Digital Photography Technique > Taking Photos

weather proof

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Rick:
being caught out last night with my A77 in a shower, I immediately put the camera away, the sky was so dramatic and felt really peeved that I felt I could not use the camera, now The A77 is listed as weather proof, but what does that exactly mean, also lenses after doing a bit of research it is about as clear as mood as to whether lenses have any weather proofing, some are listed as yes some no and some as N/A and different sites also list the lens specs differently, The last thing i want to do is risk damaging a lens or the camera, opinions please, as in just don't risk it, it,s ok in a light shower, etc, I really do not want the weather to be a limiting factor, are the rain covers any good as they look more cumbersome than practical,

thanks Rick

Clive:
Rick

I am not sure where the line is .. between too wet and okay. Several times in the past 4 yrs my A700 has been  sprinkled (not dripping wet) with no adverse effects. (It was wet enough I had to wipe it off when inside.) Obviously whatever lens was attached was also slightly wet. I'd be more concern about water getting in behind the lens focus/zoom mechanisms.

Any sort of plastic bag will offer considerable protection. Although it makes adjustments more difficult, a bag will allow you to take a few shots with no heavy rain getting on the camera and lens. And of course you can but "rain coats" for cameras.

Clive

subbu68:
From my recent experience with my CZ1680 and further reading on the net, many lenses are not weather sealed.
They breathe in and out while zooming. So if moisture gets in for sure it could leave water marks after it evaporates, develop fungus or even corrode electronics and mechanisms. I had a feeling that top class lenses like the Zeiss are weather sealed like some binoculars that come with nitrogen filling. But not so.

My Olympus 12x50 binos has developed fungus while my older Nikon 10x50 is pristine. Nikon is Ex Series with nitrogen filling. I do not know if camera lenses come so.

Lucky me, 1680CZ has a case (on the net) of developing fungus in between the two cemented front elements and I suspect the continous rain we had while in India in August aggravated mine. Had taken it out though not in rain but wet atmosphere and once in a slight drizzle though I covered it with my hand towel.

The 1650 SAM is said to be weather protected.

If someone made a pocket for a small pack of silica gel in the camera cavities like we do in some electrical equipment!!!

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