Submersible CF Camera?

ViRGE

Elite Member, Moderator Emeritus
Oct 9, 1999
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I've just had an odd request come in, and I could use some advice.

I have a user who has a need for a digital camera. However, the catch is that the camera/data needs to be able to be dipped in to a disinfectant before it's hooked up to anything(It's Gov't work, that's all I can say). I've had 2 ideas on this. First, and probably easiest, is a removable media that can be submerged without any ill effects; then the user can use the camera, pull the media out, clean it, then send it on its way. However, I don't know if any media(CF, SmartMedia, etc) that is submersible, as Google proved to be useless, and I've never delt with the subject myself.

My second plan is a waterproof camera, which would obviously be submersible. However, it would need to be digital, and needs to be able to be hooked up to a computer(A mac in this case) to read the files off. I'm not a camera guru, so I don't know what's out there. Does anyone have experience in this field or knowledge of any products they can share? Thanks ahead of time.:)
 

Homebrew

Member
Jan 11, 2000
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Some of the Canon digital cameras have a addtional waterproof housing waterproof up to 100ft.

Canon s330 accessories

I read a review awhile ago on these and they only allow basic functions underwater, but if all you need is auto
point and shoot it might do.

A quick google search brought up this site:
Ikelite underwater camera accessories

They have quite a few different digital camera models supported and look like high end cases (read - expensive)
with better functionality than the Canon cases.
 

wlee

Senior member
Oct 10, 1999
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You might also have a look at getting a waterproof camera "bag" from this company Ewa Marine If the "job" is worth a good sum of $$$, you might also consider this solution as "disposable"
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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SmartMedia can be dipped in a disinfectant without a problem. There are no "innards" - nothing to get "wet" except the exterior, and that can be dried off. I have run them through a washer (forgot it in pocket!) with no problem. (Also won a bet by running over one with my car and then using it to take a picture - don't try that with C/F!) :)

I know of no digital camera that can be dipped and still function. But, like has been suggested, there are underwater housings in which the camera can be sealed, then dip the entire sealed assembly - do the job with the housing on and then remove the camera when out of the "secure" area.