How to protect your camera

[SophiaaaaaX]

I have lost my GoPro once in Thailand in a dive with a bit of rain and wind.... I blame the 1 dollar safety tether string(not safe at all apparently, it just broke) and I then lost 90% of the valuable footage I took during that trip. While it is a hard lesson to learn, I wonder how more experienced divers protect their cameras? Any recommendations for housing choices, floaters, and safety tethers?

 

[chris kippax]

Mine does not leave my hands until I am on the boat or land.
If you must clip it to yourself use a boltsnap or something robust.

 

[Searcaigh]

If you must clip it to yourself use a boltsnap or something robust.

And learn to tie knots.

 

[chris kippax]

Most definately! Also any time you attach something to your person, give it a good tug (excuse that) to ensure it is attached.

And learn to tie knots.

 

[El Diablo]

I have lost my GoPro once in Thailand in a dive with a bit of rain and wind.... I blame the 1 dollar safety tether string(not safe at all apparently, it just broke) and I then lost 90% of the valuable footage I took during that trip. While it is a hard lesson to learn, I wonder how more experienced divers protect their cameras? Any recommendations for housing choices, floaters, and safety tethers?

For years I used one of these coil lanyards (heavier cameras) or a brass bolt snap if attaching directly to the tray. After switching to Action Cameras for portability and ease of use (I flooded a NIkon D600) I prefer a stronger retractor or if I use a pole, a wrist lanyard with a brass bolt snap. I only remove the lanyard when the camera is securely clipped.

I also use a neoprene sleeve for transport and until I hit the water and upon surfacing to avoid unnecessary bumps. It takes a little practice but it works for me.

The best tip IMO when travelling is to leave the case open and not hermetically sealed. I destroyed and Ikelite case once because the external drop in pressure during the flight increased the case's internal pressure creating cracks on the hinges. Using a modern (and expensive) case that uses a vacuum pump or filling-in all gaps with a lint free tissue to reduce air space will probably avoid this.

 

[Aviyes]

I use the coil lanyard on my GoPro tray setup. Works great.

 

[El Diablo]

I use the coil lanyard on my GoPro tray setup. Works great.

Works too of course. Do you also use a carabiner of sorts to attach it to your BCD when not filming or you carry it with you at all times?

 

[WouterB]

Not really an answer to the specific question, but transferring the footage off the camera onto, prefferably, 2 harddrives at least daily is really important.

Losing a camera sucks ofcourse, but sd card, especially with gopro, have been know to break. Making backups is crucial.

When I am on holiday, I transfer all footage daily, onto 2 seperate drives. One of them goes in my checked luggage, the other one in my cabin lugagge.

 

[Blackcrusader]

I have lost my GoPro once in Thailand in a dive with a bit of rain and wind.... I blame the 1 dollar safety tether string(not safe at all apparently, it just broke) and I then lost 90% of the valuable footage I took during that trip. While it is a hard lesson to learn, I wonder how more experienced divers protect their cameras? Any recommendations for housing choices, floaters, and safety tethers?

DIY tray, a sports shoe lace that my bcd harness goes thru. You can attach a carabina and hook to a D ring if you want.
Flat platform glides thru the water and at times I can set it down to record. Two handles give good stability on those larger critters like whale sharks

 

[El Diablo]

Not really an answer to the specific question, but transferring the footage off the camera onto, prefferably, 2 harddrives at least daily is really important.

Losing a camera sucks ofcourse, but sd card, especially with gopro, have been know to break. Making backups is crucial.

When I am on holiday, I transfer all footage daily, onto 2 seperate drives. One of them goes in my checked luggage, the other one in my cabin lugagge.

Absolutely. I use a RAV Filehub for wireless back up to my iPad and SSD while on the go.
Works great and once you get the grip of it, quick enough and gives great peace of mind

FileHub New Version AC750 Wireless Travel Router

Wireless Data Transfer and Backup Anywhere. Wireless SD Card Reader. Connect portable SSD hard drive to iPhone/iPad/tablet/smartphone/laptop for photo/video/files backup. Data transfer, portable NAS, 6700mAh battery.

www.ravpower.com