Shooting advise for working in desert conditions

[David Wright]

We are about to head to Jordan for a shoot with a RED Dragon. I searched but did not find much info. We will be in very hot and dusty conditions. I am concerned about the fan on the top of the camera, how best to protect it from dust, but also setting up the fan (target temp etc).... won't be doing sync sound, so fan noise is not an issue.

 

[ericyoung]

Dust & sand gets everywhere.

The fans should be fine as long as you keep an eye on them, and blow it out with canned air before it's over-clogged. Hold the fan blades stationary while doing so, otherwise the high velocity air can spin the blades in the wrong direction & faster than they're designed for. While it probably does no harm, I always err on the side of caution when working with essential components for shooting.

Tape up any ports not being used.

Tape around the SSD slot, or consider a third party protective cover I've seen available in the past, or make your own.

Shade body from direct sunlight. Maybe even have portable external fans blowing on the body as sound is not an issue.

Don't change lenses outside if there's any wind at all.

 

[David Wright]

Thanks Eric

 

[Patrick Tresch]

If needed you can also take the fan off and clean the heat sink.

Pat

 

[dominic howes]

We recently took our Scarlet Dragon to deserts of Rajasthan, India and had no problems. Daytime temps were easily 110f-120f and the fan ran almost all the time but we never missed a shot. I think Eric's post has some sound suggestions, but if our experience is any indicator, you should be fine.

 

[David Wright]

Thanks Dominic