Camera Rain Covers at DVinfo.net

David Fox · November 10th, 2013, 03:18 PM

Pretty well all my video work is outside and in the UK at this time of year means a more than evens chance that it's going to rain.

This weekend I and all my gear, including my camera (JVC GY-HM600E) got totally soaked.

I wondered how good / effective the camera rain jackets are, there seems to be a couple of suppliers for my camera model in the UK - Porta Brace and Camrade.

Anyone have any experience of using rain jackets in general or specifically with the GY-HM600 ?

Thanks in advance

Allan Black · November 10th, 2013, 04:48 PM

We've got the Porta-Brace and the instructions say, don't wait till it actually rains to install it. That's when trouble occurs and you need to practise using it.

Only used it twice and it didn't actually rain, but it was very humid, we need sachets of silicagel taped inside it. HTH.

Cheers.

Paul Mailath · November 12th, 2013, 03:04 AM

you can try

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893960-REG/ruggard_rc_p18f_18_rain_cover_for.html
or

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/134018-REG/Ewa_Marine_EM_VC_1000_VC_1000_Rain_Cape.html
you only have to throw them on when it rains

Mike Beckett · November 12th, 2013, 07:51 AM

I'm a fan of the Kata-type of throw-over covers. Closely-tailored ones tend to get in the way of me operating the camera. We get a LOT of rain, and I've been through a lot of different types and brands of raincover until I found what I felt to be the best.

See my Panasonic AC130 Kata cover here. Kata have improved the design since the nasty green ones, you can even slip it over a mic with a softie on it now.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasoni...ml#post1790446

The HM600 is a similar size, so this might give you an idea. I actually bought a size up from the model that was recommended for my camera. I'm glad I did, it would've been a bit tight otherwise.

None of the rain covers are a joy to use - it's pouring with rain, and you're using your beloved camera inside a giant plastic enclosure. But needs must, sometimes.

David Fox · November 25th, 2013, 01:55 PM

Mike thanks for your input, it's much appreciated. Always useful to get hands-on feedback from those that have already trodden the path, and since I see we're using the kit for the same purpose as I am, you'll know what it's like standing in the middle of a field, whilst it pours down, waiting for a train!

I have a tripod mounted remote, so the access to the camera body is less of an issue, but I think I'd still like the option and the kata solution looks to be one worth exploring, it would also allow me to use the side mounted view finder should I need too.

Mike Beckett · November 26th, 2013, 03:40 AM

Hi David,

I get very, very, very wet sometimes. :)

For the lens controller, I use a Manfrotto 523RC rain cover, it slips over the tripod pan bar, and is large enough to cover the controller and your hand. It keeps the controller dry, and keeps your hand warm and dry too. I'm never sure how waterproof this sort of equipment is, so I err on the side of caution.

Rain Cover Remote Control 523RC - Remote Controls | Manfrotto

Again, people would use plastic bags etc., but the great thing about proper rain gear is it's tailored for the use, easy to put on and take off, and it's a lot quieter than regular "garbage bags", for both handling noise and rain noise.

My Kata backpacks also some with slip-on waterproof covers. I come with a very fetching selection of waterproof trousers, Gore-tex gaiters, boots, raincoats, gloves, hats and miserable expressions...

November 10th, 2013, 03:18 PM	#1
David Fox Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 25	Camera Rain Covers Pretty well all my video work is outside and in the UK at this time of year means a more than evens chance that it's going to rain. This weekend I and all my gear, including my camera (JVC GY-HM600E) got totally soaked. I wondered how good / effective the camera rain jackets are, there seems to be a couple of suppliers for my camera model in the UK - Porta Brace and Camrade. Anyone have any experience of using rain jackets in general or specifically with the GY-HM600 ? Thanks in advance

November 10th, 2013, 04:48 PM	#2
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,887	Re: Camera Rain Covers We've got the Porta-Brace and the instructions say, don't wait till it actually rains to install it. That's when trouble occurs and you need to practise using it. Only used it twice and it didn't actually rain, but it was very humid, we need sachets of silicagel taped inside it. HTH. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

November 12th, 2013, 03:04 AM	#3
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	Re: Camera Rain Covers you can try http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893960-REG/ruggard_rc_p18f_18_rain_cover_for.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/134018-REG/Ewa_Marine_EM_VC_1000_VC_1000_Rain_Cape.html you only have to throw them on when it rains __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

November 12th, 2013, 07:51 AM	#4
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Camera Rain Covers I'm a fan of the Kata-type of throw-over covers. Closely-tailored ones tend to get in the way of me operating the camera. We get a LOT of rain, and I've been through a lot of different types and brands of raincover until I found what I felt to be the best. See my Panasonic AC130 Kata cover here. Kata have improved the design since the nasty green ones, you can even slip it over a mic with a softie on it now. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/panasoni...ml#post1790446 The HM600 is a similar size, so this might give you an idea. I actually bought a size up from the model that was recommended for my camera. I'm glad I did, it would've been a bit tight otherwise. None of the rain covers are a joy to use - it's pouring with rain, and you're using your beloved camera inside a giant plastic enclosure. But needs must, sometimes. __________________ Irish Railway Videos on Youtube

November 25th, 2013, 01:55 PM	#5
David Fox Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 25	Re: Camera Rain Covers Mike thanks for your input, it's much appreciated. Always useful to get hands-on feedback from those that have already trodden the path, and since I see we're using the kit for the same purpose as I am, you'll know what it's like standing in the middle of a field, whilst it pours down, waiting for a train! I have a tripod mounted remote, so the access to the camera body is less of an issue, but I think I'd still like the option and the kata solution looks to be one worth exploring, it would also allow me to use the side mounted view finder should I need too.

November 26th, 2013, 03:40 AM	#6
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: Camera Rain Covers Hi David, I get very, very, very wet sometimes. :) For the lens controller, I use a Manfrotto 523RC rain cover, it slips over the tripod pan bar, and is large enough to cover the controller and your hand. It keeps the controller dry, and keeps your hand warm and dry too. I'm never sure how waterproof this sort of equipment is, so I err on the side of caution. Rain Cover Remote Control 523RC - Remote Controls \| Manfrotto Again, people would use plastic bags etc., but the great thing about proper rain gear is it's tailored for the use, easy to put on and take off, and it's a lot quieter than regular "garbage bags", for both handling noise and rain noise. My Kata backpacks also some with slip-on waterproof covers. I come with a very fetching selection of waterproof trousers, Gore-tex gaiters, boots, raincoats, gloves, hats and miserable expressions... __________________ Irish Railway Videos on Youtube