protection against humidity at DVinfo.net

Christen Bergerud · August 22nd, 2003, 10:25 PM

I'm shooting daily outdoors with a VX2000 in Fiji, where during the summer the 90/90 rule applies (90 fahrenheit/90% humidity) almost daily. Electronics and metal are known to rust out here in a matter of months, and computer motherboards are known to start malfunctioning when mold starts growing on them.

So my question is - what's the best way to protect the VX2000? We have air-conditioned offices, but I wonder if storing them in air conditioning part of the day might even make the problem worse and cause condensation to fog the lens.

My current theory is to keep the camera inside a rain-proof cover at all times, and keep a dessicant inside the cover to dry out any initial wetness.

Anyone have any experience with this kind of climate?

Adrian Douglas · August 23rd, 2003, 02:43 AM

It's pretty damn humid here in Japan in the summer so I keep all my camera gear in large plastic tubs with lids. Inside the tubs I put large dehumidifiers. The dehumidifers and plastic tubs can be found at places like Home Depot or other DIY type stores. Not sure what Fiji has to offer but you might find something suitable.

Mike Rehmus · August 23rd, 2003, 09:42 AM

I'd store the camera in a Haliburton or Pelican case. The one's that float. And then insure that the dessicant is changed everytime I opened the case.

The operating heat of the 150/2000 should keep the moisure away more or less. The part I'd worry about is the lens which is well away from the electronics.

In the short run, I'd guess the camera will not have problems. But if you keep the camera there for an extended time, I'd expect you will have interesting problems and have to consider the camera a sacrifice to the humidity gods.

Storing it dry should extend its life.

Have you checked with Sony to see if they have a tropical model? Conformally coated circuit cards, corossion resistant connectors and transport. That sort of thing.

Harry Settle · August 23rd, 2003, 10:31 AM

Short term humidity shouldn't be a problem. Yes I know it is humid all the time. What I mean is that when you store your camera, you do so with dessicant, air conditioning, or whatever. The periods of time that you have the camera out and in use won't amount to a hill of beans. Just take care of them in storage, that's when the damage is occurring.

August 22nd, 2003, 10:25 PM	#1
Christen Bergerud New Boot Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 6	protection against humidity I'm shooting daily outdoors with a VX2000 in Fiji, where during the summer the 90/90 rule applies (90 fahrenheit/90% humidity) almost daily. Electronics and metal are known to rust out here in a matter of months, and computer motherboards are known to start malfunctioning when mold starts growing on them. So my question is - what's the best way to protect the VX2000? We have air-conditioned offices, but I wonder if storing them in air conditioning part of the day might even make the problem worse and cause condensation to fog the lens. My current theory is to keep the camera inside a rain-proof cover at all times, and keep a dessicant inside the cover to dry out any initial wetness. Anyone have any experience with this kind of climate?

August 23rd, 2003, 02:43 AM	#2
Adrian Douglas Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Chigasaki, Japan. Posts: 1,660	It's pretty damn humid here in Japan in the summer so I keep all my camera gear in large plastic tubs with lids. Inside the tubs I put large dehumidifiers. The dehumidifers and plastic tubs can be found at places like Home Depot or other DIY type stores. Not sure what Fiji has to offer but you might find something suitable. __________________ Adrian DVInfo.net Search for quick answers Where to buy? From the best in the business...DVInfo.net sponsors

August 23rd, 2003, 09:42 AM	#3
Mike Rehmus Wrangler Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vallejo, California Posts: 4,049	I'd store the camera in a Haliburton or Pelican case. The one's that float. And then insure that the dessicant is changed everytime I opened the case. The operating heat of the 150/2000 should keep the moisure away more or less. The part I'd worry about is the lens which is well away from the electronics. In the short run, I'd guess the camera will not have problems. But if you keep the camera there for an extended time, I'd expect you will have interesting problems and have to consider the camera a sacrifice to the humidity gods. Storing it dry should extend its life. Have you checked with Sony to see if they have a tropical model? Conformally coated circuit cards, corossion resistant connectors and transport. That sort of thing. __________________ Mike Rehmus Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!

August 23rd, 2003, 10:31 AM	#4
Harry Settle Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 276	Short term humidity shouldn't be a problem. Yes I know it is humid all the time. What I mean is that when you store your camera, you do so with dessicant, air conditioning, or whatever. The periods of time that you have the camera out and in use won't amount to a hill of beans. Just take care of them in storage, that's when the damage is occurring. __________________ "DOH"!!!