TAKING TOPSIDE CAMERA GEAR onto the beach or onto small dive-boats has always been problematic for me. Sensitive imaging tools donât take kindly to knocks or saltwater spray, and are definitely averse to total immersion when out of an underwater housing.
In the past I’ve used bubble-wrap and polythene Ziploc bags in a vain attempt to protect my expensive equipment, but have mostly erred on the side of caution and left it in my hotel room or at home.
Laro-supot maker Overboard has a padded camera case and a range of waterproof bags that could make this dilemma a thing of the past.
Ang disenyo
The camera-supot system comprises a zipped, padded supot with hook-and-loop mounted padded dividers. The supot is made with a water-resistant Nylon outer layer and padded internal walls, base and lid to protect gear from knocks and bumps. Four small and one large divider are supplied to tailor the internal space and create individual compartments.
A large mesh zip-pocket positioned under the lid and a webbing carry-handle complete the package. The 36 x 36 x 13cm-deep bag weighs 420g and is compatible with the maker’s range of 30-litre waterproof bags.
For the test I partnered the camera accessory bag with Overboard’s 30-litre Dry Tube. Rated to “Class 3-IP66”, this delivers, and I quote: “waterproof capabilities so tight it floats or can withstand quick immersion. The product could be permeated by water in any of the following applications: prolonged submersion, submersion deeper than 1m or high water pressure applications”.
Ang Dry Tube ay binuo mula sa 600-denier Nylon-coated PVC tarpaulin na may high-frequency welded seams. Mayroon itong pang-itaas na carry-handle at nilagyan ng naaalis na adjustable na shoulder-strap at isang alloy na karabiner clip. Ito ay tumitimbang ng 660g at may taas na 42cm na may diameter na 29cm.
Sa paggamit
I’ve been using this set-up for a few months now and found it to be extremely versatile. The big advantages have been the lightness of the two bags, the shock-protection provided by the zipped bag and the fact that when combined with the Dry Tube the package is fully waterproof.
I’ve been able to take a spare camera and lens combo plus alternative ports and lenses with me on full-day excursions in the knowledge that my gear is as safe as can be expected in the camera-hostile marine environment.
The camera-accessory bag ate my DSLR rigs and lenses, plus an alternative underwater dome-port, spare battery-packs and ancillaries with room to spare. Getting the padded bag in and out of the Dry Tube was easy, and once the top had been rolled up and clipped off, the contents felt secure.
The Dry Tube has other uses – it can be filled with ice to keep post-dive beverages cold, or with fresh water to provide a personal rinse-tank for mask, regulators, camera housings and strobes. It can then be emptied and turned inside-out to air dry.
Ang materyal na tarpaulin ay buhangin at grit-proof din para sa mga entry sa beach, at pinupunasan ng basang tela pagkatapos gamitin.
Konklusyon
There isn’t much more to say about such a simple pair of bags but in combination they provided exactly what I needed. The padded bag also proved useful tucked inside my travel dive holdall with a set of regulators, mask at sumisid-computer securely nestled inside, adding extra protection from baggage-handlers, while the Dry Tube was handy for keeping wet dive-kit and dry clothes apart.
SPECS
Bag ng Accessory ng Camera
HALIMBAWA: £30
DIMENSIONS: 36 36 x x 13cm
Timbang: 420g
Mga Kulay: Itim / pula
DIVER GUIDE 8/10
Tuyong Tube
HALIMBAWA: £27.49
kAPASIDAD: 30 liters
DIMENSIONS: 42cm x 29cm diameter
Timbang: 660g
Mga Kulay: Puti, itim, asul, pula, dilaw
MARKA: 100% waterproof to Class 3-IP66
CONTACT: www.over-board.co.uk
DIVER GUIDE 8/10
Lumitaw sa DIVER Pebrero 2017
