{"id":39286,"date":"2020-12-02T17:56:10","date_gmt":"2020-12-02T16:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kinolios.com\/?p=39286"},"modified":"2024-07-04T21:23:18","modified_gmt":"2024-07-04T20:23:18","slug":"protection-de-pluie-pour-appareil-photo-mirrorless-dslr-et-rig-video-avec-option-diy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kinolios.com\/en\/blog\/cinematography\/diy\/protection-de-pluie-pour-appareil-photo-mirrorless-dslr-et-rig-video-avec-option-diy\/","title":{"rendered":"[En\/Fr] Rain protection gear for mirrorless\/dslr cameras and video rigs (with DIY)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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3 solutions for 3 different scenarios<\/h3>\n

I\u2019m going to present here the different rain protection items that I use for my cameras, whether I use them handheld or on a rig. <\/p>\n

When it rains or there is risks of water spraying onto the equipment, I\u2019m of the mentality of keeping it as dry as possible, as this is the gear that I work with and I don\u2019t have the funds to replace it if it\u2019s damaged. <\/p>\n

Another fact to keep in mind is that no manufacturer will honor the guarantee of the camera for water damage, even if it is weatherproof or advertised as such, so better take no chances.<\/p>\n

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As always, a full list of the articles in this blog can be found HERE<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Introduction<\/h4>\n

Sony cameras aren\u2019t known for their weatherproofing, as most doors and joints aren\u2019t well sealed. The third generation of their mirrorless had great improvements on that front, at least from water coming from the top of the camera (as the battery door isn\u2019t sealed and water can still infiltrate on the insides by capillary action). <\/p>\n

As I mainly use second generation cameras (a7r2 and a7s2), I don\u2019t have the luxury of these enhancements. <\/p>\n

The situation is made more complicated with the use of vintage glass, which seldom offer any weather resistance. There are no rubber gaskets on the mounts, retractable parts or seams. If water were to get onto the lens elements, it could potentially cloud them and ruin the image quality. <\/p>\n

Furthermore, the use of accessories like external recorders requires to leave the port covers of the camera open, allowing another point of entry for liquids. <\/p>\n

With all this in mind, let\u2019s take a look at what I use to protect my gear. I don\u2019t claim them to be the best, but I just wanted to share them what works for me, and for the advantages and disadvantages of each one. <\/p>\n

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Standard photo rain protection gear<\/h4>\n

Use<\/h5>\n

2022 Update: the seams are not sealed, this protection is therefore only suitable for occasional light rain showers. I present other alternatives in part II of this article HERE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

This is the first rain protectiong gear that I but when I knew I will be travelling to Iceland during midseason. Expecting mixed weather and shooting under waterfalls, I searched on the internet what models were available. I chose this one, which seemed to have a nice balance of quality, features and price. This is not from a known manufacturer, but is not the cheapest item you can find (I bought it for ~30$). <\/p>\n

For the moment it has satisfied my needs, and I never found any water on the camera even after a good hour under continuous rain.<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t go for a model with an opening to pass the viewfinder through, as I don\u2019t think the a7r2 LCD would have like the rain and the added possibility of water ingress if the seal wasn\u2019t good.<\/p>\n

The protection is composed of two pieces: a main one where the camera and a medium length lens fit and an extension for telephoto and long lenses which attach to the first one with Velcro. <\/p>\n

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The seams are reinforced but are not sealed with waterproof tape. A really long exposure to rain might let water seep through. <\/p>\n

The plastic transparent window is big enough to see all the camera controls and should even allow a small 5\u2033 monitor to fit.<\/p>\n

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A cloth shutter can cover it completely by attaching to the velcro bands on each side. I don\u2019t really see what the use case is so I keep it rolled up. Two elastic bands and a plastic buckle can secure it at the top for this purpose. <\/p>\n

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The sleeves aren\u2019t too tight or too long even with small gloves. Elastic cords with a toggle can close or tighten each sleeve if need be. <\/p>\n

The camera is slipped through an opening at the bottom, which as a zipper and a pull tab on each side, allowing to close it over a ballhead or tripod. This way, it\u2019s protected even from splashes coming from below, making it suited for use on the beach for example. I kept it open in Iceland, as with the cold weather and humidity, the warmth of my hand created a lot of condensation and clouded the window. <\/p>\n

On the lens side, the protection is tightened on the hood or the barrel of the lens with another elastic cord and a toggle.<\/p>\n

A semi-rigid flap can also be tightened around the front or serve as a makeshift hood. This is also where the extension is attached with a Velcro band. <\/p>\n

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The extension features the same elastic cord to tighten it, but is also opened on the bottom to ease getting it on and off. It can be closed with Velcro.<\/p>\n

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Observations<\/h5>\n

If the protection can be a bit laborious to put on, as you have to squeeze the lens through its sleeve, it is well protected from all directions.<\/p>\n

Depending on the weather conditions, there can be condensation if it\u2019s entirely closed.<\/p>\n

Another downside is that even folded it takes a bit of space, as the semi-rigid plastic window could be damaged if bent too much. It will fit easily in a backpack but not in a sling bag or pouch. <\/p>\n

I have quite big hands and accessing the lens focus or aperture ring can be difficult if the lens is large. <\/p>\n

Considering this, I tried to find an easier to protect my camera on casual strolls:<\/p>\n

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Minimalist rain cover<\/h4>\n

Use<\/h5>\n

2022 Update: the seams are not sealed, this protection is therefore only suitable for occasional light rain showers. I present other alternatives in part II of this article HERE<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

I use adapter rings on all my lenses to have a unified 77mm filter thread. All my accessories and filters can then be easily swapped between all my collection. One of these is a rubber adjustable hood found on Aliexpress. It can be shrunk or extended to prevent vignetting depending on the focal length.<\/p>\n