Does weather resistant matters?

mahidoes

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WR Bodies
+ weather resistant
+ More controls
+ Some performance like buffer
- Heavier
- Expensive

Most manufactures offer same image quality in lighter non WR bodies.
Eg in the past : Canon T2i and 7D...
fuji X-T20 and X-T2
Fuji X-T30 and X-T3

Eg now :
X-T30 ii and X-T4

If that camera breaks you can buy another light weight non WR camera with latest sensor right?

Why pay more money and carry that much weight when you can buy light weight non WR body for cheaper? You can replace it when it break and when you replace you get new technology. You have paid less already right?

I think weather resistant might be ok for those who are shooting very often in extreme conditions. Because it's not worth buying a camera every week or so (assuming lower end bodies will break in those condition immediately). But my question is are these WR cameras that robust and really that Weather resistant compared to lower end bodies? Can they stand 2 of the lighter weight low end camera's lifetime?

Nowadays cameras also differentiate with different sensor. That make sense. For example we can take EOR R7 and EOS R10. In this the chip is different and megapixel count is different. Possibly dynamic range also can be different.

Willing to listen to your thoughts.
 
I thought we are supposed to be moving away from the disposable society? This proposal simply doesn't make ecological or financial sense.
I think weather resistant might be ok for those who are shooting very often in extreme conditions. Because it's not worth buying a camera every week or so (assuming lower end bodies will break in those condition immediately). But my question is are these WR cameras that robust and really that Weather resistant compared to lower end bodies? Can they stand 2 of the lighter weight low end camera's lifetime?
agreed. Mr. Martin.

Further, my thought is better weather resistance keeps out dust better than no resistance plus there are those unexpected spills, sudden rain storms or tornadoes ripping off the roofs......... .:(

Although it hinders the excuse for buying new gear---Honey, need new XXX because the rain ate my camera, lens. brain, etc.....
 
I'm not a pro, and I've been glad for it. In my case it works well, and has allowed me to shoot in some situations where I'd have to give up to protect my gear otherwise.

No problems happened here...



897c8d7f3fe04f1ba2784e60e60fe20c.jpg
 
... and when the wind and rain came while on top of Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park last year it didn't stop me from taking pictures of cloud formations, wind swept trees and rainbows. Only thing I had to do is wipe the raindrops from the front of the lens once in a while so that I could continue shooting.

Inclimate weather (rain, snow, wind, etc.) is when you can get the most interesting and dramatic photos. You can't do that when the camera is in the bag.
well yes i agree, but if all you have is a canon T3i would you risk shooting in the rain? yes, i have done it but only briefly, wiping it dry and popped back in the camera bag.

so far no failures yet, until something happens i spose. been looking to upgrade to a canon 7D which is weather resistant, but i will still be careful.
The 7D is weather resistant and a bit jump in build quality and usability (except for the fully articulating screen) from the t3i, but IQ is the same, and there are no weather resistant EF-S lenses.
 
There are no weather resistant EF-S lenses.
This above.

For anyone looking for a rugged outdoor camera, lenses with good sealing is a must.

I would even go as far as recommend to *only* buy new cameras and new lenses *if* good weather protection is *important* to you.

Why?

No matter how good construction, all sealing wear out over time. (ask any diver...)

You buy a weather-sealed camera and lens to use it now while the seals are fresh and strong, not to be used in 10 years time when they are dry and old (or do so on your own risk)

Best bang for the buck?

Olympus OM-1 and the Olympus 14‑150 F4.0‑5.6 II

BR Strobist
 
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I suppose Weather "Resistance" is a good thing in case you get caught in sudden weather.

But I personally don't consider anything less than a totally water-PROOF as usable in inclement weather, (aka the old Nikonos -- which I used for car-races because of the dust/tires in the air).
 
I suppose Weather "Resistance" is a good thing in case you get caught in sudden weather.

But I personally don't consider anything less than a totally water-PROOF as usable in inclement weather, (aka the old Nikonos -- which I used for car-races because of the dust/tires in the air).
If you're an all-or-nothing kind of person, then yes, absolutely, Because this is an all-or-nothing position.

For me, there's a bit more nuance. Being able to shoot in light rain (as I was doing that results in the picture I posted above) is useful even if you still can't shoot in a torrential downpour, or underwater.

But hey, if you're not willing to shoot in light rain unless your gear can also withstand a tsunami, that's fine - you do you.
 
I suppose Weather "Resistance" is a good thing in case you get caught in sudden weather.

But I personally don't consider anything less than a totally water-PROOF as usable in inclement weather, (aka the old Nikonos -- which I used for car-races because of the dust/tires in the air).
If you're an all-or-nothing kind of person, then yes, absolutely, Because this is an all-or-nothing position.

For me, there's a bit more nuance. Being able to shoot in light rain (as I was doing that results in the picture I posted above) is useful even if you still can't shoot in a torrential downpour, or underwater.

