Getting caught in a sudden downpour shouldn’t mean stuffing your camera into your backpack and missing incredible moments. Whether you’re exploring misty mountain trails, wandering rainy city streets, or chasing waterfalls, the right camera can handle whatever weather comes your way. From fully waterproof action cams to weather-sealed mirrorless systems, today’s rain-ready cameras let you keep shooting when others have to pack up and head indoors.
1. OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 (pocketable + fully waterproof)
Slip this little powerhouse into your jacket pocket and forget about it until you need it. Waterproof down to 15 meters, the TG-7 also laughs off drops, freezing temperatures, and even getting crushed under reasonable weight.
What sets it apart is that bright f/2.0 lens at the wide end, which pulls in more light when storm clouds turn midday into twilight. Macro shooters love it too—you can get incredibly close to raindrops on leaves or insects sheltering under petals.
There’s no lens to swap, no O-ring to check, and no case to fumble with. Rain, puddles, or even a quick dunk in a stream won’t faze it, making it the ultimate grab-and-go travel companion.
2. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro (action cam, waterproof 20 m without case)
DJI built this action cam to survive 20 meters underwater without any housing at all, so a torrential rainstorm is basically a non-event. Add the optional Waterproof Case and you can go down to 60 meters, but for travel in wet weather, the bare camera is already overkill in the best way.
Long battery life means you won’t be swapping cells mid-adventure, and the stabilization keeps your footage smooth even when you’re scrambling over slippery rocks. Video quality is outstanding, especially in tricky lighting.
If your travel style leans toward capturing motion—biking through rain-soaked streets, hiking in fog, or kayaking—this is the worry-free choice that keeps rolling no matter what.
3. GoPro HERO13 Black (action cam, waterproof 10 m)
GoPro’s latest flagship handles 10 meters of water depth without a case, which translates to absolute confidence when shooting in heavy rain. Water-repelling lens coatings help droplets bead up and roll off instead of clinging and blurring your shot.
Battery life has improved over previous generations, so you can film longer before hunting for a charging cable. The ecosystem of mounts is unmatched—strap it to your chest, helmet, or bike and capture angles that would be impossible with a handheld camera.
Point it at whatever interests you and press record. Rain won’t stop you, and neither will mud, snow, or salt spray. It’s designed for exactly this kind of abuse.
4. Insta360 X4 (360° travel storytelling, waterproof 10 m)
Capture everything around you at once, then decide later which angle tells the story best. The X4 records immersive 360-degree video and stays waterproof to 10 meters, so rain is just another texture in your footage.
For serious underwater work or the cleanest stitching, grab the dive case. But for travel in wet weather, the bare camera handles downpours without flinching. Just give those lenses a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth to keep droplets from distorting the stitch line.
Everyone else will be tucking their gear away when the sky opens up. You’ll keep filming, knowing you can reframe and stabilize everything in post to create cinematic sequences.
5. Ricoh/Pentax WG-90 (budget tough compact, waterproof 14 m)
Not everyone wants to spend TG-7 money, and that’s where the WG-90 shines. Waterproof to 14 meters, shockproof from drops up to 1.6 meters, and ready to work in temperatures down to -10°C, it punches well above its price tag.
The ring of LED macro lights around the lens is surprisingly handy when you’re exploring dim, rainy alleyways or trying to photograph details in low light. Image quality won’t blow your mind, but it’s more than good enough for travel memories and social media.
Think of it as insurance: you won’t baby it, you won’t stress about it, and you’ll have it with you when the weather turns nasty.
6. OM SYSTEM OM-5 Mark II (ultralight mirrorless with a real IP rating)
Most camera makers use vague terms like “weather resistant,” but OM SYSTEM gives the OM-5 Mark II an actual IP53 rating, meaning dust and spray protection you can trust. It’s also freezeproof down to -10°C, so cold rain won’t shut it down.
