Shooting in winter / cold weather

[AndrewWG]

All,

Next question from me is:

What do you do when the "weather outside is frightful"? By this I mean, COLD! I want to get out and take some pics, but am worried that it will have some bad effects on my camera. I know that Canon says it's working temp is down to 32deg or something likt that, but you can't really tell me that people don't take pics when it is below 32 deg, can you? I know that there will be "problems" such as fogging of the lens, etc. My plan would be to take the camera and lens and have them in a ziplock (2 gallon) until the temp is somewhat balanced and then put it back into the ziplock before bringing it back inside. I am thinking this will help to avoid moisture inside the camera itself. Is this a right or wrong way of thinking?

Also, will the cold temps in general cause any harm to the camera? LCD? Anything? I'm not talking Arctic cold, but probably in the 20's or so. I don't think I could stand to be outside very long if it was below that.

 

[DVC Jen]

All,

I'm not talking Arctic cold, but probably in the 20's or so. I don't think I could stand to be outside very long if it was below that.

Andy - that IS arctic cold down in these here parts!

BBRRRRRRR.

 

[SharonLowe]

All,

Next question from me is:

What do you do when the "weather outside is frightful"? By this I mean, COLD! I want to get out and take some pics, but am worried that it will have some bad effects on my camera. I know that Canon says it's working temp is down to 32deg or something likt that, but you can't really tell me that people don't take pics when it is below 32 deg, can you? I know that there will be "problems" such as fogging of the lens, etc. My plan would be to take the camera and lens and have them in a ziplock (2 gallon) until the temp is somewhat balanced and then put it back into the ziplock before bringing it back inside. I am thinking this will help to avoid moisture inside the camera itself. Is this a right or wrong way of thinking?

Also, will the cold temps in general cause any harm to the camera? LCD? Anything? I'm not talking Arctic cold, but probably in the 20's or so. I don't think I could stand to be outside very long if it was below that.

I've taken my Canons out in temps well below freezing for long periods of time; even below zero in some cases. Never had a problem. The battery life will be MUCH shorter so be prepared. I do NOT recommend the ziplock technique as it could result in condensation that freezes. When you go from warm (inside) to cold (outside), you don't have to worry about fogging. It is only when you go from cold to hot where you might have some issues but the air in winter is much drier so less of a chance. Keep spare batteries warm (in your coat) - even consider buying some of those hand warmers to put in a pocket with the batteries. Do a google search on cold weather photography and I'm sure you will find lots of tips. And, of course, make sure you dress warmly!

 

[Lizziejane]

Here in Winterpeg, Manisnowba (ok, Winnipeg, Manitoba) we regularly have temps down in the minus 20's. I did a little bit outside last year but not a lot as I too struggled with the "is this good for the camera" question. Not to mention that the ol fingers freeze in about 10 seconds flat!

I'm taking courses right now through our local photography school. One of the instructors told me he shoots regularly at sub-zero temps. He simply wears an oversized jacket, and tucks the camera in underneath it so that his body heat keeps it warm. Batteries are tucked into an inside pocket also.

I'll have to try it someday when I'm feeling brave!

 

[handicap18]

I went to Castle Island in Boston back in March when the USS JFK left. Temps on both days I went was around 10ºF. My camera worked fine. In cold weather battery life is much shorter. I kept the battery in my pocket until I needed it.

I wouldn't worry about the fogging unless you are spending a lot of time outside then want to take pictures right away when you go back inside. I also agree about the bag not necessarily being a good idea. If condensation does build up in the bag then you go out in the cold and don't use the camera right away then you might run into problems.

If you keep your battery warm you should be perfectly fine.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

If the temperture goes below freezing, STAY INSIDE. Don't be crazy. Your body is mostly water.

And by all means, if you are outside in those ridiculous conditions, don't try to clean your sensor. If it gets super cold and you lick it, your tongue is liable to get stuck to it.

