Saltwater Camera Care: Protecting Your Gear on the Water
- Dave LeGear
- Jun 20
- 5 min read
Why Saltwater Camera Care Matters:
I cannot think of a more corrosive environment to operate any gear short of an active volcano or maybe a Cat 5 hurricane (which is full of salt water, by the way). Much less, these small computers with a lens mounted on them, than on or near any Marine Ecosystem!
Before Leaving the Dock:
Here is a good little video I found that has some useful tips on how to help keep your expensive camera near Salt Water in good shape:
For normal salt spray, Nikon recommends removing sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened with distilled water, and then drying the camera thoroughly. Never, though, rinse or pour water over the camera unless its manufacturer specifically permits it.
What to Do if Your Camera Gets Wet:
Saltwater Camera Care if you do manage to drop it into the water from Kieran (his professional repair experience) has some awesome tips on how to minimize those effects in the video below!
And let's say my savings of all those little silicon gel packs in a zip lock baggie over the years that you get with new gear and shoes... I now know why I saved them! 😊
Protecting Your Camera on the Water:
And make sure you are using a good strap to help prevent dropping it from the start.
You can read more about those by going here
Now to effectively combat such conditions while maintaining quick access. I use a high-quality camera sling bag. One that is well-built and water-repellent, ensuring that your expensive gear stays protected as you travel in your Bay Boat, Skiff, or even Paddle craft.
How I Carry Camera Gear on My Skiff:
The advantage of the sling bag is size. Since you can carry (pending on the one you select, of course) the camera body, along with your favorite all-around zoom lens already attached, it should fit inside. You could also carry a second wide-angle zoom lens in the same bag for quick changes.
So, for these secure storage and quick access needs, I like the Peak Design 6L Sling Bag. Now, I am carrying around the Nikon Mirrorless Z body/lens system, which is thinner overall.
But for those shooting a larger / full-framed DSLR body and lens, knowing how tight my 6L bag is now. I would recommend moving up to the 10L size bag. In fact, I am thinking of moving up to the 10L myself.
This or another bag that is better in water/spray protection department while giving me the option of having a third lens.
And my personal favorite (I love that lens) is the wide-angle NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S that fits in my sling bag at the same time. Some of the low light pictures I have been able to take with it and my old war horse Z6 have been stunning, even handheld...
Here though, is a video overview below on the Peak Design Sling Bag that does a good job of covering all its features and benefits. Now, it might not be the perfect bag for you and all your needs. However, for my use case on the Skiff and as my EDC system at times, it works well! It is something you may want to review and if nothing else, compare it to others on the market for your needs and use case.
This sling bag though is very good! It lets you keep your camera, keys, wallet, and other essentials all in one convenient bag, hanging right off your console for easy access. And if it starts to rain or the spray kicks up while you're navigating through the heavy chop, the durable bag material gives you enough time to quickly grab it, and tuck it inside one of your hatches for that extra layer of protection.
If you want to learn more about the Peak Design Sling Bag or some of their other awesome Peak Design Gear, click on the picture below.
And you can order your own and have it shipped right to your location simply by clicking on any of the product pictures seen above... Or Here
Then, it is ready to grab a shot of that Tarpon launching out of the water like a Space Shuttle. This, or another relaxing sunset photo that is suitable for a framed picture back home, or just for some PC or Mobile device as wallpaper for a nice memory of the "Places you would rather be" like we have taken and in our Flats Nation wallpaper section.
Quick picture tip for low light scenarios:
I employ the same breathing techniques used in long-range rifle shooting when taking pictures, capturing the shot at the end of my exhale. Fellow veterans will understand this approach. Additionally, I occasionally set a half-second or longer delay for the shutter release after pressing the button.
Will this method work if you don't have a tripod or monopod on board? Maybe, Maybe not but, it'll give you a bit of time as the Sun sets before you need to grab one. Honestly, having a tripod or monopod on a skiff usually isn't that helpful, and if I do bring one, it's for when I anchor the skiff and set up on a sandbar or island.
I hope this helps give you some ideas on how to keep your gear both secure, dry, and ready to use at a seconds moment in a very harsh environment all at the same time.
Plus now, you can now download a copy of our latest Photography tips below:
In the meantime,
We invite you to take in a few Flats Nation Podcast Episodes to help "Scratch that Fishing Itch" when working or traveling and you cannot hitch up the Skiff and go by clicking Here:
You can also visit the Flats Nation Media section for Podcasts, Sound Bites, and Flats Nation updates in one place. We have some great guests in the works on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.
And if you want to represent The Nation on or off the water. Explore the entire collection found on Flats Nation Store for performance wear, merch, and coastal-ready gear.
So, do like, comment, and share Flats Nation with Family and Friends if you would 😎
Good Shooting, and God Bless!
