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General discussion

Urban Exploration Camera

Dec 9, 2010 11:05AM PST

Hey everyone.
I'm looking to pick myself up a camera for xmas. It'll be used mainly for urban exploration. For those who haven't heard of the term, it basically describes investigating abandoned sites such as old factories, boarded up buildings, etc. Recently, I've wanted to start getting into recording these escapades, camera and video.


Now because of this it's going to have to follow some considerations. The camera must be quite durable, able to withstand small shocks, or minor water exposure. The camera's gotta be very portable and easy to carry/store, it can't weigh me down at all. Finally It has to be able to shoot pictures as well as video well at night and/or in dark conditions. I'm looking at the $500 dollar range (although of course I'd greatly prefer a cheaper camera).


Now please don't give me any warnings about safety or legality. I work for a construction company that regularly deals with these types of buildings, I understand the necessary gear required for such adventures. Almost all buildings I investigate are under contract for demolition by my company, and I do so with a team, (although we go in with minimal supplies, just gas masks and flashlights). The pictures and video I am taking however, are only for my personal benefit. Meaning, I'd like a camera that I can take artistic looking photos with, not strictly practical ones.

Any help you guys can give me is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-Johnny

Discussion is locked

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Environmentally sealed Camera
Dec 9, 2010 11:46PM PST

The type of camera you are looking for is typically called "Tough" by most manufacturers.

They are waterproof and dust-proof also.

None of them would be good for shooting inside unlit buildings, because you need a camera that has good low light performance.

Most camera makers only have one "Tough" model.
Olympus has been making "Tough" cameras longer than anyone else, and have several models to choose from.
Olympus is where to start looking.

The best camera would be a DSLR camera that is environmentally sealed.
That type of camera is well above your $500 limit and larger/heavier than your desires.

..

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-I know its late but for anyone still curious-
Jul 24, 2015 12:32PM PDT

Personally with my moderate level of experience in this field I prefer DSLR cameras. They give you far more versitilitiy .. Alternatively get an advanced point and shoot camera like Sony RX-100 series. The dust and moisture shouldn't be too much of an issue for most modern gear unless it will be dropped or exposed directly to running or standing water. Other and final option I suggest is a micro fourthird style camera like Sony A6000. With DSLR or micro fourthird cameras getting a prime lens with fairly wide angle is a must. For $500 I guess going into lightly used market inline getting a last gen DSLR or Micro fourthird, spend rest of your budget gearing the camera up with extra batteries, lenses, straps, flashes, lights, tripods, monopods, bags. And when your using these types of cameras I suggest learning about how to manually shoot HDR photos with multiple exposures. The bigger your bugets the less of a headache in terms of finding the right camera as getting flagship DSLR or microfourthirds cameras will do it all out of the box including a braketing feature for HDR shots.

Only tough camera I suggest is GoPro or Sony Action cameras for video work like PoV if your doing something for maybe YouTube. I would aviod normal point and shoot style cameras all together they lack the features and usually have really hard time once the lighting drops way out or getting challenging with multitude of dynamic ranges in a single scene. Advanced point and shoot cameras maybe able to bridge this gap better but they are expensive and mine as well get a camera that has more manual control and interchangeable lens, learning how to control it and impressing others with your results. Stay safe.. Urbex-ing is dangerous in buildings left to rot and die and with creeps lurking and using them for personal things such as shelter or drug havens. Good idea to stick with friends and make some new ones online in an urban exploration forum. The community is a great one. Everyone is friendly, and willing to help and teach others.