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| The camera generates heat from usage and that heat is trapped in the housing. The outside water temperature cools the housing which likely results in the condensation. Another cause may be loading the camera into the housing in a humid environment and/or leaving it in the heat. This will also cause condensation when it cools down in the ocean. My solution to this problem was twofold: |
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| 1. Place silica gel desiccant (shown below) in the housing in a small piece of nylon stocking. Tie off one end of the stocking and use a twist tie on the other end. One tablespoon is sufficient. The desiccant fits in the void between the camera hand grip and the lens (shown below.) Be careful not to block the flash. Place the housing in one hand lens facing up and insert the camera with the other hand lens facing up so as to keep the desiccant in place. Turn the housing over with the lens facing down and gently wiggle the camera to be sure it is completely seated on the desiccant. Check that the camera is seated with the desiccant between the two posts in the housing. After locking the housing turn on the camera and check that the Mode Dial control works to be certain the camera is properly seated. I use rechargeable desiccant which you can order online at The Preservation Station. This desiccant is clear with some blue crystals mixed in. Recharging is needed when the blue ones turn pink. It can be recharged in a microwave or toaster oven. Follow the instructions that came with the desiccant. A small supply of silica packets come with the housing. You can purchase 2 gram packets in bulk from The Preservation Station. They may be more convenient for traveling although I did take my rechargeable supply to Mexico and had no problems with it. I had a sufficient supply with me so as not to have to recharge it. |
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| 2. Keep the camera and housing in a soft beverage cooler. The padding will help protect it as well as insulate it from the heat. Read more about beverage cooler options under "Heat - protecting camera & housing on dive boats etc." |
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DO NOT LEAVE THE HOUSING SITTING IN THE SUN WITH THE CAMERA INSIDE |
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| In as little as five minutes sitting under direct sun in a tropical climate the camera can get hot enough so as not to be able to touch it. Remember, it is sealed inside the housing leaving no place for the heat to escape. |
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| Desiccant will not absorb liquid. See the section on "Flooding - placing absorbing material in the housing" |
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