Issues with filming in extremely high humidity at DVinfo.net

Chad Huntley · August 10th, 2008, 01:40 PM

In the near future I'm planning on doing some filming in Costa Rica. I've heard some horror stories of cameras failing in the high humidity, and was wondering what everyone here would suggest to protect my camera and other equipment it?

Jason Boyette · August 10th, 2008, 03:41 PM

I had a similar camera (V1U) in Honduras for 2 weeks and did not have a problem.
I've had worse problems in North Carolina going from air condition to outside...which is a really bad idea.

In Honduras there was no Air Condition so the camera was the same temperature all the time.

Hope this helps.

Chad Huntley · August 11th, 2008, 04:27 PM

So even with the moisture I should be alright filming there? Just as long as I avoid the drastic changes in temperature?

Greg Laves · August 11th, 2008, 09:51 PM

I live in a climate that can be extremely hot and humid. As Jason said the big problem is when you store the camera overnight in a nice air conditioned room and then the next morning, you take that nice cool camera out into the high heat and humidity. Instant condensation. Tapes will practically glue themselves to the video drum and then you are toast. I have managed to get the condensation dried out by putting the camera in a car with the tape transport open. And then turning the heater on full blast in the car. If you keep the camera at ambient tempertures, you shouldn't have much problem. Just avoid a lot of moisture.

Sean Walsh · August 12th, 2008, 02:25 AM

Not strictly a humidity solution but...another useful accessory to consider adding to your already heavy kit bag, or place in the back of the car, is a plug-in travel hair dryer.
That can often get you out of trouble where condensation/damp/moisture is a risk.
For a few dollars at a local store it's virtually a throw-away item - and it could save you a costly repair bill.

Jamie Hellmich · August 12th, 2008, 06:55 PM

If you can't warm the camera up before you go out, a zip-lok bag and 15 minute warmup period is hard to beat. Place the cam in the bag while still in the AC or cooler environment, and it'll warm up without condensing moisture during your drive/walk or wait. You can also turn the camera on in the bag to speed up warmup.

I've had no issues in high humidity weather here in FL. Only time I ever had the problem was several years ago coming out of an ice cold cruise ship into the Bahamas humid heat... instant errror message and 1 hour wait.

Once burnt... once learnt. Zip-lok bag now in every camera bag/case.

Jamie

August 10th, 2008, 01:40 PM	#1
Chad Huntley Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 41	Issues with filming in extremely high humidity In the near future I'm planning on doing some filming in Costa Rica. I've heard some horror stories of cameras failing in the high humidity, and was wondering what everyone here would suggest to protect my camera and other equipment it? __________________ Fansn.com - Original comedy movie website. Be sure to check out Locker Linebacker, Car Sledding, and the tubing videos!

August 11th, 2008, 04:27 PM	#3
Chad Huntley Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 41	So even with the moisture I should be alright filming there? Just as long as I avoid the drastic changes in temperature? __________________ Fansn.com - Original comedy movie website. Be sure to check out Locker Linebacker, Car Sledding, and the tubing videos!

August 12th, 2008, 02:25 AM	#5
Sean Walsh Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: London, Milton Keynes, Bedford UK & Beijing, China Posts: 102	Not strictly a humidity solution but...another useful accessory to consider adding to your already heavy kit bag, or place in the back of the car, is a plug-in travel hair dryer. That can often get you out of trouble where condensation/damp/moisture is a risk. For a few dollars at a local store it's virtually a throw-away item - and it could save you a costly repair bill. __________________ Sean Walsh http://www.visionworkstv.co.uk PPro, Z1, EX3 - Currently in Beijing at CCTV-News

August 12th, 2008, 06:55 PM	#6
Jamie Hellmich Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ormond Beach, FL Posts: 105	If you can't warm the camera up before you go out, a zip-lok bag and 15 minute warmup period is hard to beat. Place the cam in the bag while still in the AC or cooler environment, and it'll warm up without condensing moisture during your drive/walk or wait. You can also turn the camera on in the bag to speed up warmup. I've had no issues in high humidity weather here in FL. Only time I ever had the problem was several years ago coming out of an ice cold cruise ship into the Bahamas humid heat... instant errror message and 1 hour wait. Once burnt... once learnt. Zip-lok bag now in every camera bag/case. Jamie __________________ V8 Pro; Sony V1U & HC1 w/Ikelite housing + HG conversion lenses + gear; DIY Q6600/Vista 32bit pc with Sony BWU-200S BD burner & Asus DVD burner; Sony DSC-H9 still cam

August 10th, 2008, 03:41 PM	#2
Jason Boyette Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 145	I had a similar camera (V1U) in Honduras for 2 weeks and did not have a problem. I've had worse problems in North Carolina going from air condition to outside...which is a really bad idea. In Honduras there was no Air Condition so the camera was the same temperature all the time. Hope this helps.

August 11th, 2008, 09:51 PM	#4
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	I live in a climate that can be extremely hot and humid. As Jason said the big problem is when you store the camera overnight in a nice air conditioned room and then the next morning, you take that nice cool camera out into the high heat and humidity. Instant condensation. Tapes will practically glue themselves to the video drum and then you are toast. I have managed to get the condensation dried out by putting the camera in a car with the tape transport open. And then turning the heater on full blast in the car. If you keep the camera at ambient tempertures, you shouldn't have much problem. Just avoid a lot of moisture.