Yes—fine clay and wood dust can get into a camera and potentially damage it. Dust is very invasive, and even cameras with some weather sealing are not immune in dusty environments.

For a long timelapse in a studio like this, extra protection is a good idea. The most protective option is a waterproof/underwater housing. A cheaper workaround is to enclose the camera in a sturdy plastic bag or waterproof bag and seal likely entry points carefully with tape, while still leaving the lens/viewing area clear.

Additional precautions suggested by the community:

• protect the front of the lens with a clear/UV filter if your camera accepts one
• tape over seams such as battery/card doors and other gaps if practical
• inspect the covering carefully for openings before use

An action camera can be a sensible alternative if you already have one or can house it more easily, but the key point is protection from airborne dust.

Bottom line: don’t leave an unprotected camera exposed to clay or wood dust for extended periods. Use a sealed cover or housing if you want to reduce the risk significantly.