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How To Dry Out An Action Camera
This article takes a look at how to dry out an action camera that has succumbed to water ingress for whatever reason.
Most high end action cameras are now waterproof up to around 10 metres or 33 feet without an additional housing. When I say high end, I’m thinking of course about GoPro and the Osmo Action.
GoPro [1] cameras have been natively waterproof for some time now. The first model being the Hero 5.
Any GoPro camera prior to the Hero 5 does require a waterproof housing if you’re thinking of submerging the camera underwater.
There are other action camera brands on the market being made that certainly do require a waterproof housing. The most common brands that spring to mind are Campark and Akaso. Both companies make great little action cameras that are ideal for people getting started in the world of recording action footage.
Now, if you manage to get your camera wet even after taking proper precautions, then there are some steps you can take to dry out the camera.
Let’s discuss some of the drying methods that are known to have positive results. That way, you can dry out your camera and get it back to full working order. Although it has to be said none of the methods we’re about to take a look at are guaranteed to work.
First Steps Of The Drying Process
Remove all of the housing, mounts, and mods
This will be your first step in the drying process. Take your time to remove all of the externals, and make sure to keep your surroundings dry.
Carefully remove the battery
The quicker you can remove the battery after water damage, the higher chances of your action camera surviving. Make sure to remove the battery and let it dry.
Remove the memory card
Remove the memory card and place it in a cool and dry place. If you can’t save the camera, you will have a chance to recover your recordings.
Shake out the water
Try and shake out as much water as you can from the camera’s internals. In most cases, you will be able to dry out your camera by shaking. You can also use a blow dryer to dry out the camera even further; make sure to keep it on low heat.
Place your battery and memory card in rice
Rice can help you absorb the moisture which might have gotten into your battery and memory card. Submerge your battery and memory card in rice, and let it sit there for 24-72 hours. In most cases, this will dry out your components and bring the camera back to its glory.
Additonal Steps To Consider To Recover Your Camera
These are some steps you can take right away to restore your camera. Depending on your situation, if the steps above have not completely recovered the internal workings of the camera.
How much water got into the camera?
Depending on the water damage, you might not be able to save your camera. You can still try to dry out the components, but there is no guarantee it will be back to its glory.
What type of water?
If saltwater or chlorine water gets into the camera, it can be hard to recover it. Both saltwater and chlorine water are known to oxidize quickly. If you happen to get fresh water into your camera, then you have a much better chance of recovering the device.
Make sure to promptly follow the drying process, regardless of the type of water that got into the internals; you might have a chance.
How long has the water been inside the camera?
If the water has been inside for a substantial time, then you have a slim to none chance of recovering your camera. Act quickly and start the drying process; you should have your internal components out and ready to dry within an hour ideally. The quicker you can dry the battery and memory card of your camera, the better.
Seek professional help
If you can’t seem to access the inside of your camera, then feel free to get some help. Professionals can help you solve your camera problems much better than you can. In most cases, they will let you know if your camera can be saved or not.
Be honest
If you know that you can’t dry out your camera because of too much water exposure, be honest with yourself and get a new camera. If you are not honest with yourself, then you are wasting your time.
Final Thoughts
You can save your action camera from water damage and restore it to its glory days only if you have minimal water damage.
Don’t expect your camera to go back to normal if your internals are soaked in water. Be honest with yourself, and if you think the camera can be saved, then start drying it right away.
Looking for a “B roll” action camera?
Take a look at these 4k action cameras from Campark.
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