Care when shooting at the beach

[Thalicou]

Hi, I'd like to know how we should care of the camera when shooting at the beach. Thanks, Thais

[dcclark]

I suppose that water spray and blowing sand could be an issue, damaging your equipment.

My personal biggest problem is the danger of getting sand into the inner workings of your camera -- even working with a decent amount of care, I've still managed to get grit in my filter rings when switching filters at the beach. You could also get sand inside the camera if changing lenses.

Probably the best bet is simply NOT to change anything -- don't change lenses, don't change filters, and do keep at least a UV filter on the camera. If you HAVE to change something, do it out of wind, away from sand, preferably in a building.

[WooD]

I've shot 1000's of beach pictures. Just don't change anything unless you have to.

I worry more about the beach scum than blowing sand or water. If you don't live around the beach, beach scum is what I call the fog that can roll in anytime of day. It's really bad around here during northeasters.

[Taallyn]

If you need to change lens, then do so in something like a gallon sized Zip-lock bag, empty trash bag or grocery bag. It will help keep the wind and stuff out of the camera. You could also put the camera in a Zip-lock back and cut a hole for the lens to poke through while you are shooting. It won't be completely water/dust tight, but it will be better than nothing.

[milosh]

You can also use a shower cap over your camera body, to help keep tiny particles and also moisture away. I haven't used it, I just read about it.

[LeviathanFafner]

Don't drop it in the water, avoid getting sand into the camera, and oh yea don't drop it in the water!

[inkista]

Don't touch anything but your camera and your bag--that keeps you from getting sand on your hands and into your gear.