Protecting Camera Equipment

[cashkelley]

Does anybody ski or snowboard with a camera bag? Specifically a DSLR type camera for taking pictures on the mountain. I know Snowman gets some great pics on mountain and I love seeing them. Do you have any recommendations for setup and carrying your equipment? Do backpack or holster style work best? Any special tricks to keep lens from fogging up? I plan on using a camera to shoot family and scenery both in a resort skiing enviroment and also backcountry wilderness skiing. Thanks for your suggestions and keep the pictures coming, hopefully I will get to add some of my own in the new year.

Cash

[brahm]

I do quite a bit. I have a crumpler bag https://www.crumplerbags.com/flash/flas ... ducts.html it works quite while. Although I'm looking into the dakine bag as I'm going to start carrying around 2 bodies and need more room. Outside of the eye piece I've never had issues with lens's fogging up.. but if they did just stick it under your jacket for a few minutes. I also had a waste level pack that has a hip strap & shoulder strap it's good for just a body and the attached lens, I prefer that one when snowboarding (while a regular back pack when skiing) as I can sling it over my right hip and it doesn't throw me off balance. Not sure how much gear you have, but that hardest part is just getting used to that extra 60lbs or so.

[cashkelley]

I was going to start out lite and just bring my Nikon D80 and 18-200mm lens so not too much equipment. I think carrying it in the front instead of backpack will provide quicker access for taking shots on the mountain (not in the middle of a run of course). Is there a waterproof bag you know of for protection on those fabulous bluebird powder days or is just tucked under the jacket protection enough?

[brahm]

I was going to start out lite and just bring my Nikon D80 and 18-200mm lens so not too much equipment. I think carrying it in the front instead of backpack will provide quicker access for taking shots on the mountain (not in the middle of a run of course). Is there a waterproof bag you know of for protection on those fabulous bluebird powder days or is just tucked under the jacket protection enough?

You don't really need a full water proof bag, usually the powder will stay dry enough that it's not an issue. Any of the camera bags should be good enough. I just really liked the crumpler/dakine as they have extra thick padding.. I've had a few spills and never had any damage to my gear...heck I once I had my camera bag fall off the back of my snowmobile and get dragged for quite some distance before we realized (in the crumpler bag) there was some minor scuffing to the bag but the gear was all intact.

[doconboards]

I have a Nikon D40, and I use these M Rock bags. They come with a variety of straps, and I wear mine as a chest pack. Very quick access, top loading, and variety of size to accomodate various lenses. I got mine at Campmor:

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___65186

Not sure if it's as sturdy as the other bag mentioned, but works fine for me. Just another suggestion.

[k2 Guy]

The reason your getting fogging is because you're sticking the camera in your jacket or close to your body. Make sure the camera stays the same temp (or close to it) as the outside temp. Be very careful since moisture can build up inside the camera. This happen to me years ago and it ruined the film and camera. It had to be taken apart and cleaned out. Newer cameras now days are probably alot tighter and digital does help this situation. Good luck.

[bigperm]

I bring an SLR out sometimes...it isn't without its constraints!!!!

I use a backpack. Not a great idea I can assure you. Make sure to bring some 'liner' gloves, as often times it is cold w/out gloves, and you can't work the camera with regular gloves (and putting gloves on/off is a pain).

When you get on the lift, you are not going to want it on your back.

Wearing it in your jacket is hard too.

Sooo.....

Here is what I do..hope it helps...

I get a locker/basket at the top of the mountain (usually it is from $3-7 for the day). I ride w/out camera for a while, then go to the locker/basket check and get it for a few runs. Snap all my picts. Then put it back to do some more riding. At the end of the day, I pick it up, and snap picts on the way down. If you're paying $75 bucks or so for a lift ticket, and you have a legit camera, the $5 for the basket isn't too bad. Plus, this technique allows for (a) normal riding and enjoyment...getting value out of the $75/ticket, and (b) 2-5 runs of pictures.

Other tips...Don't forget to change the white balance for the snow pictures! If you do not do this, ALL the snow pictures will be a grey color, and you'll have to change all the picts in photoshop!

Good luck.

[Photoho]

I agree about the chest/front bag for balance and ease of use. For me I don't take a DSLR and lenses unless the day is dedicated to shooting and not skiing. Too much work. Todays compact point-N-shoots are really getting good. I bought a CanonG9 just for carrying on the mountain. And it shoots in RAW if you want to. Its a pretty good little camera. If you are trying to capture super fast action its too slow. If you are good and plan your shots with your action subject it is still doable.
For general all around shooting it is great. I have the neck strap on mine. I keep it in my lower jacket pocket. I reach in the pocket and wrap the neck strap around my wist a couple of times before pulling the camera out. Glove liners or bare hands are the only way. I love my little hand sox.

[bigperm]

I agree with Photoho! I have a Cannon SLR and the Cannon G9 (basically same functionality of an Cannon SLR, with a fixed lens, in a large compact size). So, for sure it is great to take the G9 point and shoot camera out for most of your typical shots. I put mine in the pocket of my cargo boarding pants. A little heavy, but not too annoying.

But for the 'special shots'...you're going to want the SLR...specifically the Action Shots & Bursting.

But as for the original discussion, when I bring my SLR, I usually bring the 18-75 and the 200+ zoom. The zoom takes some incredible pictures, but that lens is huge so to speak. So riding from spot to spot is going to be hard.

I usually zip my jacket up/down and let the lens hang down the front of my body. It may be better to have it across your shoulder like a messenger bag. I never do this, because it would require me to take my jacket off to string it through my arm. Maybe a 'quick releas strap' is out there, where you can thread the strap across your shoulder/neck, so when you are riding between picts, it is worn like a messenger bag, but when you want to put it back in your back pack, you can 'unclip' (instead of having to take off your jacket.

Good luck to all the photographers out there! Maybe it would be fun to have a thread on picts from mammoth riding/scenery, and tips on great photography spots, recommended angles for capturing riding, etc!

[Photoho]

I will see if I can find a photo or link to the Sling Bag if I can find it. It does just what you described.

[Photoho]

Check out how this bag works. And it has a waist belt. Click on all of the images.

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Sli ... W,2035.htm

[bigperm]

Pretty sweet. I think that could get the job done! Looks like something to add to my xmas list this year!!! Room for all kinds of day trip gear too!

[TheSnowman]

I put my camera in my jacket and never have fog problems... I also never use a bag, to busy using my camera.

[dolivas]

I'm in the same boat. I have a Caselogic pack that i use for shooting events but I've already outgrown it. I've been checking out all the bags by Mountainsmith... they're freakin' amazing. Check them out.

[skimike]

I just bought a canon hd video its a h something 10 I cant remember it has a bunch of storage and it uses sd cards too and it shoots stills and they are very good almost as good as my big canon sl something its new too and has 2 lenses I got at costco, but the video I just carry in my jacket and can take action shots when I ski , I can hold my poles in 1 hand and the camera in another, then take stills in between. its too uncomfortable carrying a camera with a big lens hanging off the front. well thats my story and Im stickin to it. also I have a small hp point and shoot , its easy to carry too.