weather sealing on cameras?? 7D and D300s

wildviper

Hi All,

I am curious as to the meaning of weather sealing on these two cameras versus the Pros ?

Can I continue using either of the camera in rain, dust storms, high desert heat?

What about if dips in the ocean?

This is assuming, I have the L lens or similar Nikkor.

Or is the weather sealing just superficial and only protects against "minor" splashes and stuff.

hgernhardtjr

Purt much superficial. Try dipping it into that ocean you mention ... I gar-on-tee a ruined camera and lens!

It tends to keep dampness and heavy dew out for a bit, but I prefer to cover with a plastic baggie in the rain and even in heavy dew, for that matter. Similar if not a bit more benefits in dusty conditions. But of course there is no protection if you change a lens. However, the minimal weather sealing that is available is far better than nothing IMHO.

20DNoob

As far as the 7D goes, I wouldn't take it into anything other than a very light sprinkle. The seals on it are equal to the seals on the film EOS 1N, not much electronics wise compared to todays cameras. That and not all of the Ls' are sealed, and on some of the ones that are sealed you still need to put on a filter to complete the effect.

The new feature set on the 7D doesn't do much for me(I've no idea of the D300s features) so I'd get either a 1DMkII N(maybe wait and see if the MkIII prices keep coming down) or a D2Xs(nice and cheap these days) if the environmental issue is going to be coming up more often than not.

wildviper

After posting this, I remembered this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cFS83r3c3U

Check out around 1:36 mark.

NikonsandVstroms

If the weather sealing is the major point of a camera for you then check out the Olympus E-3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A15MgHHS_M8

(There are also videos out there of this camera in showers, pools, etc.)

insanefred

wildviper wrote:

After posting this, I remembered this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cFS83r3c3U

Check out around 1:36 mark.

Notice where the water is actually hitting? just in front of the lens with some/very little bouncing/splashing on the the camera itself.

As for Nikon D300 vs Canon 7D seals, Nikon is suppose to be better... But... I wouldn't trust either of them to take out in anything more than a light shower rain.
Dipping almost any electronic device in salt water is like suicide.

Joves

I use mine in the dusty conditions alot and, havent had any dust go around the seals. I usually get it when changing lenses. I have had it in some pretty god showers as well with no ill effects. Also shoot in the heat. I have the D300.