DSLRs and the cold

Leebert

Leebert

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Lee
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I've recently got myself a D5000 and am hoping to use it for astro-photography. At the moment, the forecast for Monday night looks good but I am a little concerned about the cold and the camera.

Are there any 'rules of thumb' that I should follow to keep the camera in tip top condition?

Thanks.

Lee
 
Well try not to bring it straight back into a boiling room as everything inside the lens and camera will simply steam up, while that's not the end of the world it's better if you avoid it. Other than that try and keep your batteries warm (put them in the inside pocket of a jacket for example) so they won't drain as fast. I've never used the camera in extreme conditions but sure someone will come along with more pointers.
 
I've been doing some 'dawn' shots at -2deg
when finished - bubble wrap camera into bag - into boot - as the car is hot and moist from snow/water on the mats

bag into house - coolest room for 2 hours ... maybe overkill but no condensation
 
Yardbent said:
I've been doing some 'dawn' shots at -2deg
when finished - bubble wrap camera into bag - into boot - as the car is hot and moist from snow/water on the mats

bag into house - coolest room for 2 hours ... maybe overkill but no condensation
Click to expand...

better safe than sorry.. :)

only thing I do is keep it in the boot while driving and don't turn it on for a few hours when I get back home.
 
Jin said:
I am also quite concerned about this as I am going to Norway and fear that my moving between indoors and outdoors may have a real adverse effect on my camera. Also what should you do if condensation does occur?
Click to expand...

Going from "in" to "out" shouldn't be too much of a problem, as has already been said going the other way can cause problems, use the advice already given.

I did read somewhere (can't find it now !) that if you are in a VERY cold weather, less than -10 or so, keep the lens cap on as much as poss or carry the camera pointing down to prevent frost forming on the lens.
 
I was shooting the Roger Albert Clark Rally at Pickering on Friday night and it was minus 6 degrees, I was out for about three and a half hours during which time my lens hood turned white with frost, my backpack froze up and we had periodic snow flurries.

My 1D Mk2 never missed a beat, despite the cold, when I came back into the house I let my bag air off overnight with the front open and all seems fine.
 
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