How Waterproof Is Waterproof

[jmtonkin]

I've read several places that shooting my camera and lens outside while it's lightly raining would be alright. I'm just very nervous about it; it's a heck of a lot of money to experiment with. So my question: how waterproof is waterproof? Will my camera be fine if I take some shots outside in a light rain? If it is, what do I need to do to dry it off? Is a good wipe down good enough? The reason I ask is that it has been raining here all day, but its freezing almost immediately. The trees are BEAUTIFUL, especially with the sidewalk lights shining behind them. I wanted to go take pictures of it oh so badly, I'm just paranoid about the water aspect of rain...Thanks for your anticipated replies!

 

[chuasam]

It'll handle a good pouring rain. If you worry, get a rain cover for the camera.

 

[Tony S]

It's water resistant, not water proof. The camera will do ok in a misting rain, but the weak point for water to get in is with the 18-200 you are using. Get a rain cover, they are cheap compared to replacing the body or lens.

 

[Josh220]

Can you snorkel or shower with it? No. Can you play around in the rain? Yes, and I encourage you to do so. There are often some great photo opportunities in bad weather. The 18-200 will have issues before the body will.

 

[Crollo]

Did he just ask if his waterproof camera could take pictures in light rain?

I sure hope it can.

 

[Robin Usagani]

only one way to find out

 

[Village Idiot]

Manufactures usually don't make lower end lenses water sealed. Canon L lenses that are sealed have a rubbe gasket where they lens mounts to the body. Other than that, put a plastic bag over your camera if you're worried about it.

 

[KmH]

Just to reiterate, water resistant is as good as it gets unless you opt for a camera specifically designed to be used under water.

Keep these inexpensive rain covers in your camera bag:

Op/Tech 18" SLR Rainsleeve for Digital & Film Cameras with Lenses up to 7" Diameter, 18" Long

OP/TECH USA 9001142 Rainsleeve-Flash, 14 Inch Protective Cover for Camera and Flash

 

[jmtonkin]

Thanks for those links KmH! I'm going to order one today! Just so I know, what does one have to do after shooting in the rain to protect their gear? Is it as simple as wiping it off or is there more to it?

 

[KmH]

I always kept a couple of re-usable dessicant packs in my camera bag: Dry-Packs Indicating Silica Gel 40 Grams in Sturdy Aluminum Dehumidifying Canister - No Cobalt Chloride II - DP40CAN

Towel it off as best as possible

You can also put a couple cups of uncooked rice in a big enough ziplock bag, add your camera (no battery, open all doors/covers, or lens, close the bag an let it sit for a couple of days.

 

[hartz]

One word: Umbrella.

 

[Crollo]

One word: Umbrella.

That's a nice for when rain isn't accompanied by some form of wind.. I'd say you'd live in a pretty tame environment otherwise.

 

[jmtonkin]

Very true...The rain was coming down almost sideways when it was raining. It is VERY windy here in South Dakota...

 

[MLeeK]

I have been out in some pretty heavy rain with mine. I TRY to keep a rain sleeve in my camera bags at all times. I sure as heck don't want to push the limits and see where it breaks at!

 

[hartz]

One word: Umbrella.

That's a nice for when rain isn't accompanied by some form of wind.. I'd say you'd live in a pretty tame environment otherwise.

If you wanted to bash a good suggestion you should have rather taken the angle on about having to hold the umbrella while also handling your camera. In the mean time that is an astute observation.