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Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

Started Apr 20, 2019 | Discussions
Sbiriguda Forum Member • Posts: 98
Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

Did anyone try to use the polyethylene bags for DSLR camera + lens?
Like this one
https://www.coastwatersports.co.uk/it/aquapac-custodia-impermeabile-sistema-di-telecamere-con-hard-lenti-ipx8-p-8229.html?currency=EUR&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIn8a1zZvc4QIVSed3Ch33AghuEAQYAiABEgKFGPD_BwE
Is it safe for the camera? Are there examples of pictures taken with this type of cover on the gear? Perhaps they can be used also out of the water in rainy snowy or very dusty environments

PHXAZCRAIG
PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

There have been a number of posts about diving and snorkeling with plastic bag covers over the years.   Not too common.

I think they would work fine for snorkeling.   For diving,  common complaint is that the pressure build-up makes it difficult or impossible to operate some of the controls.

Most people worry about the risk of snagging on something and puncturing the plastic.

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OP Sbiriguda Forum Member • Posts: 98
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

Thanks
Do you think they would be useful at least to protect the gear from rain or dust? They seem to be safer than DIY solutions or lighter plastic bags meant for rain only

PHXAZCRAIG
PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

I would think they could be perfect for rain protection.   But there may be simpler options as well.  Above water maybe there are more risks of punctures, and punctures which you might not find out about until the next time you snorkel.

I've been known to put my point-n-shoots into a dive housing to use in the rain, or while on a small boat.

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Yar1971 Regular Member • Posts: 409
general answer rather no, but devil in details

Is it safe for the camera? Are there examples of pictures taken with this type of cover on the gear? Perhaps they can be used also out of the water in rainy snowy or very dusty environments

In general, my opinion about these soft waterproof bags is rather negative. Note, I base only on my personal experience with one model for digital compact camera, not DSLR. Used rather for boating (kayak) than snorkeling. Most problems they create are safety (closing elements or breaking bellows joints) and limited access to controls. Some DSLR models may be better in the last aspect, but  it may differ from case to case. Many have something like internal glove for manipulation with control or zoom ring of the lens.

To the details:

-Check userser's opinion of that particular model or try to get it into your hands before buy. Absolutely critical element is camera gate and other sealing element. You have to know if it's absolutely raliable. My Eva marine bag had absolutely leak-proof gate, but small air pumping valve could be easily accidentaly open. If this would happen not on a boat (like it did once or twice), but while snorkeling... I had to do some extra protection for it in longer use. I also saw (that could be early aquapacs long ago!) similar bags closed only by velcro - just complicated & expensive way of susicide for our equipment. It's cheaper to just throw the bare camera into muddy water... That particular model You have linked doesn't look that bad, but I'd realy like to see it in real before use. It's just hard to judge completely basing on photos.

- These kind of waterproof camera bags are rather bulky and have bad handling in ergonomic sense (bad grip, limited control access). It may not be a stopping factor when using them for snorkeling or just as  protection on small, unstable boat like kayak/canoe. But a substitute for camera raincover is completely different matter - in my opinion it would be 100% impractical nonsense. You don't need for that task something absolutely hermetic, bulky, terrible to handle and operate.

Regards,

-J.

P.S. By the way: when I changed my compact into m4/3 mirrorless, I quit using Eva Marine bags. Instead buying DSLR model, for kayak trips I use just waterproof compact without any casing or bag. My bigger camera stays safely at home.

OP Sbiriguda Forum Member • Posts: 98
Re: general answer rather no, but devil in details

Indeed I think they are not really useful. Long lens is not usable underwater. Wide angle is much more useful but mostly will not fit with all the plastic bags. As for rain and dust they could be useful but there are perhaps simpler and cheaper options

Adam Palmer Contributing Member • Posts: 964
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

I've learned the hard way that those can fail.  Meikon has some affordable hard housings for quite a few camera models.  Also branded as seafrogs.

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kelpdiver Veteran Member • Posts: 5,564
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

Adam Palmer wrote:

I've learned the hard way that those can fail. Meikon has some affordable hard housings for quite a few camera models. Also branded as seafrogs.

above water, which is seems to be where the OP intends to use them a considerable portion of the time, large plastic housings are not practical.

If OP is not actually going into the water, the EWA types seem like overkill.   Plastic covers and/or picking weather proofed models seems most practical.

Adam Palmer Contributing Member • Posts: 964
Re: Waterproof plastic bags for snorkeling with DSLR

I think this might be the wrong forum for above water photography

those cases seem a little overkill for rain protection

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