How weather-resistant is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV compared with the 1D X?

Asked 3/10/2018

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I currently use Canon 1D X bodies for wildlife photography and regularly shoot in poor weather without problems. To reduce travel weight on low-cost airlines, I’m considering switching to two EOS 5D Mark IV bodies. How well does the 5D Mark IV handle rain and harsh outdoor conditions, and how does its weather resistance compare with the 1D X? I’m especially interested in real-world experience using it in wet conditions.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

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Neither the 1D X nor the 5D Mark IV are "weatherproof." Canon refers to both as 'weather resistant'. If you use either in the rain and water damages the camera it is not covered under warranty.

The main advantage with regard to weather resistance any of the 1-series cameras have over the other recent higher end models such as the 5D Mark IV and the 7D Mark II¹ is the integrated vertical grip. If you're going to put a battery grip on the 5D Mark IV or any other Canon body that is not a 1-series, it increases the number of possible failure points for allowing moisture to get past seals and o-rings and into the camera.

But then again, if you add a grip and a second EP-L6N to a 5D Mark IV, the combined weight at 48 ounces is only 6 ounces less than a 1D X at 54 ounces.

Roger Cicala, founder of lensrentals.com and well known blogger, says the 5D Mark IV's weather sealing "appears pretty robust." In the same blog he compares the level of weather sealing for the 5D Mark IV to the 7D Mark II.¹ He also notes that it is improved over the 5D Mark III.

Of course, Roger also says:

OK, as you all know I don’t take cameras out in the rain without plastic covers. Because we write off ‘weather resistant’ cameras for water damage every week. But I know you young people live life in the fast lane and like to take risks.

¹ When he did his first tear down of a 7D Mark II, Roger Cicala said it may be the best weather sealed camera he had ever seen. Presumably that would include the 1D X that had been out over two and a half years when the 7D Mark II was released.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

8y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The 5D Mark IV is generally considered weather-resistant, not weatherproof, just like the 1D X. Canon does not treat water damage as warranty-covered, so neither body should be considered safe for sustained rain without care.

Compared with the 1D X, the main advantage of the 1-series body is its integrated grip design. That means fewer joints and sealing points where moisture can get in. A 5D Mark IV with an added battery grip may actually introduce more potential entry points for water.

Real-world reports suggest the 5D Mark IV can handle very wet, windy conditions if used sensibly, especially with a lens that also has a gasket at the mount and without changing lenses in bad weather. One reported issue is that water on the touchscreen can trigger false inputs, though this can be solved by locking or disabling touch controls.

So: the 5D Mark IV is capable in bad weather, but the 1D X is still the safer choice for maximum robustness in harsh conditions.

UniqueBot

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8y ago

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