How to Keep Your Action Camera Safe: Essential Protector Accessories
Action cameras are indispensable tools for capturing breathtaking footage during adventures, whether you’re diving deep into the ocean, climbing rugged mountains, or biking through challenging trails. These compact and versatile devices are designed to withstand extreme conditions, but even the most robust action cameras can benefit from additional protection. Investing in essential protector accessories can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your action camera. This article delves into the best accessories to keep your action camera safe, ensuring it remains in top condition for all your adventures.
The Importance of Protecting Your Action Camera
Why Protection is Essential
Action cameras, such as GoPro, DJI Osmo, and SJCAM, are built to endure harsh environments. However, they are still vulnerable to damage from impacts, water, dust, and extreme temperatures. Proper protection ensures:
Longevity: Protecting your camera from physical damage extends its lifespan.
Performance: Keeping your camera in optimal condition ensures consistent high-quality footage.
Resale Value: A well-maintained camera retains higher resale value if you decide to upgrade.
Essential Protector Accessories
1. Protective Cases
Overview
A protective case is a must-have accessory for any action camera owner. These cases are designed to shield your camera from impacts, scratches, and environmental elements.
Types of Cases
Hard Cases: Made from durable materials like polycarbonate, hard cases offer maximum protection against drops and impacts. They are ideal for transporting your camera in rugged environments.
Soft Cases: Typically made from neoprene or other flexible materials, soft cases provide basic protection against scratches and minor impacts. They are lightweight and convenient for everyday use.
Recommendations
GoPro Protective Housing: This hard case is waterproof up to 60 meters, making it perfect for deep-sea diving and extreme water sports.
SJCAM Soft Protective Bag: A lightweight and affordable option for daily protection against dust and scratches.
2. Screen Protectors
Overview
The screen and lens of your action camera are particularly vulnerable to scratches and cracks. Screen protectors are thin, transparent films that adhere to the surface, providing a barrier against damage.
Benefits
Scratch Protection: Prevents scratches from keys, sand, and other abrasive materials.
Shock Absorption: Adds a layer of cushioning to absorb minor impacts.
Maintains Clarity: High-quality screen protectors maintain the camera’s display clarity and touch sensitivity.
Recommendations
PCTC Screen Protector for GoPro: Made from tempered glass, this protector offers excellent clarity and durability.
Smatree Screen Protector for DJI Osmo Action: A pack of tempered glass protectors that include both the lens and screen, ensuring full coverage.
3. Waterproof Housing
Overview
While many action cameras are designed to be water-resistant, a waterproof housing provides an extra layer of protection, especially for deep-water activities.
Benefits
Enhanced Water Resistance: Waterproof housings are typically rated for depths much greater than the camera’s built-in resistance.
Dust and Debris Protection: Keeps out fine particles like sand and dust that can damage the camera’s internals.
Shock Protection: Provides additional cushioning against impacts and drops.
Recommendations
GoPro Super Suit: This housing is waterproof up to 60 meters and offers additional protection against debris and impacts.
SJCAM Waterproof Case: Suitable for depths up to 30 meters, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities.
4. Lens Caps and Covers
Overview
Lens caps and covers protect the camera lens from scratches, dust, and impacts when not in use. They are essential for maintaining the clarity and quality of your footage.
Benefits
Prevent Scratches: Protects the lens from scratches caused by abrasive materials.
Dust Protection: Keeps dust and dirt off the lens, ensuring clear images and videos.
Convenience: Easy to remove and attach, providing quick protection when needed.
Recommendations
GoPro Lens Caps: A set of lens caps that fit snugly over the lens, providing comprehensive protection.
SJCAM Lens Cover: Designed to fit SJCAM models, these covers are made from durable plastic and offer reliable protection.
5. Floating Hand Grips
Overview
Floating hand grips are buoyant accessories that attach to your action camera, ensuring it stays afloat if dropped in water. This is particularly useful for water sports and activities near water bodies.
Benefits
Prevents Loss: Keeps the camera from sinking, making it easy to retrieve if dropped.
Enhanced Grip: Provides a comfortable and secure grip, reducing the risk of accidental drops.
Visibility: Often brightly colored, making the camera easy to spot in water.
Recommendations
GoPro The Handler: A floating hand grip that keeps the camera afloat and provides a comfortable, non-slip grip.
SJCAM Floating Hand Grip: An affordable option that ensures your camera stays visible and buoyant in water.
6. Anti-Fog Inserts
Overview
Anti-fog inserts are small, absorbent strips that prevent condensation from forming inside the camera housing, particularly in humid or cold environments.
Benefits
Clear Footage: Prevents fogging, ensuring clear and unobstructed footage.
Reusable: Many inserts can be dried and reused, making them a cost-effective solution.
Easy to Use: Simply place the inserts inside the housing before sealing it.
Recommendations
GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts: These reusable inserts are compatible with all GoPro cameras and housings.
SJCAM Anti-Fog Inserts: Affordable and effective, these inserts are designed to fit SJCAM waterproof housings.
Tips for Maintaining Your Action Camera
Regular Cleaning
Keep your action camera clean by wiping it down with a soft, dry cloth after each use. Use a lens cleaning kit to remove smudges and fingerprints from the lens and screen.
Proper Storage
Store your camera and accessories in a protective case when not in use. Ensure the storage environment is dry and cool to prevent damage from moisture and heat.
Check Seals and Gaskets
Regularly inspect the seals and gaskets of your waterproof housing and other protective accessories. Replace any worn or damaged parts to maintain optimal protection.
Update Firmware
Keep your camera’s firmware updated to ensure it operates smoothly and benefits from the latest features and improvements.
Handle with Care
While action cameras are built to withstand rough conditions, handling them with care can prevent unnecessary damage. Avoid dropping or exposing the camera to extreme temperatures whenever possible.
Conclusion
Protecting your action camera with essential accessories is crucial for maintaining its functionality and longevity. Investing in protective cases, screen protectors, waterproof housing, lens covers, floating hand grips, and anti-fog inserts can significantly enhance your camera’s durability and performance. By following proper maintenance tips and using the right accessories, you can ensure your action camera is always ready to capture your most exciting adventures.