Silica Gel sucks! You know it, and I know it. When you’re trying to use it to keep your camera storage dry in the long term, you need to dry out your silica gel weekly. That can be a pain. Ask me. I know. So, what’s the more sensible option? How can you store your camera body and expensive lenses long term without a fuss, yet avoid getting fungus on them? The answer is simple: use a Dry Cabinet made especially for your camera gear.
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What is a Dry Cabinet or Dry Box?
A dry cabinet for cameras is an airtight, humidity-controlled cabinet that actively removes moisture from the air.
You can put your camera in and take it out as many times as you need, and each time it will continue to remove excess moisture. There’s no refreshing of desiccant medium needed, no heating, nothing to do but to close the door properly and turn it on.
When you close it seal is properly airtight, it will automatically remove excess humidity from the air and maintain it at the pre-set level.
How Does a Dry Cabinet Work?
Unlike passive silica gel packets that get saturated over time, dry cabinets use electronic dehumidifiers with built-in hygrometers to actively monitor and control humidity levels indefinitely.
Most quality models allow you to set your desired relative humidity (typically between 35-45% for camera gear) and will maintain that level automatically.
The cabinet works through either a desiccant rotor system (used less) or Peltier technology (used more frequently) that continuously extracts moisture from the interior.
This means no more checking, baking, or replacing desiccant packets while your camera equipment is stored away. Just plug it in, set your desired humidity level, and let the cabinet do its job.
Why Your Gear Deserves Better Than Silica Gel
Fungus and mold are the silent killers of expensive camera equipment. They thrive in environments with humidity levels above 60%. Read more about preventing fungus, and maintaining your camera equipment in our dedicated article.
Once Fungus takes hold on your lenses, it can permanently etch the glass coating, rendering lenses unusable or significantly reducing image quality. I’ve faced this multiple times, especially on older equipment that I’m not actively maintaining. The difficulty is in maintaining Silica Gel weekly or monthly.
With Silica Gel:
- You must constantly monitor humidity levels
- Packets need frequent reactivation (baking)
- Effectiveness varies widely between brands
- It’s easy to forget until it’s too late
A proper dry cabinet eliminates these worries entirely.
Choosing the Right Dry Cabinet for Your Collection
When selecting a dry cabinet, consider:
- Size: Measure your collection including future additions. Consider how many camera bodies, lenses, and accessories you need to store.
- Humidity Range: Look for cabinets that can maintain 35-45% RH (relative humidity), which is ideal for photographic equipment.
- Power Consumption: Modern dry cabinets are quite energy efficient, typically using less electricity than a standard light bulb, because of the use of Peltier Technology, so this isn’t as much of a concern anymore.
- Additional Features: Some models offer adjustable shelving, lockable doors, or even LED lighting to showcase your collection. In my opinion lockable doors and adjustable shelves are quite basic needs, so don’t settle for less.
Popular manufacturers include Ruggard, Forspark, Sirui, and Slinger (affiliate link), with options ranging from compact 30L models to professional-grade cabinets exceeding 200L.
Cost vs. Value: Why It’s Worth Every Penny
Yes, a high-quality dry cabinet will cost more upfront than a container of silica gel packets. Entry-level models start around $150, while larger, feature-rich cabinets can exceed $500. But consider this an investment against the value of your gear:
- A single professional lens affected by fungus could cost $1,500+ to replace.
- Most serious photographers have collections worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Protecting that investment with proper storage is simply smart economics.
- Dry cabinets typically last many years with minimal maintenance, making them much more cost-effective in the long term than constantly replacing and reactivating silica gel.
Beyond Cameras: What Else Can You Store?
Dry cabinets aren’t just for cameras. They’re perfect for protecting:
- Film stock
- Vintage cameras
- Audio equipment (think Audio & Video Cassettes that are also vulnerable to fungus)
- Watches and jewellery
- Electronics
- Cigars
- Important documents
Anything that benefits from controlled humidity can find a home in your dry cabinet.
The Bottom Line
If you’re serious about protecting your camera investment, ditch the silica gel hassle and upgrade to a proper dry cabinet. Your future self (and your lenses) will thank you.
Photography equipment represents a significant financial investment. Ensuring that it is permanently protected against fungus (especially if you live in a humid area) is sufficient return on investment in my book!
Your camera and lenses are the tools of your creative passion; they deserve better than makeshift humidity control.
Remember, when it comes to protecting precision optics and electronics, prevention is always easier and less expensive than repair or replacement. Make the switch today, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your gear is protected for years to come.
PS: If you really love Silica Gel and enjoy the process of heating it up to recharge it, you can keep some even if you have a dry cabinet… You’ll be able to use it in your camera bag when travelling, and of course, that will mean that you’ll have to recharge it more frequently.
Image Credits: Ruggard.com
