The SJCAM M50 camera gasket seems unable to cope with The New Normal weather conditions around here:
I think this was probably another case of diurnal pumping, given the exceedingly hot days and cool nights in late July.
Plenty of water condensed on the bottom of the battery compartment cover:
And inside the compartment around the AA cells:
Unlike the previous leak, the camera lens wasn’t involved, so I did not disassemble the case. I let the opened camera (without batteries) dry out in the hot hot sun for the rest of the day and it seemed fine by evening.
Keeping it out of full sunlight during the day definitely limits the locations I can use.
The Smell of Molten Projects in the Morning 
Comments
4 responses to “SJCAM M50 Condensation: Redux”
Would it help to drill a small hole in the very bottom of the case so that it eliminates the diurnal pumping but at the same time doesn’t allow an opportunity for direct water ingress?
I might even go further with one of those labrynth type seals – easily replicated by using an irrigation dripper.
The thing about diurnal pumping is that it doesn’t require liquid water. Cooling the case condenses any water vapor, lowers the internal air pressure, and sucks humid air through the “seal”. With the pressure equalized, warm it up during the day to force relatively dry air back out. Repeat for a few months and watch the case fill up with water!
A drain hole might keep it from filling up, but wouldn’t cure the condensation on everything inside.
Drat!
Maybe put a small packet of “DO NOT EAT” (desiccant) in there somewhere?
There’s room for about one bonbon in a rectangular slot down near the bottom. I have no idea if so little desiccant can handle that much water, but I’ll roll up a fat one and tuck it in there the next time I recover the card.