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EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS

EOS R3 after rainfall by Tony Todd

Just how resistant are EOS cameras to rain? As far as we know, no one has carried out definitive tests. There are reports of cameras continuing to work after being used in heavy rain. Equally, we hear of camera malfunctions after exposure to just a light shower.

In a perfect world, most us would probably prefer to take pictures on warm sunny days. While such weather may be preferred for family or wedding images, they are not necessarily the most photogenic times. If shooting sports you may have to shoot regardless of the weather, and if you are travelling are you going to stop taking pictures just because it’s raining?

So, how resistant is your EOS camera to the elements?

Generally, there is a correlation between the cost of the camera and its level of weather sealing. At the top of the range, the cameras aimed at professional photographers have very good weather sealing and this also makes them dust-resistant. At the other end of the scale, entry-level models, aimed at newcomers to photography, are designed to be small and light, but this comes at the expense of little or no weather sealing.

Weather resistance

Unfortunately there is not much detailed information regarding the specific type and degree of weather sealing on EOS cameras. The specification charts of many professional cameras simply state: ‘Water/dust resistant: yes’... not particularly helpful.

So what to do? First, ask yourself how important it is for you to be out in the rain taking pictures. Professional photographers have a job to do, come hell or high water. If you are a non-professional shooter, you don’t have to be out there risking your expensive equipment. But if you enjoy braving the elements – and embracing the photographic opportunities it brings – what can your EOS take?

Sometimes, Canon releases technical drawings illustrating how particular attention is paid to certain joints and seams in the camera (Canon says that these are 'aligned with high precision’) – these are marked in GREEN – and these same diagrams show where rubber seals are used – shown in RED.

You can see that there has been a lot of attention paid to buttons and switches – places where water could otherwise seep into the camera.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera close-up onn lens mount

This diagram of the EOS 60D shows the areas which have had special treatment to reduce the likelihood of water ingress.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera close-up onn lens mount

This diagram is for the rear of the Canon EOS 6D camera, showing similar levels of sealing.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera close-up onn lens mount

This image shows the rear of the EOS 5D Mark III, with the GP-E2 mounted on top. Water resistance isn’t limited to only Canon EOS camera bodies, but also to accessories.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera close-up onn lens mount

Again, shown is the EOS 5D Mark III, but this time with the Battery Grip BG-E11 attached. The buttons on the grip are sealed in an identical way to those on the camera, so that weather resistance isn’t compromised when using Canon made accessories.

Some EOS models are more resistant to water than others. Top of the list are the professional 1D-series cameras, as well as the EOS R3. Canon adds protective seals at vulnerable points – including the lens mount – to help resist water. The critical word here is ‘resist’. Canon does not guarantee that the seals stop water from entering the camera, only that they make it less likely.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera close-up onn lens mount

A close-up of the lens mount on the EOS 7D Mark II, where the rubber gasket (narrow black ring on outside of metal mount) is visible.

Canon EOS 550D camera close-up onn lens mount

Compare the EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) which is an entry level model. There is no equivalent seal around the outside of the lens.

Also, these pro cameras only become sealed when a weather-resistant lens is used. Selected Canon lenses features a rubber gasket at the rear that mates with the rubber gasket surrounding the camera lens mount. Typically the lenses with this feature are L-series lenses.

Canon EOS 550D camera close-up onn lens mount

Here you can see the rubber gasket around the outside of the EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lens.

The weak point of a weather-resistant lens is the front. Many photographers add a protective filter to add a further barrier to rain and water spray. A good quality UV filter is usually adequate.

Of course, a filter is also good protection should your lens take a knock – it’s far cheaper to replace a filter than repair a lens!

Whatever the weather

Most cameras will usually cope with a light drizzle, providing you keep an absorbent towel handy to wipe away the water droplets as they form.

Snow is usually relatively harmless, as well. Again, have a towel handy to wipe away the snowflakes before they have time to melt. Just watch your battery life – your camera battery won't last as long when it's cold.

If you are caught in a rain storm, or even a shower, put a cover over the camera. If you are not taking pictures at that moment, protect the camera under your coat. If you want to carry on shooting, be prepared and consider investing in a purpose-made camera rain cover. Failing that a plastic carrier bag is better than nothing. Tear a hole in the bottom of the bag for the lens to peep through.

Sea water

Not all water is the same. Near the coast the water in the air is likely to be salt water, which is incredibly corrosive. If shooting near the coast on a windy or stormy day, be aware that the moisture in the air that feels like drizzle is actually a constant spray of salt going onto – and possibly into – your camera.

Even with pro models, when you get away from a coastal environment you should wipe the camera with a damp (not wet) cloth to remove as much of the salt traces as possible.

Key kit

If you’re venturing out in the wet to shoot, here’s our kit list of essentials, plus a few nice-to-haves:

  • Waterproofs for you (at least you can tuck your camera inside your jacket if it starts to pour down)
  • A few small absorbent towels to wipe down your gear
  • Hoods for your lenses – raindrops on the front element can spoil your images
  • Some dessicant sachets to keep in your camera bag
  • A plastic carrier bag, or a roll of clingfilm to cover your camera, or
  • A proper camera raincover designed for the purpose.

Should you avoid the wet?

Think about how long you are going to be shooting in the rain. If it is for the occasional five to ten minutes. then most models will manage if dried off afterwards. However, if you are going to be outside in the rain for several hours you need significantly more weather protection.

Are you a professional photographer? If so, you need professional equipment which will stand up to use in bad weather. But if you are not earning money from your photography and have a camera with little or no weather sealing, it might be best to stay out of the rain and avoid potentially expensive repair bills.

Our ratings

Here are our views on the weather sealing of EOS cameras, based on usage and experience.

  • Excellent: EOS-1D, 1Ds and 1D X series, EOS R3
  • Very good: EOS 5D Mark III, 5D Mark IV, 5DS / 5DS R, 7D Mark II, 90D, EOS R, R5, R6
  • Good: EOS 5D, 5D Mark II, 6D, 6D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 70D, 80D, EOS R7, R8
  • Some: EOS 40D, 50D, EOS RP
  • None: all other EOS DSLR and mirrorless cameras not listed above – there’s also increased risk with these cameras because many have a built-in flash, giving an easy point of access for water.

As a final point, it’s important to remember that the term is ‘weather-resistant’. Not weatherproof or waterproof. Water can find its way into any tiny gap it finds… so make sure you look after your gear and keep it as dry as possible where possible.


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