Have you packed your Fujifilm X-T20 for a day hike only to look out the window and see rain clouds forming? Not sure if you can bring along your camera for a street photography session if the weather takes a turn for the worse?
You don’t want to make a mistake and get a great picture at the cost of damaging your camera. Unfortunately, the X-T20 is not rated by Fujifilm as weather resistant, which means may need to be careful when using your camera outdoors.
A weather resistant rating for Fujifilm means the camera body has weather sealed points that provide resistance to dust, moisture, and low temperatures.
This article will cover options to protect your X-T20 from the elements, how to get around the lack of weather sealing and a closer look at the weather conditions you should avoid.
Ways to Protect Your Camera
There are a few solutions to the challenge of taking pictures in bad weather with the X-T20.
One option is to buy a protective case or shell from a camera accessory company. A fabric waterproof shell provides form-fitting protection for your camera from water, snow and dust. A shell designed to fit a camera will cause the least disruption to your routine and use of the camera functions.
Another DIY option that you can easily set up at home is to use a plastic freezer bag or ziplock bag for protection.
You can insert your camera into a bag that fits, and cut out an opening for the lens. Using a lens hood would help to shield the lens glass from rain, or you can also use a weather resistant lens for better protection.
Can I Still Use My Camera Outdoors Without Weather Resistance?
Even without weather sealing, that shouldn’t stop you from using the X-T20 outdoors. However, you should exercise caution when shooting in the elements. It’s common sense to take care of your camera and avoid the threat of moisture from rain or snow, or dust. Moisture or dust could cause severe damage to the camera’s mechanical and electrical components.
If you’re planning to pack your camera with you for a day at the beach, try to keep your camera on you and above ground at all times. The combination of sand, dust and water is a triple threat to a camera that isn’t weather sealed.
If you’re out on a mountain hike with cloudy skies and a chance of rain, you’ll have to be selective about when to take out your camera. It’s easy to wipe off a couple of light raindrops, shield yourself with an umbrella or protect the camera with your coat.
Avoid getting water on the lens or the camera housing as much as possible. If it starts downpouring, it’s better to be safe and put away your camera to avoid heavy rain.
On the other hand, even if you are using an official Fujifilm camera with the weather resistant label, that does not mean the camera is weatherproof or waterproof.
You should not bring a weather resistant Fujifilm to the pool and submerge it underwater, as this will damage the camera.
The WR rating just means that vulnerable areas like the lens mount, control dials, buttons, battery compartment and LCD screen have seals to prevent moisture and dust from entering the camera.
Can I Use the X-T20 in Cold Temperatures?
What if you are taking pictures in cold weather conditions and snow is a threat to your camera? While a fresh snowfall presents opportunities for a beautiful scene, snow can still lead to moisture damage. However, the larger threat in cold temperatures is to the camera’s battery.
For the X-T20, Fujifilm recommends using the camera within the following conditions:
- Temperatures between: 0 °C to +40 °C/+32 °F to +104 °F
- Humidity: 10% to 80% (no condensation)
These recommendations for operating temperatures are because the lithium-ion battery will have a lower capacity at temperatures below freezing, lowering the battery life for your camera.
If you plan to take pictures for an extended period of time in cold weather, it’s best to keep a spare battery at the ready. The battery should be stored in a warm place or in your pocket if possible to prevent discharge from the cold.
Personally, I live in the Canadian prairies, where temperatures can reach -30° C/ -22°F in the winter. While I love outdoor activities like skating and skiing, it’s hard to take pictures when my fingers can barely click the shutter button.
However, on those days when the weather is milder, I will bring my camera out to capture scenes like a fresh snowfall, or winter sports. I do notice that the battery life drains faster, and the camera can be slower to respond when the temperature is below freezing.
On the other end of the temperature scale, you also have to take precautions not to let the camera and battery get too hot. Avoid leaving the X-T20 in an environment such as a hot car, or in direct sunlight, as extremely high temperatures also pose a fire risk.
Can I Use a Weather Resistant Lens?
While the X-T20 is not weather resistant, you can still pair it with an official weather resistant lens by Fujifilm. Lenses with weather sealing are clearly marked with a “WR” label usually found on the top of the lens barrel.
However, even if you use a weather resistant lens on the X-T20, that protection will not extend to the camera body.
What Should I Do if My Camera Sustains Weather Damage?
If water, dust, or other foreign objects have entered your camera, you should immediately turn off the camera and remove the battery. Using the camera if there is water damage could cause a fire or electric shock. If your camera has sustained damage from water or a foreign object, your should contact Fujifilm directly for repair options.
Conclusion
While the X-T20 does not carry the official weather resistant label, that should not stop you from using your camera outdoors. Exercise care and your best judgment when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Do your best to protect your Fuji from rain, snow, and conditions that could potentially damage your camera and result in expensive repairs. Using your camera within the recommended temperature ranges will also help maintain the best performance.