mikedent Loc: Florida

I've wanted to do a raft trip through part of Grand Canyon since college. With that possibility coming closer, I wanted to get some ideas on camera equipment to bring, knowing that we will be wet much of the time. I already have Nikon AW130 but wondered about cameras with better sensors/lenses that would survive without an external case. Some type of bridge camera would be great. I don't want to risk my dslr and lenses. I think majority of shots would be stills with some action videos. One of the river vendors spoke of an "Aquapak"(?) that seems to be a thicker plastic or vinyl bag that can be sealed against water but still allow use of controls and lens zoom. Any other ideas? Thanks!

RobertW Loc: Breezy Point, New York

Get an Olympus Stylus or a GoPro

Rongnongno Loc: FL

As Robert suggected gopro or the like... Make sure you get a waterproof case. That's it.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I used an Army ammunition case to take my film camera canoeing. They're watertight and they float. I wouldn't suggest taking the camera out going through rapids, but it worked well for still spots. An inexpensive point and shoot could also be kept easily in a ziploc bag in your pocket.

mikedent Loc: Florida

Good ideas- I can rent the Gopro and case. Also, I did not know that the green metal army ammo cans could float! Even with a camera and/or ammo??

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I'd certainly test it out, but it worked for me. There are so many of them out there that they're pretty cheap. Tie a rope to the handle and even if it goes overboard your equipment will not be lost.

Note what the specs say about the interior gaskets. Other sizes are available, also. The one I have is cleaner on the outside, but what's important is its watertight properties. Not bad for ten bucks.

http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/ammo-cans-storage-containers/50-cal-ammo-box-grade-2.html

mikedent Loc: Florida

The ammo boxes are wonderful for many purposes. I wonder how the plastic ones with gaskets such as sold by Harbor Freight of WalMart compare, besides not being metal.

ken hubert Loc: Missouri

They don't hold up to much abuse. Metal is better.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Since you have the AW130, why even consider getting something new? If you look at comparisons of "tough" cameras, you will probably see that some are better than the Nikon in certain areas, but will spending a couple of hundred dollars really results in your coming home with better pictures?

I had the AW100 and got good results with it for years. I saw a new Olympus (refurb maybe) on sale at Adorama and bought that, mainly because it was newer with better specs. A tough camera is a very good choice for a raft trip. Using a DSLR would make you a nervous wreck.

mikedent Loc: Florida

"Using a DSLR would make you a nervous wreck" That was my thought. If I knew I could keep it safe I would save it for the hiking interludes. I was hoping there was a "tough" bridge type camera out there, maybe 4/3s or 1inch sensor with a longer zoom capability??

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

My wife and I went down it 2 years ago. I had 2 ammo boxes, I had some 3 inch foam rubber, place one on bottom, cut the profile of the camera in the second and then a sheet on top. Worked well on the river. I had made the boxes for our ATVs. Wife took a SX50 and I took my D7100 wife a 55/300 lens. I'm retired Army and used the military boxes as I know how well they seal.

John Solak

I went down the Colorado way back when using AdventureBoundUSA.com. I took my Canon A1 at that time. They made multiple stops and I got some great shots from the bank. Amazing that the boat disappeared in some of the holes. But the guides protect the equipment and the rafters. We had three rafts and rotated stopping for photos. No camera damage and great shots.

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

I have been down the river a few times. It is a very dusty, sandy, silty and wet environment. It is also one of the grandest (pardon the pun) photo opportunities you may ever enjoy. Do not sell the opportunity short by limiting yourself to a go-pro, (for sure I would take one) but dont overextend yourself either. First off, invest in a Pelican case. Buy the best and it only hurts once. Totally bounce proof, totally water proof if you treat them properly and keep the seal clean. I saw a raft flip, the camera in the pelican was submerged for half a mile, and it came out bone dry. Last time I went down, another photographer brought along several big pelican cases full of equipment, and she did not take so many photos given the difficulty of getting to her gear or having to make choices on which lens to use. I brought a D300 with the 18-200 street sweeper kit lens and took most of the trip shots. (Admittedly, this was the oldest and most expendable piece of camera gear in my kits.) It was in a smaller case, always handy. Never changed the lens. Also sent it in for a good cleaning after the trip. I recommend a tripod as well. You might want to take out insurance on the equipment through your homeowners insurance as well. We do not buy insurance to use it, but it sure is nice when we need it. Here is a collection of some shots from my trip: https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Other/Southwest-US/Grand-Canyon-2012/

mikedent Loc: Florida

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Now I just have to commit to a trip....