I got splashed taking this shot and my hot shoe and flash foot corroded. My flash actually didn't work for a while. I cleaned them and saved them by using the method described, but it was a lot of work. Salt water doesn't harm plastic. Take a towel with you to wipe sand from hands and equipment if necessary. You don't want a single grain of sand getting inside any of your equipment. You can take the gear; just use it wisely and safely.

 

[KmH]

I did photography at the beach almost daily for close to 10 years.

Wind blown sand and salt spray (very small salt water droplets in the air) are the main hazards. When the wind is blowing off shore, there is almost no salt in the air. When the wind is blowing on shore and the surf is more than 2 feet or so, there is a lot of salt in the air.

Like Joel mentions, having the right supplies on hand is a key - camera bag, natural bristle brush (3" is handy), rocket blower, and a damp with bottled water lint free cloth, carefully and complete wipe down (except the glass) at the end of each the day.

 

[vincentpaulrevo]

I've went on to a few beaches with my camera and the experience was fun because of all the shots you can take. I recommend having a UV filter or polarizer filter to protect your lens from the sand in the air. It's never good to get sand on your gear but by being careful you won't have to much of a problem.

A lens hood can also be helpful in this situation as well, It will provide you with some cover for your lens and it will keep any additional splashes of water off your lens being that it's plastic. Other than listening to those recommendations and the other recommendations from this thread you'll be safe at the beach. Always remember to have a lot of fun to while shooting at the beach.

 

[Big Mike]

Make sure that your camera is insured (likely under you home owner's or renter's policy). That way, you don't have to be too worried about it getting destroyed or stolen etc.

I was on a beach vacation with my family this winter and it was the first time to the ocean for my three small kids. The opportunity was too good to pass up, so I had a camera with my, even when I was up to my chest in the water.

To be fair, I didn't use my most expensive lenses and it was one of my backup camera bodies.

 

[ktan7]

If you are taking your camera to the beach in a humid place, be careful of lense condensation. Keep your camera in an airtight seal prior to bringing it to the beach.

 

[Big Mike]

If you are taking your camera to the beach in a humid place, be careful of lense condensation. Keep your camera in an airtight seal prior to bringing it to the beach.

Condensation can be a problem in humid areas, but you likely only have a problem if your camera gear is cold. For example, if you are staying in an air-conditioned hotel room, and you then go outside into a warm & humid atmosphere...you will get condensation on anything that is cold. So the trick is to let the gear warm up, before you expose it to the warm/humid air.

 

[success100]

I also would NOT change a lens on the beach

 

[Trever1t]

Using a filter is a good idea and I will mount my CPL for it's effect. One thing you must know, sand and grit will get on the lens element, filter thread and body. USE A ROCKET BLASTER, do not wipe off the sand.

 

[CaptainNapalm]

I would just use common sense. If it's a very windy day blowing sand all over the place I'd likely keep the camera in it's case. On a good day I'd likely throw a filter on the lens and be good to go and take pictures.

 

[bc_steve]

you'll miss some cool shots if you don't take it ...

 

[EIngerson]

I do it all the time. Take it. You didn't buy a camera to leave it home.

 

[Vladyxa]

Thanks for all the responses!
You're right, leaving camera behind does not make sense. )
I should use common sense, and be careful.

May be after my trip I can post some pictures for critique and suggestions. Is there particular section of the forum to post pictures?

 

[Solarflare]

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