operating dslr in cold temps

[dales]

I own a Pentax k100d, the minimum operating temp is 32°F or 0°C. I am just wondering if I operate the camera at a lower temp what effect if any that will have on the camera? I know that once I bring it back into a warm environment that condensation will be an issue. I read that putting the camera and lenses into sealed plastic bags and let them warm up for a few hours will prevent condensation. Can condensation also build up on the CCD?

Winter is around the corner and I know there will be several outdoor photo opportunities where I live.

What if any experiences does anyone have operating in cold temps? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Croasdail]

Just let the camera acclimate first... it will work fine. The biggest thing you will notice is your batteries live significantly shorter. Just let you equipment dry out afterward, and dry off your lenses so you don't get fungus.

[PhotosGuy]

Shooting during snow
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=113565
snow and exposure compansation.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=125323
Snow Skiing question
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134586
Ice/snow sculptures
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134306
20D settings for snow photography.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134541
shooting snowboarders/skiers on terrain parks
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2636263

White balance for snow?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=140206
Let The Weather Affect Your Photography!
http://www.vividlight.com/articles/3904.htm

[Croasdail]

You are the link master... always impressed.

[PhotosGuy]

I'd rather copy & paste than 2-finger type! :D

[Chris]

I posted the same question last year when I knew the temperature was going to be -5 F. for some shooting I wanted to do at night. Most everyone here said it would be ok. So I took out my brand new 30D and guess what?
Not a problem!!

[ryant35]

I've read before to keep extra batteries warm in your pockets.

[aes]

I'm also interested in how the cold affects the camera. I wasn't able to get out for the Orionid meteors last week, but the Leonids are coming up (18 Nov) and the Geminids are not long after (14 Dec). Even with the fairly high frequency of the Geminids (about 75/hour), I don't want to have to keep my XTi out in the cold for any longer than necessary. I've heard from some folks that being too cold for too long will hose up the LCD and render the camera (or only the LCD??) useless. I'm an amateur of the greenest variety :) so I don't want to screw up my nice new camera snapping shots that will at best sit on my website for friends and family.

If all goes as planned, I'll have my camera on a tripod for a while (maybe 30 minutes) during the meteor shower. I'm curious as to whether I'll need to set it up, take a few shots, put it inside my coat to warm it up, lather, rinse, repeat, or if I can pretty much do as much shooting as I need and merely take the appropriate precautions WRT condensation.

[Hiekkamies]

This all worrying about effects of cold on camera is confusing me. I have merrily used point and shoot cameras at -30 Celsius. No problem at all.

Now i have 400D and have read all these warnings about condensation and LCD problems. Are they really issues, or are they just the usual "since we mentioned this, nobody can sue us" warnings?

I mean, on these longitudes we do have winter and it will be cold and it will last for months. If that would kill cameras, i´m sure there would be freeze proof models available or then there would be lot of angry customers at camera stores every spring.;)

[Andrushka]

This all worrying about effects of cold on camera is confusing me. I have merrily used point and shoot cameras at -30 Celsius. No problem at all.

i had the same experience with a point & shoot in Ukraine before i ever had a DSLR or was interested in photography. I was in Kiev, Ukraine in 2004 during the Orange Revolution and was outside every night in the chilly (sometimes snowing) air, shooting away with my little $200 p & s! had no problems and got descent pics! haha, later on i started reading all the warnings about operating DSLR's in sub- 0 C temperatures... very interesting... anyone with legit cold weather experience who can give us some insight??

[dancad]

It gets terribly cold in the winter here in Ottawa (world's third coldest national capital winter average), and to top it off the humidity makes it downright bone freezing and the windchill literally skin burning. I've shot many times in -20C to -30C (I don't go out when colder than this)...I worry about myself more than the gear. Never a problem with my XT, or lenses, and I've shot every weekend for three winters.

Battery drain is extremely noticeable and I agree having some spares warmed up in your coat pocket is a good idea. BTW warming up a "dead" frozen battery in your pockets (preferably a pocket that is close to your body heat, such as pant pocket) while the spares are in use does "revive" and makes it reusable without re-charging.

[deadpass]

expect your LCD to freeze and not work until the camera warms up again, but that's about it.