USVI-On-Line

I am about to finally order my first SLR. I have decided on the Nikon D 40 because of it's price, size, and very good reviews. (But mainly the price. That's about all I want to spend right now.) So now I'm wondering how to get it to JVD without getting it damp or if there is a sudden downpour on the beach. It doesn't seem like the regular camera bags are very moisture proof. I was thinking about getting an Otter Box large enough to hold it, but I'm wondering if it would get bumped around too much.

I know you experts have this all figured out. Thanks!

Hi I have a big zip lock bag that you can get a walmart in the camping section for the soggy dollar swim. Or I just take my waterproof one.

I use a Freezer Zip Lock bag to keep mine dry. The freezer bags are thicker and it works great.

I haven't had as much trouble keeping it dry as I have keeping it free of sand.

I keep it in a Ziploc bag unless I'm using it and I'm very careful not to use it if I have sand on my hands....however, since our trip a few weeks ago the camera has been making this grating sound when the lens opens...I guess I still managed to get sand in it somehow.

Cypress, when I bought mine, a photographer here at my work told me to make sure and buy a rain cover for it. I thought it was a good idea considering the chance for an occasional spur of the moment downpour. You certainly want to protect your investment. Here is what he recommended, although I haven't really checked it out yet. At least it gives you one idea and a starting reference point. http://www.vortexmedia.com/ He also told me to I should always use the UV filter for lens protection. You can replace the filter a lot easier and cheaper than replacing the lens.

Oh, one more thing. I got a DVD with mine (they threw it in for free) and I gotta tell you, I learned sooo much more watching that thing then reading through the manual. Reading just went in one ear and out the other but watching made it make sense to me. I know it's totally lame but since I'm an SLR newbie, I wanted to soak up as much info as I could in order to hopefully start taking some fabulous pics like I see you other photo buffs taking. Hope it works!

Cypress- I, too, have a D-40 and bought a neoprene case I found on Amazon.com that worked perfectly.

Let me know how you like the D-40, I love mine (though I'm already ready for another lens). I highly recommend, if you're not doing it already, taking a digital SLR class at your local camera shop. Familiarity with your camera makes a huge difference in photo quality, I think.

Yay! Have fun!

Chrisn and Obcessed.......Thanks for the great advice. I was actually thinking of ordering the cd. I learn so much faster that way too. Reading those manuals just makes me frustrated.

I figured once I learn how to use the camera I will want another lens, but for now, this looks like a big enough challenge. Besides, the idea of carting a huge lens in my carry on will not leave much room for flip flops.

We use aquapacs. They come in many different shapes and sizes. They work wonderfully keeping out water and sand. You can find them at www.aquapac.net.

BasUR, your photos look great! Do you still use a filter on your lense? This product looks great but is a little expensive. I guess if it's really that good then it's worth the cost. I'll have to research a little further. Thanks!

Sorry about the late entry here. I've been flying all day today.

If you only want to keep the sand and water off the camera, I prefer a "dry bag." I paid $15 for one last week. The thicker bag material offers more protection than a zip lock may be able to offer. The smallest bag will carry my Rebel and a lot of other misc. things like a cell phone, keys, wallet and tee shirt. We used someones bag to get to the Soggy Dollar. If you want to shoot while protecting it, the underwater housings are your best bet.

JIM

Jim, Where do you get a dry bag and are you familiar with the aquapac that you can actually take pictures thru while on the camera? It seems the perfect solution for sand, water, dampness, etc. But for 120. I want to make sure it is the real deal.

I'm not totally sure, but I don't think the camera I have purchased takes underwater photos, but that is not why I bought it. I am usually too busy looking for things I don't want to see to worry about taking pictures.

Cypress,
In November for the underwater and beach pictures we can use my camera with the underwater housing and you can take the dry land pictures.
I want to get a picture of you swimming with a shark!

You probably will.

Cypressgirl, I bought mine at Bass Pro Shop. The on-line page is at http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 00_350-2-1

The smallest size, See 5L, is sufficient. The one on this page is yellow tinted. The one I bought in the store outside of Knoxville is clear. If you want to, stop off at the Katy store instead of buying on line. I'm sure you can get a similar product from Cabellas or one of the other stores.

I am not familiar with the other product.

JIM