Do XDCAM hardware and media work well in humid environments?
Incredibly well. Thanks to non-contact recording and playback, the XDCAM system has nothing that would cause the sticking that interferes with videotape operation. Sony specifies operating humidity up to 90%. However, in Sony’s own tests the camcorders have been shown to operate as long as there is no condensation or dew on the surface of the disc. Should condensation exist on media while in a camcorder or deck, the user will be prompted with a HUMID alarm. In case of dew, if you allow the disc to acclimate to room temperature and humidity (68°F/40%RH) you can resume recording. One other hidden benefit of the media type is that even when moisture appears on the surface, there are no permanent effects. With other media types utilizing pins for contact, often when those pins come in contact with moisture, they have a tendency to short out, causing loss of data.
