Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow: How To Protect Your Gear From the Great Outdoors (page 2)

Underwater shooting isn't just for the crew from National Geographic. Quality underwater gear is available in a wide range of prices, making it possible for just about anyone intrigued by the deep to capture some impressive shots.

First, check with the manufacturer of your camcorder to find out if it can be submerged to the depth your shoot requires. Ewa Marine makes a video housing for depths up to 30 feet for $397. More sophisticated housings start around $1000. They are available from Ewa Marine, Amphibico and UnderSea Video Housings. Some camcorder manufacturers (Sharp, Sony and JVC) also make underwater housings for their camcorders. When searching for the right one for your needs, get answers to the following questions:

1. Compatibility: Does this unit work with your specific camcorder brand and model?
2. Ease of installation: How difficult is it to install your camcorder in the housing?
3. Ease of use: Are the controls easy to access and use? Do they allow you to perform all the functions you require?
4. Visibility: Does the unit offer increased color saturation and definition for better visibility? Does it correct refraction?
5. Construction: Is the housing rugged enough for your purposes? How is the housing sealed?
6. Depth: Is the unit guaranteed to the depths required for your production?
7. Buoyancy: Does the housing approach neutral buoyancy. Are weights required?
8. Peripherals: Does it have the capability to accommodate the peripherals you'll need, such as lights or video line out?

Once you've taken the plunge and purchased a housing, take a plunge into the deep--with the housing empty. That way, you can make sure it's watertight at the depths you'll be taking your camcorder. Some underwater gear is also available for rent.

Dust is not only very damaging to your camcorder; it's insidious. Be prepared for dust, not only in the obvious places, but in the form of chalk dust in classrooms, cement dust and sawdust at construction sites, flour dust in a kitchen, residue from a smoky room, and so on.

To protect your lens, keep a filter on it at all times. Stand as far from the action as is practical and zoom in. Protect your camcorder from the worst of the dust with a cover. During production, you can clean the filter with a can of compressed air. Don't wipe dust from the filter and risk scratching it with the grit. After the production, carefully wipe down your camcorder as soon as possible in a clean, dust-free location. Clean all surfaces with a lint-free cloth or a blast of compressed air. Check and remove all dust from openings and compartments, and, if you were shooting for more than an hour, clean the heads. Find out how to do this in "Clean Up Your Video Act" in Videomaker's August issue.

The main problem stemming from a hot, humid location is condensation. Like drops that bead a cold mint julep on a hot summer's day, moisture can collect inside your camcorder. Dampness is disastrous for delicate electronic components. Many camcorders have a dew sensor that recognizes the presence of condensation and shuts down all functions until the moisture evaporates. Moisture causes tapes to stick and can result in the growth of fungus inside your lens.

To avoid condensation problems, do two things. First, pack moisture absorbing silica gel or another drying-agent product whenever you travel to a humid location. These products absorb moisture so your camcorder won't. Most are reusable. When the drying agents become damp themselves, simply dry them in an oven set on low heat. A good rule of thumb is to purchase one ounce for every cubic foot of sealed container.

The second line of defense against condensation is to allow your camcorder to gradually warm to the temperature of the location. Whether you're taking your camcorder from an air-conditioned car to a Vietnamese jungle or from an air-conditioned hotel room to a humid indoor swimming area, allow about 30 minutes for the camcorder to acclimatize before shooting.

Condensation can also occur when bringing your camera into a warm room from a cold location. Cover your camcorder with a vinyl or plastic cover for an hour when you come in from the cold. The cover will keep the moist air out while the camcorder warms.

A general rule of thumb is to use your camcorder only when it has reached the ambient temperature of the location. You should also avoid overheating your camcorder by transporting it in the trunk of a car or by setting it up without adequate ventilation.

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