Suggestion For Sealed Camera: Traveling to Morocco last half of December which will include three day’s two nights in the desert. Also spending time in the mountains where we could...

GeneinChi Loc: Chicago, IL

Traveling to Morocco last half of December which will include three day’s two nights in the desert. Also spending time in the mountains where we could likely run into inclement weather. My travel camera is a Lumix LX100. This week it dawned on me the LX isn’t weather sealed and that could pose a problem especially in the desert. Two questions:
1. Since the LX does not an interchangeable lens camera, am I over thinking this or will sand still find its way into the camera?
2. Should I just go with a weatherproof camera for the desert portion and use th LX everywhere else?

If the thought is to use another camera in the desert, I’m looking for suggestions.

Thank you in advance for the help.

Gene

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Just wrap the LX100 in a small towel. A simple dish towel might be best, and much less expensive than buying another camera. [Or was buying more kit secretly what you wanted to do?]. If you carry the LX100 in a medium size case, there should be enough extra room to fold the towel up, perhaps in the bottom of the case to further cushion the camera.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I've never been to the Moroccan Desert, but in the California Deserts, when the Santa Ana Winds are in full force, can cause havoc on an interchangeable lens DSLR. If it is not windy, you are OK. Desert sand can be fine or coarse, just like sandpaper. The finer, is the worse, for any camera with a dial mode. It can find any crevices on the camera. I don't even take my DSLR to the Beaches anymore. Only my Nikon Bridge camera and Smartphone. Take your weather sealed camera.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

rjaywallace wrote:

Just wrap the LX100 in a small towel. A simple dish towel might be best, and much less expensive than buying another camera. [Or was buying more kit secretly what you wanted to do?]. If you carry the LX100 in a medium size case, there should be enough extra room to fold the towel up, perhaps in the bottom of the case to further cushion the camera.

I have used a gallon-sized zip lock bag. You cut a small “x” in the bottom of the bag. It should be smaller than the lens. Remove the lens hood and punch the lens through the opening. It will stretch to fit. Reinstall the lens hood. You can add a rubber band if you wish. Insert hand through the zip lock opening to operate.. I used this DIY on a recent rainy day in France.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

I have used a gallon-sized zip lock bag. You cut a small “x” in the bottom of the bag. It should be smaller than the lens. Remove the lens hood and punch the lens through the opening. It will stretch to fit. Reinstall the lens hood. You can add a rubber band if you wish. Insert hand through the zip lock opening to operate.. I used this DIY on a recent rainy day in France.

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The problem with a camera like the Lx100 is that when the lens extends it telescopes. While normally it’s not a problem, it becomes one in a dirty, dusty, sandy environment like the desert. I would recommend blowing the lens body for dust and sand after everytime you use it. If that stuff gets inside the camera, probably the only way to get it out is to send it in for repairs and let Panasonic do the cleaning. Just use your rocket blower or whatever you have to clean it off, and do it frequently. Carrying it in a zip lock baggy is a great idea.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Wingpilot wrote:

The problem with a camera like the Lx100 is that w... (show quote)

Zooming out tends to create a vacuum within the lens, which can suck dust into the system.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

rehess wrote:

Zooming out tends to create a vacuum within the lens, which can suck dust into the system.

Exactly.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

GeneinChi wrote:

Traveling to Morocco last half of December which w... (show quote)

Olympus Tough - many models to choose from.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

GeneinChi wrote:

Traveling to Morocco last half of December which w... (show quote)

Sand and camera's are like oil and vinegar. Personally I would stick with an underwater camera that is sealed.

flashbang

I have a few small paint brushes, about 1/2” size and always have one in my camera bag or vest pocket when I am out shooting. Cheapest accessory you can buy: half a buck or less in any hardware/paint store. Very easy to brush any sand/dirt off cameras or lenses with one of them. I always do a quick few swipes when changing lenses, before I uncover anything.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me put it this way, if there is no wind your camera should do well. If it is windy I would be reluctant to use my cameras and lenses.
Damage could be costly.

stevebein

Olympus Tough. water and weather proof.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

GeneinChi wrote:

Traveling to Morocco last half of December which w... (show quote)

Pentax all the way!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo61t5fH6Qw

Oly Guy

Try a fixed lens camera like the Nikon Coolpix A -28mm with great lens quality same size lens as the DX SLRS-possibly -very good quality used 300.00
Also has on camera cropping.Love it! Also no AA filter-simple menu.