Leave my camera in the cold?

[PoohJen]

Ok, just when you thought every possible dumb question had already been asked...I'll top it! Now, before your eyes get stuck in the rolled back position, have a little sympathy...I'm sure there's at least one or two of you out there that pamper your camera!

So, the question is...is it okay to leave my camera outside in the car for about 10 hours in 40 degree weather?

Being the overprotective camera mom that I am, I of course brought it into my office rather than have it chilled when I need it tonight! But was just wondering....

 

[manning]

Condensation

That is what your big concern is going to be. If you are going to have about a 20 degree difference in temperature it is imperative you put that camera into a sealed zip lock bag and keep it there sealed until the camera temperature equalizes. Get moisture on the sensor and you have big problems!!!

 

[Alacrity]

The battery may be an issue as well. Some batteries don't work as well in the cold and you may see a very short battery life. It will get better when it warms.

Definatly do not remove the lens to help avoid condensation internally. Especailly when bringing it back inside.

 

[fitzperry]

May I add a follow-up question (hopefully not a stupid one )? How long does it take before condensation might become a problem? I mean, I take my camera outside to take pictures in the winter (not very often, mind you, because I hate the cold--but the kids want pictures of their snowmen!). I also take it from air conditioned environments into hot, humid environments, and have never had a problem. Am I doing something I shouldn't?

 

[jann1033]

hmm well i 'll try to top all the so called dumb questions,,,when are you supposed to put in in the ziplock bag? before you come in ?( thinking how my glasses fog up) and since i have been sitting inside taking pictures via an open window in lower than 20 degrees for like an hr + ( like it was 4 with the windchill yesterday) , i have just been bringing the camera into the coldish room and leaving it there or into an enclosed porch if i'm outside for a while...thinking that might not be good enough?????? the lens is cold but the body not so cold...any ideas what that could do?

 

[KaitlinsMom]

I have heard that if you have a couple of those desicant bags (you know, those small, white, seems like rock filled, bags that you get when you buy electronics, shoes, etc) Put those in your camera bag and it will help with fast temperature changes - I learned about that before a Disney Cruise - Don't know if it is true, but I didn't have any problems with my camera or video camera -