Weather-Sealed Mirrorless Digital Cameras

Professional photographers are required to produce publication-worthy images no matter the weather. This requires tough weatherproof gear. To take hold onto the professional market, the latest generation of mirrorless cameras includes several weather-sealed models. Such cameras can handle rain, snow and dust when combined with a suitable weatherproof lens.

In this feature article, we compare the latest generation of cropped-sensor mirrorless cameras. Each of these cameras offers high image-quality in a relatively compact body and is compatible with native lenses which are comparatively smaller than their DSLR-equivalent. For completeness, we briefly describe full-frame weather-sealed mirrorless cameras in the right column. Those are not only larger but require significantly larger lenses which reduce the advantages of a mirrorless system. They are also much more expensive, reaching several thousands of dollars for the body alone.

Weather-sealed camera bodies require weather-sealed lenses for the whole to stand against the elements. This generally means that relatively more costly cameras demand more costly lenses. The only current exception is the Nikon 1 AW1
Nikon 1 AW1 which is not only weatherproof but waterproof as well. That one is designed for entry-level users rather than professionals, offering a basic feature-set and limited number of controls. The right column on the next page goes into more details regarding its waterproof feature.

The prices above were found at the time of publication based on availability and usually good down over time. They are only quoted for the body, no lens or memory card is included, so do leave room in your budget to complete the system. Remember that the lens is an important aspect of DSLR image quality and should be given careful consideration. Check the lens buying guide for more information on how to choose lenses.

These mirrorless cameras, with exception of the AW1, are all aimed at professional photographers. They have extensive feature-sets and a high number of external controls. The non-Nikon ones have at least 2 control-dials, up to 4 in some cases. The AW1 is also the only one in the group without an EVF or a hot-shoe. The minimal feature set covered by all the cropped-sensor weatherproof mirrorless presented here is summarized in Table 2 here:

Primary differences are detailed on on page 2. In deciding among one of these cameras, primary differences relevant to your photographic needs should be considered first. Should no such difference affect your photographic needs, then it will come down do secondary differences which are described starting on page 3.

Fujifilm X-T1

Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite

Nikon AW1

Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-M5 Mark II

Panasonic DMC-GH4

Panasonic DMC-GX8