Strange substance inside camera

[Bazcb]

Hey, does anyone know what and why this is inside a camera, also why would the installer insert a silica gel parcel aswell,

 

[nayr]

looks like machine lube or something, silica packet is to keep it from condensing inside the lens from moisture trapped inside.

 

[Kawboy12R]

That goop looks like an aluminum corrosion byproduct. Basically the jelly form of galvanic corrosion. The factory puts the silica packets in the camera to try and prevent that.

When you add water to the steel screws/aluminum housing construct, the aluminum acts as a sacrificial anode to "protect" the screws by oxidizing first. The process is identical to putting zinc anodes under a boat to protect the prop/rudder/etc.

Practical take-away from this? Your camera is leaking. Seal it up.