How cold is too cold?

At what minimum temperatures have you shot digital at?

And at what point was the operation of the camera and/or lens affected?

The teheoretical limits are in the instruction book, and state 0C to 50C I think this compares to -20C to 50C for a film body such as the MX.

The batteries will become increasingly useless and the lubrication will thicken at very low temperatures. I don't know if you can "winterise" DSLRs.

Even the film will become brittle at very low temperatures, and the metal of a camera will stick to skin....

I think if it's too cold for me, it's too cold for my camera!

What a timely question. I was out today with my *IST Ds and used auto focus on my 50-200mm DA. I took 85 shots of beautiful artistic snowdrifts in a temperature of -11C and a howling wind. The wind chill was at least -20C. My AA 2500mAh NiMH rechargables held up fine and always showed full power. At one point I could not switch from Av to Tv but worked OK after a power off/on. I don't know if the cold was the cause or just a fluke.

John Riley wrote..."and the metal of a camera will stick to skin.."

A winter tip from Canada John - NEVER lick your camera when the temperature is below zero.


Regards

Drew

Thanks, Drew, I'll remember that!

I had my digitals out in -30 c
Properly prepped, a camera, like a person will be fine for a little while.
now a week long trek to the arctic, sleeping in tents...I don't know...I'd bring film. at least for back-up

Thanks guys.

I know what the book says, but today is -8ºC and there's a mighty big plane (A380) here in Vancouver that I wish to photograph.

We have another 40cm of snow forecast today, so wish me luck!!!

I've had problems with the mirror freezing in my MX at around -20deg C when ice climbing, it is rather old though and has never been serviced so the lubricants may have degreaded or dried out

Don't forget that wind chill doesn't affect things like cameras. If it did, the thermometer would read the wind chill as well.

Ian

I don't know what temperatures its been down to but I have used my *istD while skiing in Andorra. I carry it in a fabric case and get it out to shoot when needed. I have also had it out of the case and round my neck down a few runs and taken shots along the way - sometimes I stop . Never had a problem and have carried spare batteries (Ni-Mh) in the case and not had any trouble when I have swapped these despite them being mighty cold to the touch.
Rob

Yes Ian, wind chill is often misunderstood but I disagree that "it does not affect things like cameras". Wind chill indicates the rate of cooling and would give you an indication how long it would take your camera and batteries to cool to the actual temperature. In moderately low temperatures with no wind it could take quite some time before the camera and batteries cooled to the actual temperature so that should allow you more leeway. In the experience I gave I can tell you that the camera cooled to -11C VERY quickly. I know that... because I sure did.

Regards

Drew

It's too cold when your fingers turn black and drop off!

There's an interesting article in this months 'Outdoor Photography' (UK Magazine) about the 100 expedition across the Arctic icecap by Adventure Ecology to highlight the changes there due to global warming. The expedition photographer was Martin Hartley, pics are here: http://www.adventureecology.com/mission1/dispatch_photos.php.

He used a Nikon D2X, with certain modifications - the in-camera battery was replaced by a heater, and he had a Lithium Ion battery pack in his jacket, under his arm, with a lead leading down his sleeve to the camera. When he wanted to take a shot, he would plug the camera in, which would power it and the heater up.

They had to stop before they reached their destination as there was much less ice than expected.

Dan