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Underwater camera longevity

Started Aug 26, 2019 | Discussions thread
OP Robaire Forum Member • Posts: 73
Re: Underwater camera longevity

I think that even with an exposed battery opening there would be damage with salt water exposure that would corrode the electrical connection to the camera. I had a Sony battery that was ruined by accidentally going through the wash. Anyway, I bought a renewed Lumix DC-TS7 for $149 that will be fine for my use in the wet/snorkeling until such time it leaks too. Interestingly, this is from the owner's manual:

"Check for cracks and deformation of the rubber seal on the side door.
• The integrity of the rubber seals may decrease after about 1 year, with use and age. To
avoid permanently damaging the camera, the seals should be replaced once each year.
Please contact Panasonic for related costs and other information."

I would guess it would not be cost effective to ship the camera to Panasonic every year and pay for new seals to be cost effective.  I think I will try a thin layer of silicon grease periodically on the seals for the battery/SD card door.  Perhaps that will extend the life of the camera to some degree.

 Robaire's gear list:Robaire's gear list
Sony Alpha NEX-7 Sony a6500 Sony E 16mm F2.8 Pancake Tokina AT-X Pro 100mm f/2.8 Macro Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro +4 more
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