dSLRs and water?

[darkpbstar]

Ok so I've posted before, and was wondering how a SLR will handle a rain drop or two. I'm not saying downpoor conditions, but say there's a cool bunch of clouds over head, or in the distance, and I really want the picture, but there is a chance it may rain suddenly, or if it is already "dripping" from the sky randomly. Any tips? Thanks alot!

 

[JimmyO]

You should be good, ive found even lower end DSLRs to be much tougher that i thought.

 

[JCphoto]

I shoot a Nikon D70s and often have to shoot in heavy snowfall. The seals must work great because ive never had a problem.

Sometimes I bring a grocery bag and a backpack with me when i shoot in rainy conditions, so if it starts to pour i can seal it up rather safely. If it DOES get wet, have a cloth handy ( i use a lens cloth) and soak up most of the water before you go pressing buttons because thats when you risk it getting inside the most.

JC

 

[Overread]

A plastic bag and shower caps are often used by photographers to avoid getting thier camera wet, but I prefer something like this: (UK and US company)
http://www.optech-online.co.uk/prdrainsleeve.htm

Because it not only covers the whole camera but also has a slot so you can see through the viewfinder with ease (don't go sticking your head in the plastic bag to get the effect!!)

 

[Big Mike]

I once got caught in the rainforests of Costa Rica without my camera bag. I did have a small plastic bag and a shower cap...but my camera still got completely soaked. It fogged up for a day or two...but it's still OK, a few years later. I probably got lucky and I don't recommend doing this yourself ....but it's good to know that they are pretty tough.

 

[Judge Sharpe]

Get a large zip lock bag, cut a hole for the lens, put a rubber band around the bottom of the lens, and you are ready for a down pour. open the bag a little if you need to focus. Lens are not too sensitive to water- oh wait, auto every things might be.. Works for dusty or sandy conditions. I often do this at the beach.
Judge Sharpe

 

[JamesD]

I've heard that the high-end Canon bodies, when used with L-series lenses, are supposed to be effectively watertight. Out of my budget, though...

 

[Alex_B]

most SLRs will do fine with a couple of water drops.

 

[visualpoetry]

I would suggest to have an umbrella handy.. and an assistant to hold it while you shoot. ha!

 

[Big Mike]

http://www.theumbrellahat.com/?gclid=CPSp1ZPOq5MCFRMYagodjzYZoA

 

[SBlanca]

would like to meet the clever dude who decides to test if high end canons are water tight or not

 

[asfixiate]

all i know is I cringe when I read the title of this thread...I go out of my way to not let water get on my leather car seats yet alone electronics.

 

[lockwood81]

http://www.theumbrellahat.com/?gclid=CPSp1ZPOq5MCFRMYagodjzYZoA

There you go...all you need.

 

[usayit]

I've heard that the high-end Canon bodies, when used with L-series lenses, are supposed to be effectively watertight. Out of my budget, though...

Yup.... I wouldn't suggest testing it out but my 24-105L on a 1d MII body survived a boat trip right next to Niagara Falls (Maid of the Mist). It was like being in the middle of a Hurricane... at some point I brought it under my rain coat for protection.

 

[ThePup]

would like to meet the clever dude who decides to test if high end canons are water tight or not

I've seen photos taken by a Pentax K10D to test the 'weatherproofness' of them - A Number in heavy rain, and even one taken under a waterfall! Apparently the weathersealing is very good....

Can't say I'd do it personally, but I daresay someone has done it with the canons as well... I've certianly taken my K10D out in the rain - I did my best to keep it dry, but it was nice knowing I didn't need to panic too much if it did get damp.