The Hiking Camera Conundrum

Hi,

As a keen fellow hiker, and someone who has lost two cameras to water ingress - I share your conundrum. However, mine is not with the X100v which I don't own and doubt I ever will - I'm strictly an interchangeable lens photographer. So for me currently it's the XT4.

On the question of waterproofing, I definitely think sealing is worth having (as much for dust as for water) but if you're talking serious wind-driven rain without protection, for potentially hours on end, then I think you're grossly over-estimating the level of protection that Fuji cameras provide. Look at sealing as an extra bit of assurance, not as foolproof rain protection. The internet is littered with examples of people who made warranty claims for water ingress and came away with nothing.

I would suggest a camera 'rain jacket', or a small hard case. If you want a small hard case that is relatively light, has the lid hinged at the top, and the straps attached at the top so you can carry it like a shoulder bag, look no further than an Underwater Kinetics Model 609 Dry Box. Most of the brief case styled hard cases have to be put down to be opened. The 609 doesn't - you can open and use gear from it as you carry it. Fit it out with foam or use epoxy resin to glue in your own dividers. Works a treat. I've hiked and kayaked in many wet places with one.  Far tougher than any soft case and very waterproof.

Here's a post a few years back with photo....

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53619768

Cheers, Rod