That heart-stopping moment when your camera takes an unexpected swim can feel like game over. Whether your trusty GoPro slipped into the sea or your DSLR got caught in a downpour, water and electronics rarely play nice together. But don’t toss your gear just yet! With quick action and proper techniques, you might just save your precious camera—and all those irreplaceable photos.
Time’s ticking, so let’s cut straight to what you need to do right now.
Immediate Steps After Water Exposure
First rule of wet camera rescue? Speed matters. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving your gear.
Power Down and Remove Components—Now!
Got a camera that’s just had an unwanted bath? Here’s what to do immediately:
- Turn it off completely if it’s still running
- Remove the battery as quickly as possible (this prevents short circuits)
- Take out memory cards and store them safely
- Open all compartments including battery doors and port covers
- Gently shake excess water out (don’t be too vigorous)
Most camera failures happen when people panic and try turning the device on to “check if it still works.” Big mistake! Even a tiny bit of moisture can fry your circuits when powered on.
If your camera took a dip in saltwater, you’re facing a tougher battle. Salt accelerates corrosion, so you’ll need to rinse it gently with distilled water before beginning the drying process. Sounds counterintuitive to add more water, right? Trust me—it’s essential for clearing out that corrosive salt.
First-Aid Kit Essentials for a Wet Camera
- Small Airtight Container – To isolate your camera and accessories for drying.
- Plenty of Silica Gel Packets – At least 5–10 for DSLRs or action cams; replenish if saturated.
- Distilled Water – For safely rinsing off saltwater residue before drying.
- Microfiber Cloths – Lint-free wipes to blot excess water from crevices.
- Tweezers or Soft-Tip Swabs – To remove memory cards, SIM-sized parts, and gently clean small areas.
- Compressed-Air Bulb – A manual air blower (not canned) to coax water out of ports.
- Spare Battery & Memory Card – So you can test functionality without risking your originals.
- Anti-Static Brush – For removing debris and dried salt/corrosion.
- Portable Fan – A small USB fan to circulate air through open compartments.
- Protective Gloves – Nitrile or latex gloves to keep oils off sensitive contacts.
Effective Drying Techniques
Forget what your mum told you about putting wet phones in rice—that’s an outdated approach that can actually cause more problems.
The Fan Method (Recommended)
Your best bet is the fan method:
- Place the camera in front of a fan with all compartments open
- Position it so air flows through the device
- Keep it there for at least 24-48 hours
- Rotate occasionally for even drying
This creates consistent airflow to help moisture evaporate naturally without forcing it deeper into components.
Silica Gel—Better Than Rice
Proper desiccants absolutely thrash rice when it comes to moisture absorption:
- Place camera in a sealed container with silica gel packets
- Use plenty—at least 5-10 packets for a DSLR
- Leave for 48-72 hours minimum
- Replace packets if they become saturated
Silica gel pulls moisture without the risk of dust or starch particles getting into sensitive components.
What NOT to Do
Some common drying “solutions” can actually make things worse:
- Don’t use a hairdryer (too much heat damages electronics)
- Skip the microwave (yes, people actually try this)
- Avoid direct sunlight (can warp plastic components)
- Don’t use compressed air (can push water deeper inside)
Diagnosing the Damage
After thoroughly drying your camera (and we mean thoroughly—don’t rush this), you’ll want to assess what you’re dealing with.
Signs of Water Damage
Keep an eye out for:
- Fogging inside the lens or viewfinder
- Moisture under the LCD screen
- Unresponsive buttons or controls
- Battery that won’t charge or hold power
- Visible corrosion on contacts (looks like greenish-white residue)
The Moment of Truth: Powering On
Once you’re certain the camera is completely dry (minimum 48 hours):
- Insert a fresh battery
- Power on without any accessories attached
- Test basic functions like shutter release and menu navigation
- Check the image quality with test shots
- Listen for unusual sounds or fan noises
Is your GoPro or Osmo Action showing an error message? Some action cams have internal moisture detectors that might trigger warnings even after drying. Sometimes you’ll need to reset the device to clear these messages.
Advanced Recovery for Stubborn Cases
If basic drying hasn’t resolved your issues, but there’s still hope, try these more advanced techniques.
The 4K Heat Method (For Action Cams Only)
Some users have successfully dried out action cams like GoPros using their own heat:
- After initial drying (at least 24 hours), insert battery
- Set to record in 4K at highest frame rate
- Record for 10-15 minutes (camera gets warm)
- Power off and remove battery
- Repeat drying process for another 24 hours
WARNING: This method carries risk of permanently damaging your camera if moisture remains inside. Only try this as a last resort before seeking professional help.
Cleaning Corroded Contacts
For visible corrosion:
- Dip a cotton swab in 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Gently clean corroded areas
- Allow to dry completely before reassembly
- Use anti-static tools if working on internal components
When to Call the Pros
Sometimes DIY just won’t cut it. Know when to wave the white flag and call in professional help.
Signs You Need Expert Repair
- Camera won’t power on after thorough drying
- Significant corrosion visible on components
- Lens remains foggy after drying
- Camera powers on but malfunctions
- Saltwater exposure with delayed treatment
Professional repair typically costs between £50-£300 depending on damage severity and camera value. For high-end DSLRs, professional help might be worth the investment.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
The best fix is avoiding water damage in the first place.
Waterproofing Essentials
- Invest in proper waterproof housing for your specific camera model
- Regularly inspect and maintain O-rings and seals
- Apply silicone grease to O-rings periodically
- Double-check that all compartments are properly closed before water exposure
- Consider a floating wrist strap for action cams used near water
Weather Protection Hacks
- Use rain covers or plastic bags in light rain
- Keep silica gel packets in your camera bag
- Store cameras in waterproof cases when not in use
- Consider weatherproof models if you frequently shoot in challenging conditions
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use a vacuum cleaner to remove water from my camera?
A: No! Vacuum pressure can damage sensitive components and potentially pull water deeper into the device.
Q: How long should I wait before using my camera after water exposure?
A: At absolute minimum 48 hours, but 72+ hours is safer. Patience is key.
Q: Is it worth repairing a water-damaged point-and-shoot camera?
A: Often not. If it’s an inexpensive model, repair costs may exceed replacement value.
Q: My memory card was in the camera when it got wet. Can I recover my photos?
A: Possibly! Memory cards are surprisingly resilient. Dry the card thoroughly before trying to read it.
Q: Does camera insurance cover water damage?
A: It depends on your policy. Many basic policies exclude water damage or consider it “user error.”
Water damage doesn’t have to mean a death sentence for your camera. Quick action, proper drying techniques, and patience can often bring your gear back from the brink. Remember, prevention beats even the best rescue techniques—so keep those waterproof cases handy and O-rings well-maintained.
Your camera’s been through enough drama already. Let’s keep it dry from now on, yeah?