How cold is too cold for a camera?

[guarn3md]

We are going to ICE at the Gaylord National Resort in DC the day after Thanksgiving. I have two cameras - a point & shoot Sony digital camera and a Cannon Rebel XS Digital SLR. Is it ok to use either one inside this show/display when the temperature will be about 9 degrees? I would prefer to use the Cannon but if it is iffy, will sacrifice the Cannon. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the help!
Debbie

 

[Altair]

According to the specs from Canon, the best operating environment for the XS and most of it's digital's, is between 32-104 degrees F, and less than 85% humidity.
I've used mine below that temperature and well above that humidity.

 

[mom2rtk]

Whichever camera you take, I'd keep it under your coat between shots, close to your body. Also keep in mind batteries drain faster in cold.

 

[zackiedawg]

Suggested temp measurements are different from what you can get away with...I'd agree on trying to keep the camera in a bag or coat when not in use...but I wouldn't worry terribly about using it either. If the camera can't shoot in that weather, more than likely it will display an error message and shut down - so you'll know.

I've shot with cameras in temps as low as -7, so despite the usual listings of operating temperature of 30+ degrees, cameras can usually handle lower. As mentioned, the batteries just tend to wear down much more quickly, and you can run into issues of condensation and fogging when transferring from warm indoors to cold outdoors - or in your case, from warmer rooms to a very cold room.

 

[beachclub]

If you had a Pentax k7 or k5 or an optio P+S you wouldnt have to wory about coldness. they are weather proof to something like -30 degrees

I love my pentax

 

[AlbertZeroK]

batteries are your main enemy. If you keep a spare battery with you, keep it in your breast pocket. But either camera should work fine.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

If you had a Pentax k7 or k5 or an optio P+S you wouldnt have to wory about coldness. they are weather proof to something like -30 degrees

I love my pentax

Weatherproofing doesn't help much in cold. Weatherproofing is about preventing moisture penetration. It doesn't keep your camera warm.

The two major effects I've seen from shooting in cold temps are a substantial reduction in the power and endurance of the battery and the LCD starting to smear. The latter is more of a concern for video because it only affects the LCD and not what is actually recorded. For the former, I recommend bringing a spare battery and storing it someplace where only a TSA agent might find it. Switch back and forth between batteries so that you always have a warm one in the camera.

 

[photo_chick]

Beyond the temperature considerations when shooting, there is the condensation that often forms when you take your camera from one temperature extreme to another. You may need the ziplock baggie trick.... right before you go from cold to warm, put the camera in a ziplock baggie and get all the air out. Wrap that in a towel. It's helps the camera warm up slower and helps any condensation form on the outside of the bag rather than in your camera.

I know it sounds crazy, but I've done it and it works.

 

[safetymom]

I have used my Nikon D70 to take pictures at ICE here in FL. with no problems. I kept it under my jacket between shoots. I did bring an extra battery. I will be using my D90 this year.

 

[DisFam95]

I took my Canon DSLR to ICE and had no problems. I kept my middle button in the coat they give you open and just tucked it in between shots. If you have any fingerless gloves that would be great. My right hand got really cold w/ no glove on!

 

[manning]

I used my Canon T1i last year.....no problems.

 

[ssanders79]

I took my dSLR to ICE last year. I did a few things... made sure my battery was fully charged, cold kills the battery. I kept it tucked in my coat when I was not shooting. I would avoid changing lenses at all cost.