Extra protection for your Fuji FinePix Z33WP Digital Camera - Silicone Case
Written: Oct 02 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Provides extra camera protection, Lightweight, Not bulky
Cons: Camera LCD screen not really protected, Promotes lens fogging on humid days
The Bottom Line: If you're going to invest in the Z33WP, I think it is a good idea to get a case like this for some extra protection
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| jps246's Full Review: FUJIFILM Fuji Film Fuji Film Fuji 15944067 Finepix... |
When I purchased my Fuji FinePix Z33WP camera, I purchased it along with a kit of supplies that included this silicone case, a more traditional neoprene carrying case and a flotation device so that the camera wouldn't sink if I let it go while in the water. In the end, I really only use the neoprene carrying case regularly, but this silicone case has come in handy a few times, it's just not perfect to always have on the camera.
Basics
This silicone case is really just a thick piece of silicone that slips over the camera like a glove. The silicone is maybe a quarter of an inch thick, so it's thin enough not to add much bulk to the camera, but thick enough to protect it from basic bumps and scratches. The case has openings for the lens and for the buttons and LCD screen on the back of the camera. It is not hard to get the case on the camera, but it does take some finagling with the case and the camera, especially to get the strap through the side and for all the openings to line up correctly. The case only weighs an ounce or two, so it does not really add any weight to the camera.
The silicone is a bit sticky though, or at least not as smooth as the camera itself, so that makes it harder to put the camera in smaller, tighter spaces like a pocket, to store when you have the silicone case on it. I found I couldn't keep it in my pocket and the extra bulk and stickiness made it hard to carry in the pocket I have my backpack waist strap.
Experiences
When I first started using the Z33WP, especially when I was hiking, my biggest fear was that I was going to scratch the protective glass over the enclosed lens or scratch the LCD screen. For the most part this silicone case protects the lens, even though it doesn't cover it since the silicone is raised above the lens glass and since it is a fairly small opening, unless you drop it right on the point of a rock, the silicone around the lens will absorb most of the impact.
The bigger problem is the big opening on the back of the case for the LCD screen and the navigation buttons. Since the opening is so big, it doesn't afford much protection to the screen and on one of my hikes, I put the camera down on the rock next to me and it started to slide. When I looked at the LCD screen, there were several small scratches across it, so the silicon case did not do much to protect it there.
My other problem with the case is that it tends to hold on to moisture, which probably would not be a problem most of the time, but when you are hiking in humid conditions, the moisture from me sweating and in the area just seemed to get trapped underneath the silicone and would make the LCD screen and the camera lens fog up constantly. On one hike I just took the case off and the fogginess got better.
Final Thoughts
Even though it does not offer perfect protection for my Z33WP digital camera, I think this silicone case does come in handy, especially when I'm hiking or otherwise using the camera in rugged conditions. The case gives you an extra measure of protection for the camera without adding too much bulk or weight. Just watch the parts of the camera under the openings in the case and in very humid conditions, you might want to take the case off to prevent lens fogging.
Overall though, if you're going to invest in a camera that's designed for rough conditions like the Z33WP, I think it is a good idea to get a case like this for some extra protection. I know I will keep using it.
Fuji FinePix Z33WP 10-Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera
Recommended:
Yes
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