Does Sony a7II have Weather Sealing? – Here are my thoughts about it (2024)

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Yes, the Sony a7II is a weather-sealed mirrorless camera. But, let’s dive deeper into what that really means.

This fantastic mirrorless from 2014 has a magnesium alloy body with seals and gaskets that protect the internal components from dust and moisture.

The camera’s battery is also rated at 5°F (-15°C), making it ideal for cold weather conditions.

However, like I always say, it’s important to note that weather-sealing does not mean that the camera is completely waterproof.

sony a7ii have weather sealing

I highly suggest taking extra care when using the camera in wet conditions, and that you do not submerge it in water. For God’s sake, it’s not a GoPro!

That being said, the weather sealing on the Sony A7II is more than enough for most photography needs. You can take the camera out in the rain, snow, or desert, and be confident it will continue functioning properly.

Key Specs

  • 24.3MP Full Frame CMOS sensor
  • 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization
  • Improved hybrid AF system with 25 contrast-detect and 117 phase-detect points
  • Weather-sealed / environmentally sealed
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • ISO 100 – 25600
  • 600 grams
  • 3-inch tilting LCD with 1.23 million dots
  • 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder
  • 1080 footage at up to 50Mbps
  • Wi-Fi with NFC

How effective is Sony a7II’s weather sealing?

Weather sealing, also known as environmental sealing, is a feature that ensures cameras are equipped to handle adverse weather conditions and challenging environments like rain, snow, and dust.

It involves the incorporation of specialized seals, gaskets, and coatings in the construction of the camera body to create a barrier against external elements.

From my experience, I didn’t have any issues whatsoever with the weather sealing on this camera. In fact, there are several times when I was out shooting in the rain and snow and didn’t think twice about bringing this camera with me.

But here’s the thing, I will not use it during a heavy downpour for longer than a few minutes. I’ve heard stories from fellow photographers who have experienced water damage when their cameras were exposed to rain for extended periods of time.

I don’t think that this is something that you can blame on the camera itself, it’s just one of those things that happen when you don’t take proper care of your gear.

When it comes to dust and sand, I have yet to experience any problems with this camera. I’ve taken it with me on several trips to the sand dunes and beaches, and I’ve never had any issues with the camera.

Even when I’m using it in conditions like this, I make sure that I take a few seconds to clean off any dirt and dust that might have gotten into the camera and lens.

How Do You Dry Out a Wet Camera?

splash of water

Let me first tell you a short story: Unfortunately, it happened to my Canon EOS RP. My sister was using my camera, placed it on her table then accidentally spilled water on it. I had to send it in for repair. Canon repair center replaced my RP’s main board and LCD screen! Ouch!

The good news is that my camera is back and all fixed and I just paid around $300 for the repairs.

Accidents like this do happen, and if your camera gets wet despite its weather sealing or due to accidents like dropping it in the water, then there’s a chance that some of your gear is going to be damaged.

It’s important to take immediate action to prevent any potential damage. Here are some steps you can follow to dry out a wet camera:

  1. The first and most crucial step is to turn off your camera immediately and remove the battery. This helps prevent any short-circuiting that could occur if there is still power flowing through the device. DON’T attempt to TURN ON your camera!

  2. Remove the memory card/s and accessories! Take out the memory card, lens, and any other accessories attached to the camera. This will allow them to dry separately and prevent any potential damage.

  3. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe off any excess water from the camera body and lens. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or rub vigorously, as this could push water further into the camera.

  4. Find a well-ventilated area and place your camera and its components in a dry location. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause additional damage. You can use a clean cloth or paper towel to prop up the camera to allow airflow around it.

  5. Allow the camera to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. This duration may vary depending on the level of moisture exposure and humidity in your environment. Rushing the process may result in further damage.

  6. Consider placing silica gel packets or uncooked rice in a sealed container alongside the camera. Silica gel helps absorb moisture, while rice acts as a desiccant. However, keep in mind that these methods are not foolproof and should be used as an additional precaution.

  7. Once you are confident that the camera is thoroughly dry, reassemble the camera by attaching the lens, memory card, and battery. Power it on and test its functionality. Check for any signs of abnormal behavior or malfunctions. If you notice any issues, it’s best to have your camera inspected by a professional.

In my case, the water damage is so damn bad that the camera is not even working. That’s why I send it to Canon.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. It’s essential to prioritize proper storage and handling practices for your camera, including using protective cases and avoiding exposing it to excessive moisture or extreme conditions whenever possible.

How Do I Know if My Camera is Weather-sealed?

sony a7ii with batt grip

Fortunately, we don’t need any special tools to know if our camera has weather sealing. All we need is to have keen eyes and be able to spot the signs.

The first thing to do is check the camera’s specifications. I know, right?!

Most manufacturers will list the weather-sealing features somewhere on their website or in the user manual. Sometimes it is also called “weather-resistant” or “environmentally sealed”.

Next, we should take a closer look at our camera’s exterior. If we see any section of the camera that is covered by a rubber gasket or a silicone ring, then it’s likely that our camera is weather-sealed. This includes:

  • The buttons on the camera
  • Battery compartment door
  • Memory card compartment door