Don't worry about all this stuff, though. There is a big project called Global Warming that I've been hearing about that is supposed to fix this problem.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I leave my cam in the padded camera bag, leave it zipped up and put it in a cold part of the car on the way to the site I will be shooting. That allows a slow transition between temps.

this is me shooting in chicago on a day with a high of 8 degrees! (with my first digi. a sony f717 5mp. i saw quite a few still at wdw this last week)

Mikeeee

 

[jann1033]

i've taken it out with no problem in ohio like cold, just make sure you set the meter for snow( mine you take a photo of just snow and put it in custom, not sure what you do with the 30d) or you'll have nice blue photos. and buy some of those gloves with the little finger cover things that let your finger tips open but have a mitten like thing you can flip off and on( ok not very good at descriptions but i think llbean carries them)
http://www.naturescapes.net/122003/ej1203.htm a link for one article i had bookmarked

you southerners are a bunch of sissies, you probably run and put your winter jackets on when it hits 60

 

[AndrewWG]

Well, that explains that I guess. My camera will be fine without a baggie, but the battery life will be lessened and southerners are wimps!

Actually, I am a cold weather wimp too. I think I was a bear in a previous life. I just want to hibernate in winter. Since I can't do that and I'm not moving anytime soon, I guess I'll photograph as much of winter as I can.

Thanks all for your input!

 

[AndrewWG]

Don't worry about all this stuff, though. There is a big project called Global Warming that I've been hearing about that is supposed to fix this problem.

I've been waiting and waiting for this but it doesn't seem to happen very quickly. They say I'll have real waterfront property someday! Then I'll sell high (there's always a sucker for waterfront around here) and move south!

 

[DizneyNutz]

Because on our recent trip to WDW we were planning to take in the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Palms. They keep it at at a balmy 9 degrees. They recommend bringing a disposable camera. We went there and it was worse than Disney lines and decided it would be for another trip. All that said, will it HURT my canon rebel xti to take it in there. I know that is below it's recommended operating temps, but will it damage the camera or will I just not get many pictures due to battery life? Thanks to all!

P.S. SharonLowe which Canon do you have and thanks for that information.

 

[AndrewWG]

I should have done the web search first as Sharon suggested. I would have found this article:

http://www.nyip.com/ezine/outdoors/coldtemps.html

I should have known about it anyways, as I am a NYIP student. Gotta check out their website more often I guess!

 

[DizneyNutz]

I was googling as per her suggestion also. Thanks for the initial question. It helped me as I am sure others

 

[SharonLowe]

Because on our recent trip to WDW we were planning to take in the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Palms. They keep it at at a balmy 9 degrees. They recommend bringing a disposable camera. We went there and it was worse than Disney lines and decided it would be for another trip. All that said, will it HURT my canon rebel xti to take it in there. I know that is below it's recommended operating temps, but will it damage the camera or will I just not get many pictures due to battery life? Thanks to all!

P.S. SharonLowe which Canon do you have and thanks for that information.

Your camera should be fine especially since it won't be for a long period. Keep the battery warm and carry a spare.

I used my old D60 on a snowshoeing trip a few years ago. Temps were below zero the whole time - we're talking like -30 yes, that is a minus sign. I was out for over an hour each walk and even going in the yurt to warm up I had no fogging issues. I kept the camera, spare batteries, and extra lens inside my coat. It was so cold, the air bag in our car froze and had to be replaced (fortunately under warranty).

I now have the 1DsMkII and it is a brick so I don't worry about it.

I lived in the south all my life until 11 years ago when I moved up to Boston. I still consider myself a southerner but I ain't no wimp! I learned how to dress for our winters and work with lots of layers. I love going out early on really cold days and getting sunrise photos over the iced in harbor. Here is an abstract one I did a number of years ago from Squantum:

http://www.photosbysharon.com/-/pho...488&pID=1&row=5&photoID=327046&searchTerm=ice

another from a different spot:

http://www.photosbysharon.com/-/pho...488&pID=2&row=5&photoID=322066&searchTerm=ice

and, another from later that morning:

http://www.photosbysharon.com/-/pho...=488&pID=2&row=5&photoID=74368&searchTerm=ice

 

[DizneyNutz]

Pardon the Pun. Nice shots and again thanks for the info.