Caring For Your Camera near Salt Water!

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!

Here is a good little video I found that has some useful tips on how to help keep your expensive camera near Salt Water gear in good shape:

And Heaven Forbid that you do manage to drop it into the water and make sure you are using a good strap to help prevent such. You can read more about such by clicking Here

But if you do, Kieran here (from professional repair experience) has some awesome tips on how to minimize those effects in the video below!

And let's say my savings from 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! 😊

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 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" right now.

Flats Nation Backgound — Be sure to grab some free Flats Nation wallpaper featuring of "Places You'd Rather Be" to help you relax—just click the picture above!

We use Adobe products to edit our content, and you can try them too by clicking on the picture above!

Some other ways I help combat such conditions but still have quick access are using a quality camera sling bag that is well built and sheds water so it does not even get near your expensive gear while traveling along in your Bay Boat, Skiff, or even Paddle craft.

Now, 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.

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 it has been able to take with it and my Z6 have been stunning and even handheld.

I just take pictures using the same breathing methods as one would for long-range rifle shooting (the other Veterans here know what I mean), by taking the picture at the end of my exhale and I also program a half-second or more of delay for shutter release after I push the button.

Will this method suffice for the lack of a tripod or even a monopod onboard? Not really, but it will buy you some time as the Sun sets before breaking one out. Then again, having a Tripod or even a Mono-pod onboard is usually not much help, and if I do, it's for use once I stake off the Skiff and set up on some sandbar or Island.

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.

For those shooting a larger / full-framed DSLR body and lens, knowing how tight my 6L bag is now, I would highly recommend moving up to the 10L size bag. In fact, I am thinking of moving up to the 10L myself or another bag that is better in water/spray protection to give me the option of having a third lens.

This sling bag system is fantastic! 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.

Here 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 your needs. However, my use case on the Skiff and my EDC system works well! It is something you may want to review and, if nothing else, compare to others on the market for your needs.

If you want to learn more about the Peak Design Sling Bag or other awesome Peak Design Gear, click on the picture below.

Now 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 by clicking Here

Plus, you can now download a copy of our Photography tips below:

I hope this helps give you some ideas on how to keep your gear both secure, dry, and ready to use at a second moment in a very harsh environment all at the same time.

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:

Or our new Media section that we created with our latest website release, where you can hear all of our Podcasts, Sound Bites, and Flats Nation Updates all in one listing found by clicking Here: We have some great guests in the works on a wide range of topics and product coverage soon.

Also, The "Flats Nation" Merch and Swag collection, if you like our content, has some new works, from T-shirts to our newer Technical wear, which can be found Here: