The Sony A7, also known as the Sony Alpha 7, is the world’s smallest, palm-sized full-frame mirrorless camera. It is exceptionally light in weight, which is why it’s relatively easy to carry around. It features an ergonomic design that doesn’t compromise on performance for portability. It’s capable of producing high-quality images and video, making it ideal for photographers looking to do both.
Being an all-around device, it’s capable of holding its own in terms of photo and video performance. It has a 24.3 MP full-frame high-resolution sensor that provides awe-inspiring image quality and spectacular bokeh. Sony’s A series consists of the first full-frame cameras of their kind. The Sony Alpha 7 also contains a new BIONZ XTM image processing engine along with a full-frame sensor. All of this combine to produce a DSLR that’s capable of high-level performance.
The camera’s new dial features dedicated buttons for different modes, make the device highly functional. In terms of utility, the camera features a tillable LCD and modern connectivity ports like an HDMI slot and a micro-USB slot. The A7’s max video resolution is around 1920 x 1080p @30fps, and it also has LA-EA4 and LA-EA3 mount adaptors for full-frame FE lens support. Sony’s A7 effectively maintains a balance between low noise, power, and gradation.
The Sony A7 offers brilliant low light performance thanks to an ISO latitude of 100-25600. As it has interchangeable lenses with full-frame, photographers can work around those ISO settings with different options. Thanks to the full-frame sensor, the camera offers superb video performance in low-lighting as well.
Is The Sony A7 Weatherproof?
The body of the Sony A7 is 25% smaller than other dominant DSLRs. Sony highlight that the camera is dust and moisture resistant like a majority of DSLRs on the market. However, it doesn’t feature any weather sealing. Unlike Pentax DSLRs that contain gaskets and a watertight seal made up of rubber, the Sony A7 does not have any of these features.
The main body of the Sony A7 is attached to its top cover with the help of a long edge. Besides this, it also has a tight fit. These features help keep moisture away from its fragile components because they act as a barrier to the camera’s sensitive parts. If all the pieces are sealed together tightly, it won’t be easy for water to get into the camera’s components. That being said, the camera isn’t fully waterproof. If the camera is submerged in the water, the seals aren’t enough to keep a significant volume of water at bay.
The connectivity ports are also adequately sealed with the help of tight covers. There is also a rubber sealing all over the camera, including the SD card slot’s edges. This protects the memory card if your camera gets flooded with water.
For a more efficient tracking capacity, the Sony A7 features an electronic viewfinder. There’s a rubber sealing around this viewfinder to prevent any excess moisture from entering. However, because it’s electronic, any water that seeps through is a potential problem.
The electronic viewfinder also shows you a preview of the settings. This includes white balance, exposure compensation, and camera modes. Another fantastic feature of this camera is the White Magic Technology used in the monitor. With the help of this, you can considerably enhance the brightness level. This allows you to use your camera in sunny weather.
One of the best features of the Sony A7 is the versatile, dynamic range. The camera can capture shadows and highlights perfectly, giving the photographer more room to work with the lighting in post-processing. The rubber stripping in every part of the Sony A7 keeps it safe and dry in rainy conditions.
However, the Sony A7 itself is not weatherproof or water-resistant. If you attempt to submerge the camera or use it in heavy rain for long periods, you will damage it. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to make the camera weatherproof. We’ll tell you exactly how you can make the Sony A7 weatherproof.
How To Make The Sony A7 Weather Proof?
Photographers that love going out on adventures or wildlife photography typically spend a few days in the field. When you’re out there in nature, any minute, the weather could turn against you and your equipment. That’s why buying a weatherproof camera or learning how to weatherproof a camera is essential.
You don’t want to be caught in heavy rain with your expensive photography equipment; without adequate protection, that’s a recipe for disaster. While buying a weatherproof camera can get costly, there are solutions available for individuals that are willing to get crafty. Every Sony A7 user can follow this guide to make their camera capable of effectively dealing with all conditions.
There are essentially two ways to go about waterproofing the Sony A7. Users can choose between readymade solutions in the market or one of the DIY methods. While the DIY techniques are undoubtedly hard work, the results from them often manage to surpass the readymade gear’s performance. It’ll also help you save a couple of bucks and get creative with weatherproofing your camera.
1. Save Your Device In A Plastic Bag
Owners have the option of buying the readymade rain covers and hard cases available to weatherproof the Sony A7, but there’s a much cheaper solution. All you need is a plastic bag, knife/scissors, lens hood, and a set-up A7. Make sure that the A7 is set up with the appropriate lens. After doing so, the weatherproofing process can begin.
When the camera is set up, place the plastic bag around the lens hood to cover the camera and lens completely. After covering the entire body, secure the positioning of the plastic bag with a rubber band. The plastic bag should provide adequate protection from the rain and is reusable. No rain will seep through the plastic bag as long as there aren’t any holes present.
This process won’t make your camera completely waterproof, but it’s enough protection to let you use the camera in the rain and snow without worry. Everyone has a spare plastic bag lying around the house, so this is a tip that you can try immediately.
2. Purchase Protective Rain Covers For Cameras
Camera rain covers are also the best option to secure your gear from rain. It follows the same principle as raincoats, just for the Sony A7 instead of people. One of the best rain covers on the market is the Ewa-Marine Rain Cape.
It is designed explicitly for harsh weather conditions like sand, snow, heavy rain, sleet, etc. The rain cover provides adequate protection and is budget-friendly, but it is not suitable for underwater devices. It is used for compact cameras, SLR, etc. For accurate adjustment to the camera, it also features mounting brackets that help secure the cover.
3. Spend Money On Water-Resistant Camera Housing
The camera housing is a fully protected water-resistant case that is ideal for keeping your gear safe from all the sides. If you want to make your camera completely waterproof, this is the perfect solution.
The Ewa-Marine U-AX Camera Housing is perfect for underwater photography. It keeps your camera super dry and is compatible with the Sony A7. It can be used while surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. The design of the housing keeps SLRs in mind, and there’s room to fit an external flash as well. You can use it underwater up to 20m/60ft dive depths.
4. Place A Quality Lens Hood On
If you plan to explore nature’s beauty with the Sony A7 camera, then a lens hood is a must-have. It will protect your camera lens from dust and also provide resistance against moisture. For a fine-quality lens hood, you can go for the Aqua-Tech Collapsing Soft Lens.
It can be effectively used to fit any 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 lens. While not making your camera waterproof, having a lens hood is necessary when using the camera outdoors. It’ll protect the lens from light amounts of rain and works perfectly with the plastic bag method.
5. The Zip-Loc Method
Another DIY method that follows the same principle as the plastic bag technique is the zip-loc trick. All you’re going to need is a zip-loc bag, tape, scissors, and a lens hood. Once you have all the equipment ready, place the lens hood on the bag, and make a marker for the hole’s size. Then cut out the piece according to the marker and fit it around the lens hood. Secure it in place using tape, attach the hood to your lens, and your weatherproof casing is ready to go.
Conclusion
The Sony A7 is a brilliant all-round performer that makes it an ideal fit for adventure photography. It’s current pricing also make it an attractive prospect for anyone. Following any of the methods above can help make the camera weatherproof so you can take it anywhere. After following these tips, no conditions will stop you from using the brilliant Sony A7!