But hey, if you're not willing to shoot in light rain unless your gear can also withstand a tsunami, that's fine - you do you.
Forget the gear, rain sucks (to be out in) :) lol
 
I suppose Weather "Resistance" is a good thing in case you get caught in sudden weather.

But I personally don't consider anything less than a totally water-PROOF as usable in inclement weather, (aka the old Nikonos -- which I used for car-races because of the dust/tires in the air).
If you're an all-or-nothing kind of person, then yes, absolutely, Because this is an all-or-nothing position.

For me, there's a bit more nuance. Being able to shoot in light rain (as I was doing that results in the picture I posted above) is useful even if you still can't shoot in a torrential downpour, or underwater.

But hey, if you're not willing to shoot in light rain unless your gear can also withstand a tsunami, that's fine - you do you.
Forget the gear, rain sucks (to be out in) :) lol
yeah it does. i am looking to upgrade to 7D and weather resistance comes with the package; don't think i will push the issue as maybe the lens will not agree with such rainy day activity.

are the kit lens good enuf with a 7D in being weather resistance or does a 18-55 canon lens become the weak link?
 
I think unless you are a professional photographer, then weather proofing is not a necessity
I never realized professional status was a pre-requisite for shooting in the rain. I guess I’ve been doing it wrong — I hope the Photography Commission doesn’t rescind my Amateur Status. As we cyclists say, I’m not made of sugar.
 
Inclimate weather (rain, snow, wind, etc.) is when you can get the most interesting and dramatic photos. You can't do that when the camera is in the bag.
Back when I was regularly photographing Land-Rover/off-road events I eventually stopped shooting in “good weather” save for a few “record of event” snaps. Less interesting. I’ll say the same is true for cyclocross — which I also shoot. I do make those images when the weather is dry — but rain, sleet and snow make for more interesting photographs. I’ve also used various cameras at Burning Man over a ten year period. With moderate care, they’ve all returned from the Playa dusty (on the outside) but fully-functional.

Sharp-eyed readers will note that I’m currently “risking it” with a non-WR body — purchased as a placeholder with an eye towards an ultra-high-performance action camera once that market sorts itself out for me. I think it will be an XH2S, but the Z9 isn’t completely out of the picture. All on hold for the moment anyhow — other priorities. So in the mean time, I use a rain cover for the X-S10 when necessary. I would prefer a WR body though I’d still use the rain cover in heavy downpours — more is more in this case.
 
WR Bodies
+ weather resistant
+ More controls
+ Some performance like buffer
- Heavier
- Expensive
None of those factors relate to weather resistance other than making the camera cost more.
 
I think unless you are a professional photographer, then weather proofing is not a necessity
I never realized professional status was a pre-requisite for shooting in the rain. I guess I’ve been doing it wrong — I hope the Photography Commission doesn’t rescind my Amateur Status. As we cyclists say, I’m not made of sugar.
I wouldn't worry about it to much. If the commission catches you they'll just elevate you to Pro status!! Any fool shooting out in the rain would certainly automatically be deemed a Pro! LoL

The BIG question is not whether you'll b e a Pro but will Van Aerts win the worlds?!?

John
 
I think unless you are a professional photographer, then weather proofing is not a necessity
I never realized professional status was a pre-requisite for shooting in the rain. I guess I’ve been doing it wrong — I hope the Photography Commission doesn’t rescind my Amateur Status. As we cyclists say, I’m not made of sugar.
I don't know about that. When I was a part of a tandem team (many) years ago, there was a saying that "stokers melt". Stokers were often female.
 
I think unless you are a professional photographer, then weather proofing is not a necessity
I never realized professional status was a pre-requisite for shooting in the rain. I guess I’ve been doing it wrong — I hope the Photography Commission doesn’t rescind my Amateur Status. As we cyclists say, I’m not made of sugar.
I don't know about that. When I was a part of a tandem team (many) years ago, there was a saying that "stokers melt". Stokers were often female.
Based on comments in this thread, not wanting to play in the rain isn’t a gender thing. Again looking back into my days in the Land-Rover community (as much younger, and less “woke” man) one of the highest honors we would bestow on a wife or girlfriend was certification as “waterproof”. It wasn’t automatic, but it was far from rare — I was in the habit of picking up first dates in the Series truck. If they complained there was no reason to invest time or money in a “fancy” date in the BMW.
 
If it’s raining out, I’m not standing in it, camera or no camera.
Agreed. I'm strictly a dry-weather photographer!!! :-P:-):-D;-)
Well if your a landscape photographer, some of the most dramatic skies can be seen in inclement weather.
I don't shoot landscapes much anymore. After 40 years they all started to look the same. Too boring. However, when I did I was able to catch the beautiful skies between showers. When it's actually raining it's cloudy and the skies are gray.
 

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