Watch this camera blasted by 15 water jets in weatherproofing test

Watch video: Water jet camera weather sealing test

We all experience 'the fear' at the thought of taking our precious camera kit into rainy conditions. Even a spot of drizzle can be enough to make many photographers cradle their cameras like newborn babies, shielding them under their jackets. 

This, obviously, is where cameras with weather sealing come into play. The best professional cameras are designed to protect your precious investment from the elements, but only the bravest photographers would dare put their gear to the test.

• Hands on: Olympus OM-1 review

However, shooting in the rain is one thing; having a camera absolutely blasted by jets of water is quite another. So it was with wide eyes that we beheld the above video, depicting the new Olympus OM-1 undergoing stringent stress testing to demonstrate its weather sealing.

In the video, we see the camera – paired with the new OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II – being pounded by 15 jet streams of water simultaneously at all angles. From the lens mount to the electronic viewfinder, the memory card compartments to the shutter button, the setup is shown no mercy.

While it made us feel squeamish watching it, the video certainly proved its point. The Olympus OM-1 is the world's first system camera to feature an IP53 rating. This rates a product's ingress protection when it comes to particulates (the first of the two digits) and water (the second digit). 

Typically, weather-sealed cameras boast a rating of IPX1. This means that the camera is certified to resist water that drips vertically onto the product. However, an IP53 rating means that the Olympus OM-1 is protected from dust ingress that will interfere with its operation, and water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60° will not cause harm. 

In other words, you don't need to worry – the camera in the video is absolutely fine… though we'd advise you don't try this at home!

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.