What’s Your Preference?

newPerspective · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:35 AM

OK, so the best kept secret of Photography is to take your camera everywhere. Cos you never know when you might get a chance to take that stunning picture you've been waiting for. EVERYWHERE ... hm!

For a software-techie like me, carrying a camera around would be like a construction guy wearing a yellow hat, walking around with some art brushes (please do not interpret this in a derogatory way)

So, now that raises a question for me: "would you leave your camera in your car?" (If, it getting stolen is not a concern). Would you be worried about the weather damaging the camera?

Extreme cold weather and condensation is not my concern either. Its the heat. I'm in Los Angeles, and where I work, the heat can get to be about 100 deg F on an average summer day.

I googled on it a lil bit and there is mixed reviews about it. I'm in a dilemma. What would you guys do?

candleman · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:51 AM

would i leave my camera in the car... ?
no.. because my cars central locking unlocks itself randomly... a thief will get it before the heat does..

JodyGall · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:57 AM

Absolutely not! If my camera leaves the house with me, it always stays on me.

B.. · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:57 AM

We have cheap but good point 'n shoots living in each of our two cars. My biggest problem is that we use rechargeable batteries in them, and they inevitably run down over time. So I carry an 'emergency' set of AA batteries in my purse.

B

dakwegmo · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 02:58 AM

First, anyone carrying a camera around sticks out like a sore thumb. If the mantra were, take your camera everywhere, except the places where it would make you feel out of place, then nobody would take their camera with them anywhere. Consequently, there'd be a lot fewer interesting shots in the world. I am a techie, I've worked in data centers and office towers, and regularly get funny looks from people. You get used to it and eventually learn to ignore it.

As for leaving it in the car, I would absolutely not leave a digital camera in the car on a hot day. If you leave your car in direct sunlight on a 100° day, the temperature inside your car can get up to 140°. Those temperatures are sure to wreak havoc on the heat sensitive photo sensor in your digital camera.

If you really feel awkward about carrying your camera, get a bag that you can carry around that doesn't look like a camera bag and keep it in there, but I wouldn't leave it in the car.

trelaflip · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 03:22 AM

I leave mine in my car all the time. In my trunk I have a little fire proof cabinet with is bolted down to my car and chained.

photonoobie · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:01 AM

Aside from risk of theft, I think it's fine. If you're insured, then what's the problem? I assume you have a camera bag with insulation so I don't see the risks of heat - you won't be leaving your camera in the open on your dashboard (or will you?)

The more you use your equipment, the better value you are getting out of it. At the end of the day they are just depreciating items (yes, even lenses although at a slower rate)

To be fair it's all personal preference. I take my cam to the beach whereas my friend is paranoid about sand/salt/corrosion/theft.... I could go on. Meanwhile I'm the one with great beach pictures.

cabrown · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:03 AM

I leave mine in the car all the time, never in direct sunlight or in sight of a passerby.

JGennuso · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:29 AM

I've left my camera in the car a few times. I just cover it with a coat...or a bag...or whatever I have handy. The only thing I worry about (living in Canada!) is the cold.