GoPros are great for capturing all kinds of action — both on land and on the water.
Head to the beach and it’s not uncommon to see a surfer or swimmer using an action camera of some kind to capture their exploits.
But water can cause rust, and saltwater is known for being corrosive, so you might be wondering if you should join the crowd and bring your GoPro to the beach? Or if you should air on the side of caution and leave it at home.
While in this article we’ll answer the question of whether or not a GoPro can go in saltwater.
The short answer is yes, a GoPro can go in saltwater. However, salt can be corrosive, and water damage can occur if the proper precautions are not taken.
With this in mind, keep reading to learn exactly how to protect your action camera on your next trip to the beach.
Will Saltwater Damage Your GoPro?
The first thing to mention is that GoPros are NOT waterproof.
So, before you submerge your action camera in any type of water, be sure to secure it in its waterproof case.
With that out of the way, let us examine the effects of saltwater on your GoPro’s casing.
Saltwater can corrode metal up to five times faster than freshwater.
Humid ocean air can cause metal to corrode ten times faster than regular air.
Bacteria in ocean water can also create rust over time.
So, considering that GoPro cases do have metal components, there is some risk of corrosion if you do not take the proper steps after exposure to saltwater.
Another threat that saltwater poses for your GoPro is dried salt on your camera case.
If the proper steps are not taken, you may find your GoPro housing caked in salt — obscuring the camera’s lens.
Finally, exposing most GoPros to depths below 10 meters or 33 feet in any water can cause damage.
How To Protect Your GoPro In Saltwater
As previously mentioned, the first step in protecting your GoPro in most situations is to place it into its protective, waterproof housing.
But how do you protect your GoPro’s housing from corrosion and damage?
Well, the good news is it’s pretty easy.
Just make sure to rinse off your casing in freshwater directly after exposure to saltwater.
This will ensure that no salt is left on your GoPro case to corrode the metal or obscure the lens.
And what about the danger of damage below the depth of 10 meters or 33 feet?
To protect your GoPro, you will need to purchase a special low-depth casing.
For example, the Suptig Case Housing Waterproof Case for GoPro can withstand depths of up to 45 meters or 147 feet!
Bottom Line
So, as you can see, there are dangers associated with any kind of GoPro water exposure.
However, as for saltwater, the risks are relatively minor as long as you make sure to follow the proper precautions. Let’s sum them up below:
- Always use a waterproof GoPro case
- Rinse your GoPro off with fresh water after exposure to saltwater
- Use a special housing if you plan on exposing your GoPro to depths lower than 10 meters or 33 feet
Happy Shooting!
