My Fujifilm XP80 Waterproof Camera

I've been collecting my gadgets which includes cameras, batteries, and chargers.  Since half of our upcoming vacation time will include spending time in and around water, I'm pretty sure we'll be bringing at least three (3) underwater cameras.  I thought it would be a great time to do a post on one of my waterproof cameras, my Fujifilm XP80.

I purchased this camera late last year right before going on our Eastern/Western adventure.  Now I don't normally wait until the last minute to make camera purchase, but I saw this at Costco which included a case and wrist strap and the prices was...just right.  My experience with these waterproof cameras is basically "disposable".  I expect to get 3-4 years of use especially when I use them for underwater/snorkeling.  Eventually, water will leak into the camera.  That's what happened to my Olympus from a few years back.  My Olympus camera was 4 years old when it decided to take in some Caribbean water.  The seal/gasket around the battery/media card door had worn down.  

In this post I will provide some insight into taking care of your waterproof camera.

On the Fuji, there's a door with a round knob on the side of the camera:

Here's a better picture of the knob in the locked position:  

To open the door, push and hold the middle button in while turning the knob counter-clockwise.  Here's the knob in the in the open position:

In the following picture, the side door is open.  Here, you can access the SDHC media slot and the battery slot.  Also located here is the HDMI and USB ports.  I've labeled the slots and you can see my blue media card and the white battery already in my camera:  

I've included two pictures to show how the SDHC media card should be inserted into the camera along with the battery.  Note:  I'm using a 3rd party battery that I picked up from my local camera shop:  

Once you have your SDHC card and battery inserted, the next step is to ensure that area and the inside door is clean.  Why?  If there is any debris (e.g. dust, hair, sand), the rubber gasket will not seal correctly and water may get into the camera.  

The following picture shows where I've circled the rubber seal or gasket on the door.  I always check this area to make sure there is no lint or hair or dust or even sand.  Take the time to check and make sure this area is clean

Here's another area I've circled where I also check for dust or sand or lint.  

After the two areas are checked and everything looks good, you can go ahead and close the door.  Turn the knob clockwise, until you hear it click.  

The camera is now ready.  

Here's additional tips on camera maintenance if you use your camera in or near water:

• If my camera is exposed to salt water, I alway rinse the camera with clean water.  If I'm on an excursion boat that has a shower, I will rinse my camera then.  Other times I have to wait until I get back into our cabin.  I will fill the bathroom basin with fresh water and let my camera soak for 15-30 minutes.  After that, I place my camera on a towel, away from direct sun, and let it dry for 4-6 hours if I don't plan on using it.  
• The important thing to remember is not to open your waterproof camera until it dries out.  If you open it while it's still wet, there's a chance water drops could get in.  Plus there will still be water around the rubber gasket that might leak in if the door is opened.  
• Have spare batteries available.  After my camera dries I will not have time to recharge the battery.  It's easier for me to take out the expired battery and pop in an extra battery and go.  

General Tips/Comments:  

• When I get ready to use a SDHC media card for the first time, I always format the card in my camera.  
• The Fuji camera has WiFi capability.  Download the Fujifilm PhotoReceiver iOS app to your iPhone.  Once your iPhone is connected to your camera's WiFi, you can transfer pictures from the camera to your iPhone. 
• There are additional Fuji iOS apps available including:  Fujifilm Camera App and Fujifilm Cam Remote.  The Camera App allows you to receive/transfer photos, browse the camera (take a picture using your iPhone as a remote control), geotagging, and sharing pictures.  The Cam Remote app allows you to control your camera from your smartphone, take pictures, and then save them onto your iPhone  This is a cool app because your iPhone will see what your camera is seeing or focusing on.  
• It looks like the rubber gasket used in the current cameras are a bit better than what was used years ago.  Hopefully, I'll have a better refresh rate than I had with my Olympus camera.  

If I remember other useful tips, I will back to update this post.