Unfortunately, the Sony a6100 is not weather-sealed. This mirrorless camera is still pretty tough though and will stand up well against a few raindrops and splashes. Light drizzle shouldn’t affect the camera at all, but there’s a high chance that it will get damaged in a heavy downpour.
If you’re planning to take your Sony a6100 into a wet environment then we recommend using some sort of waterproof case or camera rain cover/sleeve.
There were a few times that I took my Sony a6100 and my Sony a6000, which is by the way, not weather sealed as well outside and it rained, but I didn’t have any problems with them. These two superb mirrorless cameras are made of high-quality materials and they can withstand light raindrops.
If you’re looking for a camera like the Sony a6100 but has weather sealing, maybe you should consider the Sony a6400.
It’s not completely waterproof, but it can surely handle some light rain. I will definitely not use it in heavy rain and I don’t think you should either. It is also important to dry your camera off as soon as you get it wet.
How can I make my camera waterproof?
While the Sony a6100 itself is not waterproof, you can use certain accessories to make them more resistant to water. You can use these two accessories:
- Camera rain covers or sleeves
- Underwater housing
Rain covers and sleeves are generally affordable and easy to use. The rain covers are usually made out of plastic or rubber and have a hole for the lens and for your hands. They are easy to put on and take off, which makes them a great accessory for the outdoors.
Now, if you’re planning to use your mirrorless camera underwater, then you should definitely get underwater housing like the SeaFrogs Salted Line Waterproof Housing. It’s a waterproof case that allows you to submerge your camera up to 195 feet (60 meters), which is ideal for use with the Sony a6100.
It’s a fantastic option to capture underwater photos and videos. You can also use this if you want to document your water sports activities such as surfing, scuba diving, etc.
While these housings are much more expensive compared to rain covers, they are a much better investment. Since they allow you to take your camera underwater, which is perfect for those who love to document their adventures.
How is the Sony a6100 in rain?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I have no issues using it in light drizzle. I have taken it out on numerous occasions, and it has never let me down. However, since the Sony a6100 is not weather-sealed and if you’re planning to shoot in heavy rain, then you should consider getting a rain cover.
Don’t forget to put a lens hood to protect your lens as well.
This will help protect your camera and lens from any water droplets that might come into contact with it while shooting outdoors
How waterproof are weather-sealed cameras?
Many people believe that a weather-sealed camera is waterproof, which is not true. Weather-sealed cameras are designed to withstand moisture and dust, but they are not fully waterproof.
In other words, you can shoot in light rain or snow without any issues; however, if you’re planning on taking your camera in heavy rain or deep water then you should consider getting one with full waterproofing.
How do you dry out a wet camera?
There are multiple ways to dry out your camera, depending on the type of damage it sustained.
- The first thing to do is turn off your camera and remove the battery. Next, remove any memory cards that may be inside your camera, as well as any lenses. You can then gently wipe away at any moisture using a soft, lint-free cloth.
- You can leave your camera or any lenses in a warm (room temperature), dry place for up to 48 hours.
- If the camera was only exposed to water and you want to save it, then put it in a bag of rice overnight or for up to a few days- depending on how much water it was exposed to. The rice will absorb any moisture in the device and help prevent corrosion from setting in.
- The bag and silica gel method. Get a plastic bag or any container and put some silica gel in it. Put your camera in the bag, seal it and leave it for a few days. Although this method is not so useful if your camera is really wet.
If all else fails, then I’m sorry but you can take your beloved camera to a professional camera technician.
Is weather-sealed camera worth it?
Weather sealing is a nice necessity to have on your camera, but it’s not something that’s absolutely necessary.
Unless you plan on shooting in extreme conditions like rain or snow, then a weather-sealed camera won’t be much use to you. It can certainly come in handy when shooting in sudden and unexpected weather conditions.
If you’re a professional photographer like me, then having a weather-sealed camera can be a lifesaver. There were a handful of times that it suddenly rained heavily and I had to quickly shoot some photos.
A weather-sealed camera would have been great in those moments because it would allow you to keep shooting without worrying about damaging your camera.
But if you’re just an amateur photographer or a casual hobbyist, then having a weather-sealed camera probably won’t affect how much value you get out of it.
Final thoughts
The Sony a6100 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable mirrorless camera. Even though it’s not weather sealed, it’s got a lot of great features that can help you take some amazing photos.
Furthermore, it’s also a good choice for those who are looking to upgrade from their smartphone camera or point-and-shoot camera because it has all the manual controls you need to be more creative.
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.