Dropped Your Camera in Water? Here's What To Do Next

Dropping your camera in water is one of those stomach-dropping moments. However, instead of freezing, you need to act fast. Follow this guide to hopefully save your camera equipment.

Remember that camera insurance can be the difference between a minor mishap and a major expense. It's certainly worth having, particularly for unexpected moments like these.

1. Don't Panic

Most modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a level of water resistance and weather sealing. This doesn’t mean they are waterproof, but it may buy you some time to save your gear, especially if you act fast.

2. Turn It Off

It's important to turn your camera off straight away if it's still on as the water touching the internal electronics can cause a short circuit, and can lead to permanent damage.

Don't be tempted to turn your camera back on to see if it still works. Turning on a camera whilst it's wet can cause serious electrical damage so is just not worth the risk!

3. Remove the Battery and Memory Cards

Open the battery compartment and carefully take out the battery. This step is crucial. You should also remove SD cards, CF cards and any other accessories stored inside the camera.

4. Leave All Flaps, Doors and Vents Open

Leaving every access point open will improve your airflow. You should leave the battery door, memory card slot and HDMI/USB port doors all open.

5. Wipe Off Excess Water

Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth or similar to gently dab and remove any surface water left. Focus on battery compartments, lens mounts, memory card slots and external buttons.

6. Avoid Hairdryers

Blowing compressed air like from a hairdryer or a rocket air blower can actually do more harm than good as it's pushing moisture deeper into your camera body. Instead, you can use a vacuum cleaner on a low setting to gently draw the moisture out.

7. Remove the Lens

Carefully detach the lens and check for fog, condensation or remaining water around the rear lens element, the lens contact and inside the camera body. Remember - do not touch the sensor.

8. Place the Camera Upside Down in a Dry Camera Bag

Gravity will help the moisture escape. Place the camera body upside down, preferably in a sealed container with silica gel packets or in a bowl of uncooked rice. Let this sit for at least 48 hours in a warm, dry place.

Silica gel or desiccant packs absorb moisture more effectively than rice. Place them in a sealed box or a zip-lock bag with the camera.

9. Wait At Least 48 Hours Before Testing

Being patient could save your camera. Make sure everything is completely dry before you reinsert the battery.

10. Check for Rust and Corrosion

After your camera is dry, inspect metal parts and connectors like the lens mount and battery terminals for signs of corrosion. If there is rust or a green/white residue, it’s likely your camera will need to be professionally cleaned.

11. Dropped Your Camera in Salt Water?

Saltwater is extremely corrosive and conductive. Do not power on the camera, instead rinse it gently with fresh water to remove the salt and then following the drying steps above. You might consider flushing it with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to displace moisture and salts – do this at your own risk.

12. When to Seek Professional Help

Repairing your camera after dropping it in water might require you to seek professional help. You should do so if:

• The camera doesn’t turn on despite being completely dry
• There is visible corrosion or residue
• Moisture made it behind the lens elements or onto the sensor

13. Sign Your Camera Might Be Beyond Saving

If your camera is not working after you got it wet it might not be salvageable. Some clues it’s not include:

• Error lights are flashing or there’s no power
• The LCD or EVF is flickering
• Autofocus is not working
• There’s internal fog or mould on the lens

14. Preventative Measures for Next Time

After all, it's about prevention, not cure. Here's how to avoid getting your camera wet again:

• Waterproof housing or a rain cover
• Store gear in waterproof or hard-shell cases
• Carry some silica gel packs
• Consider weather-sealed lenses and bodies

15. Camera Insurance

With a camera insurance policy from Eversure, you'll be covered for accidental damage as well as theft and loss. In a situation like this, where you have accidentally dropped your camera into a body of water and it has done irreparable damage, camera insurance is invaluable as it can turn a stressful situation into one that's more manageable because you know that Eversure has your back.