Airport/Xray & Digital & Film Camera Questions???????

[Sunniflowers]

I will be taking both digital camera and a film camera when travelling soon and just curious what is the best way to protect my digi cam memory card & film ; (x ray wise?). Is it safe for them to go thru the xray process with the carry ons? I thought I read somewhere about memory cards being ruined, etc......????? Any ways to avoid these problems with the xray process?

[Kokopeli]

I've never had a problem with airport x-ray machines, but if you are really worried about it, request a hand inspection of your digital wallet. Most of the time they will oblige the request.

[Lionheart]

The only thing I might worry about is checking your gear. The xrays they use on checked baggage is a lot more intense than the security checkpoints. Otherwise, you're probably ok. I've brought my digital cameras (both dslr and point and shoot) through security with no adverse effects. My CF and SD cards have all gone through unscathed as well. Film should be ok too, but you might want to minimize the number of times the same rolls of film get scanned, especially high ISO films. Definitely do not let your film go through checked baggage-hand check them if you can through security checkpoints.

[masdog]

I've never flown with a digital camera, but I have flown with my old Rebel 2000 after 9/11. When I was going through security, I told the screeners that I had ISO800 film in there and they had no problem hand-checking it to prevent damage to the film.

[Laxman41]

Airport x-ray machines WILL ruin your undeveloped film!! It shouldn't be a problem with any of the digital equipment though

[mwfanelli]

Airport x-ray machines WILL ruin your undeveloped film!! It shouldn't be a problem with any of the digital equipment though

Only high ISO film. Any film 400 ISO and lower will have no effect even after several runs. This applies to carry-on, not checked.

[another view]

This applies to carry-on, not checked.

Absolutely - do not put film in checked luggage. I've never had a problem with ISO400 or slower in carry-ons, usually didn't carry anything faster. No prob with digital but I've heard people questioning even that in checked luggage so I'd carry it on too. I don't know if there is a problem with digital going thru the high powered scanners for checked luggage but I don't see any reason for taking the chance.

[Erik Stiegler]

I wouldn't put digital gear in checked luggage, but not because of the X-Ray machines or scanners.

Checked luggage gets handled pretty brutally. I'm also more concerned with hand security checks. They can and do open and search your luggage. I don't want to risk having my camera broken or stolen.