Waterproof Camera Cases Sometimes Leak

Waterproof cases are a great accessory for your digital camera. But have you ever wondered if buying a waterproof camera case and jumping into the ocean to snap a few pictures of that beautiful coral reef could destroy your camera? Well, you'd be right to wonder, because it certainly could. Water and digital electronics are a bad combination. At least for the electronics it's a bad idea . . . the water will be fine ;) If you still think trying it would be a good idea, there are a few simple precautions you can take to improve your odds for a good experience.

Even experienced divers have precautions they take before each dive in regards to themselves and their equipment. That includes and photography equipment they'll be using. If your camera case is new, make sure you read the manual thoroughly, and understand the proper use of your case. That includes the maximum depth the case is rated for. They can range quite a bit. Some are good down to 200 feet, but some are less than 100. You don't want your digital camera to be soaked because you didn't read the accessory's manual!

First of all, try out the case with nothing in it (at least nothing valuable) either in your bathtub or a sink. Leave it there for a good hour or so. It's an easy test, and will do wonders for your comfort level. Once your case has passed that test, go for a little more depth. If you plan on doing a pool dive before your next scuba trip, be sure to take your camera along. Take a few pictures while in the pool, preferably from varying distances, lighting, and angles. This should also give you a good idea of what your Canon camera is capable of under the water. There are different challenges to getting good underwater pictures. Generally speaking, the less water between you and your subject the better.

After a pool dive, be sure to rinse your camera housing in fresh water. Chlorine can be very detrimental to housing materials, controls and seals.

If your camera case is going to leak, it's going to be around the seals. You'll want to inspect these seals before and after every dive. They should be kept clean and well lubricated. The case should come with a lubricant or grease to help with this. Don't experiment with different lubricants. Be vigilant for sand, hair, and other foreign particles on the seals.

An additional precaution you can take is to get flooding insurance. The value of this varies greatly of course with the replacement cost of your camera. If it's a simple $200 point and shoot, then it's probably not worth it. An expensive SLR is of course a different story. Make sure to use all possible protections for your digital camera (and also for your more valuable accessories) from water if it's worth it