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Digital cameras & salt air
After taking photos with your digital camera at a place where it is exposed to salt air, it's important to clean it as soon as possible after use. But before you leave for your destination, make a few simple preparations.
Before your outing
Consider purchasing a lens adapter and a skylight filter. They provide added protection from the elements for the lens barrel and the lens itself.
If you'll be traveling and away for several days, pack a soft, absorbent cloth and some lens tissue. Seal them in a very tight plastic bag so they won't absorb moisture. Put a packet of silicon gel in each chamber of your camera bag to help reduce moisture and condensation.
Protecting your digital camera
When exposure to salt air is going to be particularly heavy or prolonged, some photographers use a waterproof housing to give extra protection to their camera. Others cover it with a plastic bag. They cut a hole in the front of the bag where the lens will protrude, place the bag around the camera and secure it the bag with a rubber band. The bag is thin and flexible enough to access camera controls.
When not using the camera, place it in it's camera bag.
After your outing
Wipe the body of the digital camera with a slightly damp cloth, using fresh water of course. Clean the surface of the lens and the LCD according to the general camera care suggestions. If you've used a lens adapter and filter, detach and clean them too. If the weather was also hot humid, remove the batteries and memory card from the camera, open compartment doors and let everything air out for about a half hour.
