20D and minus 30 degree celcius.

[Salleke]

Can someone please help me with information on how to handle camera gear at very low temperature. Very low i mean minus 30 celcius.

How to protect the camera?
How to handle the lenses?
How to handle the battery?
How many shots can one take before the camera freezes?
Are there special bags or cases for these environments?
Are there other considerations to take care of?
Is there any link to information on the web?

All info welcome. Thank you all.

[Mike Panic]

do you absolutly need your dslr in such harsh weather? anything w/ electronics in or or batteries will not last long, at all. ive read several articles from snowboard photographers who use all manual 35mm and mf camera's in harsh weather

if you must use it, get some of those small hand warmer packs you stick in your gloves. rubber band one to your camera where the batteries are, if using a vertical grip, consider using 2 packs

keep a few packs in your bag as well...

general rule of thumb for most electronics including cameras is:

if you are not comfy, they are not comfy. hot, cold, damp, wet, muggy, foggy, cig ashes, etc... all affect performance and realibility

[Salleke]

do you absolutly need your dslr in such harsh weather? anything w/ electronics in or or batteries will not last long, at all. ive read several articles from snowboard photographers who use all manual 35mm and mf camera's in harsh weather

if you must use it, get some of those small hand warmer packs you stick in your gloves. rubber band one to your camera where the batteries are, if using a vertical grip, consider using 2 packs

keep a few packs in your bag as well...

general rule of thumb for most electronics including cameras is:

if you are not comfy, they are not comfy. hot, cold, damp, wet, muggy, foggy, cig ashes, etc... all affect performance and realibility

Hello Mike,

Thank you for your replay. Like so many people i have put all in digital fotographi and don't have any filmbody. Next year i'm going to make a trip to Lapland and now i'm looking for tips and techniques on how to do it with digital fotoequipment.
As i recall in the old days of film it was not easy to make pictures in these hars environments. So i'm searching for more info on this subject. Thanks again for your answer.

[Harry Settle]

Consider getting an external battery hookup where you can keep the battery connected under your coat. A little polar-fleece, elastic and velcro will go a long way to making a wind-proof cover for the camera.

[lmelendez]

I used my digital rebel at that temperature several times. Never had a problem other than the fact that the battery lasted about half the regular time. Most of the time it was me who could not resist being outside long enough :)

A few things that is always good to do:

1. When you are going inside, put the camera inside a plastic bag and let it rest until it adjusts to the room temperature. This will prevent getting moisture when going from the cold temp to the warm temp.

2. Get several batteries (or the battery pack) if you can. That will give you more shots.

3. Never turn in the camera if you suspect that there could be moisture. That could damage the equipment.

4. Keep the additional batteries close from your body. If you keep them warm, they should last longer (I haven't tried that... but I read it).

I'm sure more people will have more suggestions...

Leo.

[robertwgross]

The big thing is to have several battery packs. Keep one in the camera and at least one in a warm pocket. Then alternate them every 30 minutes or something.

The camera can handle some cold, but it is not going to like going through massive temperature changes. So, often it is best to leave it at some intermediate temperature, perhaps halfway between the air temperature and your body temperature. To do that, I often carry my camera between my inner coat and my outer coat in front of my chest.

---Bob Gross---