Pair it with one of the weather-sealed M.Zuiko PRO zooms and you have a tiny, storm-ready kit that fits in a small shoulder bag. The Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers excellent image quality, and the in-body stabilization helps when light gets scarce.
For travelers who want interchangeable lenses without the bulk, this is the sweet spot: light enough to carry all day, tough enough to shoot in serious weather.
7. Panasonic LUMIX G9 II (mirrorless, dust/splash/freeze resistant)
Built around a tough magnesium frame, the G9 II seals out dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures down to -10°C. Panasonic designed it for photographers who refuse to let weather dictate their shooting schedule.
It’s a favorite among wildlife and travel shooters who need a rugged Micro Four Thirds body with serious autofocus and burst speed. Video specs are excellent too, making it a true hybrid tool.
Just remember to pair it with a weather-sealed lens—Panasonic and Leica both make several excellent options. Once you do, you can confidently shoot storms, then warm up indoors knowing your gear stayed dry inside.
8. Nikon Z6 III (mirrorless, Z8-level sealing)
Nikon says the Z6 III shares the same dust and moisture sealing as the professional Z8, and it’s rated for operation down to -10°C. Reviewers have taken it out in heavy rain and come back with zero issues.
The Z6 III combines robust sealing with strong in-body stabilization, making it a reliable hybrid camera when the sky opens up. Autofocus is fast and accurate, and video specs rival dedicated cinema cameras.
Match it with one of Nikon’s weather-sealed Z lenses and you have a full-frame travel setup that won’t let you down when weather turns dramatic. It’s built for professionals but priced for enthusiasts.
9. Canon EOS R6 Mark II (mirrorless, dust- and drip-resistant)
Canon’s official documentation calls the R6 Mark II “dust- and drip-resistant,” which is their standard language for weather sealing. It’s the same level of protection found in Canon’s professional bodies, just in a slightly smaller package.
Autofocus is legendary—it locks onto eyes, animals, and vehicles with uncanny accuracy. Video quality is superb, and the ergonomics make it comfortable to shoot all day.
Pair it with one of Canon’s sealed RF lenses and you’re ready for stormy city breaks or rainy mountain hikes. Just keep the ports closed and wipe down the camera after exposure to heavy rain.
10. Sony α7C II (compact full-frame, dust/moisture-resistant)
Sony built dust and moisture resistance into the α7C II with seals at critical buttons, dials, and interlocking body seams. It’s not marketed as rugged, but the protection is there when you need it.
What makes it special is the size: full-frame image quality in a body that’s barely bigger than a Micro Four Thirds camera. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to pack light but still expect rain.
Keep the battery and card doors closed, use a weather-sealed lens, and you’re good to go. The image quality and low-light performance are outstanding, and the compact size means you’ll actually carry it.
11. FUJIFILM X-T5 (mirrorless, weather-resistant to −10 °C)
Fujifilm lists 56 sealed points on the X-T5 and rates it for operation down to -10°C. With a weather-resistant lens attached, it’s a superb rainy-day stills camera that delivers gorgeous color straight out of the camera.
The film simulation modes are beloved by travel photographers who want rich JPEGs without spending hours in Lightroom. Build quality feels solid, and the retro-styled dials make shooting intuitive and fun.
When grey skies flatten colors, Fujifilm’s sensor and processing bring them back to life. It’s a camera that makes you want to shoot in bad weather just to see what you can create.
12. FUJIFILM X100VI (compact with optional weather resistance)
Out of the box, the X100VI is not weather sealed. But add the AR-X100 adapter ring and PRF-49 protector filter, and Fujifilm says the combo repels dust, moisture, and cold.
It’s a bit of extra fuss, but the payoff is a street-ready compact with a fixed 23mm lens that can go out in showers and drizzle. The image quality and color rendering are exceptional, and the hybrid viewfinder is a joy to use.
If you love the X100 look and feel but need weather protection, budget for the sealing kit. Once you do, you can shoot rainy streets and moody alleyways without worry.
