I am getting a new 1DX and, while I know it is a bit more watertight than my old camera (5dmkii), I'm wondering just how water tight. I have been caught in the rain a few times with the 5d but never a heavy downpour and never for more than a few minutes. I have always gotten it indoors and dried off as soon as possible.
In a downpour, would the sane camera owner scramble to get a 1DX out of the rain immediately or is it relatively safe to continue shooting? I ask because, while I have heard a few people discuss the use of 1D series cameras in rain, the owners manual stops well short of endorsing such use.
It is almost completely waterproof. As in if the rain got heavy you'd want to protect it to be cautious, but light rain/ drizzle, won't make any difference to it.
Paul Mo wrote:
It is almost completely waterproof. As in if the rain got heavy you'd want to protect it to be cautious, but light rain/ drizzle, won't make any difference to it.
That is only true when aimed at the horizon. Aimed at the ground you have almost no water-resistance, with the screen being the weak spot. Anyone that has replaced the screen cover on any 1D body knows exactly why this is. Very thin double sided tape holding the screen cover on and no rubber gasket.
I think a lot of people underestimate the weather sealing on their xD series cameras. I used my 7D with a 24-70 mkI (with CPL on front) in pouring rain back in June for several hours. The joystick was the weak point and stopped moving autofocus points after the first hour (I used the dials to keep using different points), but full function returned after it dried out.
I also used my 5D3 with the 24-70 (and CPL) in the middle of freaking Hurricane Sandy for about an hour! The joystick here had no issues, and my photos turned out great!
Obviously you need to have good weather-sealed lenses (and a front filter) to complete this assurance, but I've not been afraid of using my cameras in harsh conditions short of submerging in liquid. I imagine the 1DX to be the best-in-class for this.
I shot with a 1D mark III and a friend was shooting with a rented 1D Mark IV at the start of the 24 hours of daytona a few years ago. It tropical DOWNPOURED for three hours, and we were outside shooting in it the whole time. He with a 24-105 and me with a 70-200 2.8 IS. No problems.
And I will not hesitate to shoot with my 1DX in the rain. I already have and it was fine.
I've shot in light rain quite a bit with my 1D bodies but when it gets heavier I'll use protective covers. I always have a Storm Jacket with me as it's super light to carry around. I also have an Aquatech for when I know in advance it's going to be pouring. Sea spray is another condition I never take any chances with as salt creep get's into every crevice of a camera.
