What exactly does "weatherproof" mean?

[Kermit power]

Assume a setup of a 7D, 24-70 L and 580 EX II.

I know they all have weatherproofing, but what exactly does that mean in real life? I assume it means I can get away with something between a raindrop falling in the next county and going scuba diving, but realistically where does the line fall?

[miniman]

Well a fairly rainy day at Legoland killed my 40D. I would say it will tolerate splashes, light rain, but not submersion.

[Gemm]

I've used my 1D mkII and 70-200 f2.8 IS in a downpour and they got totally drenched but they were both fine.

and I think 24-70 isn't weather-proof until it has a front filter on, so remember that.

Edited by Gemm on Wednesday 15th December 21:06

[MonkeyHanger]

The "seals" on the 7D are not up to the standard of a 1 series. I almost fell foul of this on last year's Grizedale Stages Rally when rainwater got in via the Multi-Controller on the back of the camera. Luckily it only caused a temporary problem and has been fine ever since.

IMHO anyone using camera kit in wet or damp conditions should be using a suitable cover no matter what sort of Weather-sealing their gear has.

Edited by MonkeyHanger on Wednesday 15th December 22:41

[Ed_P]

I don't think there's anyway of knowing when it's too wet for the weather-proofing. Perhaps I'm extra cautious but even with my 1D and 70-200 F2.8; if it's raining steadily I wring out my trusty chamois leather and mould it round the camera to soak up any free water. I feel much more relaxed then!

Edited by Ed_P on Wednesday 15th December 23:12

[Kermit power]

Seems more or less what I was expecting. Given that I'll be migrating from a 450D and Tamron 28-75, it's really just going to mean I've got a bit of margin for error that I don't currently have.

[tog]

They have changed over the years. The EOS 5 was never supposed to be waterproof but In my days a photographer with the local newspaper mine got soaked regularly (ah, Sunday league local football) and never gave up. An EOS 10 I used once got water in the shutter button so that as soon as I loaded a film it just fired of the whole roll! Hung it up in the airing cupboard overnight and it was fine. The 5DII is supposed to be sealed to the same standard as the old EOS 1n, and those were almost indestructible.

[007singh]

I thought the 7D was meant to sealed to a level comparable to the 1D. Is that not the case then?

Also, from reading review like this one:
http://canonfieldreviews.com/7d-1-weather-sealing/

I figured it should be pretty tough and resistant to the elements. Anyone else with hands on experience able to share details?

[TooLateForAName]

I've seen a video of an E-1 in the shower working fine.

[crmcatee]

Weather sealing. Let me tell you about weather sealing.

It means if you're caught out in a shower like this






It means you come home looking like this drenched to the skin but your camera still works

[rhinochopig]

It should have an IP rating somewhere.

Below explains the ratings

[adamfogerty]

I posted this in another thread, but this one seems more appropriate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpjPqIE7e6s

Adam

[RobDickinson]

Canon dont rate there cameras on any official scale I dont think.

7D isnt as sealed as the 1D stuff, its as selaed as the old 1Dn from the late 80's.

I'd be happy out in a bit of light rain, anything more and I'd start to worry a bit with mine (tho I have no sealed lenses).

5D2 is as sealed as the 7D but the battery grip is much more succeptable to weather on that (which was the issue with that antartic trip).

I've seen 1D's burried in mud and all sorts of rain and conditions and they have been fine.

[markmullen]

My 1D mk2 has taken a drenching and has also been so cold the lens hoos froze, all in the name of rallying, all without issues.

[Yellabelly]

crmcatee said:

Weather sealing. Let me tell you about weather sealing.

It means you come home looking like this drenched to the skin but your camera still works

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But it sends your skin all wrinkly!


You look all washed out!!

[crmcatee]

No - that's just old age.

[Thunderace]

My 5D2 has been dropped in a rock pool and thrown into a snow-drift and survived, both times when fitted with 24-70L and battery back.

The 40D had to be fixed after humidity/sweat got inside via the eyepiece in Singapore.

Edited by Thunderace on Friday 17th December 13:30

[Kermit power]

Yellabelly said:

crmcatee said:

Weather sealing. Let me tell you about weather sealing.

It means you come home looking like this drenched to the skin but your camera still works

' target='_blank'>'/>

But it sends your skin all wrinkly!


You look all washed out!!

I never knew Chris Evans was a PHer!