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-   -   Cameras more rugged than the EX3 (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/open-dv-discussion/509026-cameras-more-rugged-than-ex3.html)

Mitch Buss July 4th, 2012 02:52 PM

Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
Hello all,

I'm working on a new show in Alaska, and we have been shooting on EX3's for the past 4 months. During winter, these cameras performed wonderfully in the -40 temperatures. Now that it is summer, and the village goes from being unbelievably dusty to pouring rain and mist, we have had 6 cameras go down in the past month. Does anyone have any recommendations on cameras better suited to these elements, yet maintains an image quality on par with the EX3's? With the amount of issues we have had with these cameras, we are thinking of investing in different ones, assuming a second season.

We have been taking all necessary precautions one would when shooting in this environment. (Rain covers, transporting them in big sealed cases) We have actually begun seam sealing every part of the camera with silicone.

If anyone has any recommendations on cameras, or has any other tips on full weather proofing, I would love to hear it.

Thanks

Mitch

Hubert Hofer July 4th, 2012 04:26 PM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
Sadly, I can't give you any advise, I have the same problem with Sonys in tropical humidity. I have actually suggested to Sony many moons ago to see if it were possible to build an expedition camera so to speak, along the lines of the old Nikonos. A tough, waterproof, no frills HD video camera. Couldn't be too hard. I'm sure it would cut it's own niche market in no time. Look at that little toughie Gopro. I haven't seen eject cassette & wait for an hour on it yet. How about Sony Expedition HD for a name ?

Les Wilson July 4th, 2012 06:38 PM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Hubert Hofer (Post 1741594)
... I have actually suggested to Sony many moons ago to see if it were possible to build an expedition camera so to speak, along the lines of the old Nikonos. A tough, waterproof, no frills HD video camera.....

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/general-...ml#post1638267

It's not the full size camera needed but they did kinda listen.

Lee Mullen July 4th, 2012 09:13 PM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
Canon XF300.

Mike Beckett July 4th, 2012 11:53 PM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
The NX70's stated operating temperature only goes down to 0 degrees though (32F).

Gordon Hoffman July 6th, 2012 12:31 AM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
The EX3 operating temperature is listed as only 0 degrees C also which is common with alot of cameras though they will work at well below freezing.

Gordon

David Heath July 6th, 2012 03:55 AM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Les Wilson (Post 1741608)
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/general-...ml#post1638267

It's not the full size camera needed but they did kinda listen.

When I read the first post the NX70 was my first thought, and I think it's about as good as it gets for weatherprofing. But note you do have to seal up some of the ports etc for full weatherproofing so there is a loss of functionaity in that mode. And it's only AVC-HD, and the front end isn't up to the EX3.

What about the sort of housing normally used for shallow underwater work? Not as expensive as a true U/W housing but if it protects the camera whilst underwater, it should be good against dust rain etc. See: ewa-marine:*VEX3 underwater housing for Sony PMW-EX3 digital XDCAM camcorders

Les Wilson July 6th, 2012 04:27 AM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
To be clear, I wasn't suggesting the NX70 to satisfy the need of the OP. I only brought it up in response to Huber's post about Sony "not listening". Sorry to go OT.

I've used the EWA Marine bags. They are difficult to work with as you cannot see what you are doing critically. I had to run the camera in auto mode and just do basic framing of the shot. YMMV

David Rice July 6th, 2012 06:58 AM

Re: Cameras more rugged than the EX3
 
In Alaska it's not the winter cold that destroys electronic gear, it's the summer humidity which can hover over 90%. In the Alaska Bush you will loose camera's to humidity, dust, mud, insects, and by accident. Either by dropping the gear, setting the gear on the wet ground, or loosing the gear over the side of a boat.

I suggest using lower cost cameras and other electronics in the Alaska Bush and remote villages, and be prepared to suffer losses.


Experienced Alaskan camera destroyer and loser........


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