You risk two things if you bring a camera to Tomatina. One is that it will get damaged, the other is that it will get covered in tomato. The only way to protect your camera from damage is to tie it to your hand and hope for the best. However, there were a number of methods people employed to waterproof their cameras, some involving spending a lot of money, while others cost nothing at all.
Where to Buy a Waterproof Camera & Waterproof Cases
Disposable waterproof cameras are available around Buñol for about 12€. They usually take 27 pictures, which isn't very many when you consider they have to get you through the Ham Up a Greasy Pole and the Tomatina Tomato Fight itself.
If you really want to chronicle the event properly, you'll need a waterproof digital camera. One of the cheapest waterproof digital cameras on the market that is worth buying is the Pentax Optio W10, a 6.0-megapixels camera with a built-in memory for when that memory card runs out!
Compare prices for the Pentax Optio W10 Waterproof Digital Camera.
If you already own a digital camera and don't want to buy another one, you could invest in a waterproof case for your camera. I tried to buy one in Valencia and Granada for my Panasonic DMC-FZ7 and was told that they don't exist. Cases specially designed for your camera can be very expensive (from $100 to $300) and it is possible that one isn't made for your camera. However, there are some more generic designs on the market which fit most cameras.
If you have a small compact camera, you could try the Aquapac Waterproof Compact Camera Case to waterproof your camera.
Compare prices for the Aquapac Waterproof Compact Camera Case.
If you have a larger camera, the Aquapac Waterproof Large Camera Case should protect your camera from flying fruit.
Compare prices for the Aquapac Waterproof Large Camera Case.
Note: check with the manufacturer or vendor that the case will fit your camera and that it will perform the task you want it for.
How to Waterproof Your Camera, DIY style
None of these methods are perfect, but if you don't have the time or the money to invest in one of the above options, this will be your only choice.
- Wrap your camera in plastic wrap. You will almost definitely need to cut a hole in it for the lens. The more creative of you might want to fix a sheet of glass over the lens, thus protecting it completely.
- Wrap your camera in a clear plastic bag like those you get your fruit and vegetables in at a grocery store. Wrap it in two bags - better safe than sorry. Again, you might want to cut a hole in the bags for the lens.
- For a bigger camera with a large round lens (such as the Canon Powershot S1, S2 & S3, a large plastic shopping bag with a round hole cut into it for the lens works well to cover the front of the camera, minus the lens, of course. The back is left exposed, but by putting your head inside the shopping bag, you can still access the controls on the back.
- A normal disposable camera, one that comes sealed in a cellophane plastic bag, and simply don't take it out of the plastic! Make a hole for the lense and the viewfinder and you have a waterproof camera at a fraction of the cost of the waterproof ones they sell on the street in Buñol.
If you do decide to take your camera with you to the Tomatina Tomato Fight, good luck - you'll need it! For most, taking a camera creates more problems than it's worth, but if you just have to get shots of this incredible festival, it is by no means impossible.
If after all that you decide you don't want to try taking your camera, but you still want to show your friends some pictures, show them my Pictures of the Tomatina Tomatina Fight.
Tomatina Tomato Fight FAQ
- Pictures of the 'Ham Up a Greasy Pole'
- Pictures of the Tomatina Tomato Fight
- Pictures of the Aftermath of the Tomatina Tomato Fight
Pictures of the Tomatina Tomato Fight
- The Origins of the Tomatina Tomato Fight
- Timetable of Events at the Tomatina Tomato Fight
- Are there any Organized Tomatina Tours?
- What's the Best Way to See the Tomatina Tomato Fight?
- Buses & Trains to Valencia for Tomatina
- How to Get From Valencia to Buñol & Back
- What to Wear & Bring to the Tomatina Tomato Fight
- How to Waterproof Your Camera for Tomatina .
- Tips on Getting the Most out of the Tomatina Tomato Fight
