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Camera's in the cold?

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atomic1824
Posts: 358 - Karma: 290
I just got my first DSLR camera, a Canon Rebel XS. It is entry level. I noticed that the working range, is listed as 32°F to 104°F, but I am a skier and I hope to be taking pictures at colder then 32°F. ; )

Could someone help me with understanding how the colder temperatures may effect the camera and photographs?

Thanks. +K
Aug 27 2010 10:18AM
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Ftacnik
Posts: 1997 - Karma: 111
I would like to know more about this as well. I currently have a 20D but will be getting a 5D in a few days. So I'm wondering if I can shoot the 5D while I'm skiing. 
Aug 27 2010 10:29AM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
they work fine, i have a d700 thats magnesium alloy which getsss veryyy cold and as long as you leave it in a backpack so it slowly warms up it willl be fine,

or before you come inside put it in like 2 ziploc bags so that the camera doesnt condensate, but i recommend leaving it in a backpack(you prob wont have as much of a problem with the xs because i believe it has a plastic body and wont stay as cold for as long)
Aug 27 2010 11:19AM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
The only issue I have noticed is that cold will destroys the life of rechargable batteries temporarily. If your camera dies and you know it still had power, take out the battery and warm it up in your glove for a couple minutes and it will be back to life, temporarily at least.
Aug 27 2010 5:58PM
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atomic1824
Posts: 358 - Karma: 290
Alright, that is great information. Thanks for the responses. What happens if you do get condensation from the temperature changes?

Aug 27 2010 6:15PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
My camera was fine even when my fingers weren't. The way I made the transition in and out of the lodge is put my camera in my backpack and leave it in for 5 minutes when coming in and out, that helped adjust it.
Aug 27 2010 6:18PM
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LBJJ
Posts: 683 - Karma: 1,730
could possibly cause fungus over time, if your really worried about the lense or camera put it in a thing of rice or the professional dehumidifying substance that sucks the moisture out of things so that the moisture doesn't linger there long enough to do damage.

its really not too big of deal as long as you keep whatever bag your using closed for a couple hours after you bring it inside (might not work with small bags like camera holsters)
Aug 27 2010 6:22PM
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Jordan
Posts: 4079 - Karma: 2,122
My D200 is usually fine down to about 10 then I notice a bit of lag

I've had the shutter freak out a couple of times at super low temps but it's not too bad. Just keep the lens from going from warm to cold vise versa to fight the condensation.
Aug 27 2010 11:19PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
i don't have a fancy DSLR, but my little nikon coolpix with an astonishing 2mp !!!
works fine in cold; first thing that starts causing trouble is battery life and the LCD display that litterally starts to freeze, and the images become blurry :)


Aug 28 2010 12:53PM
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SeanTom
Posts: 7936 - Karma: 1,747
This. and unless you have a whole bunch of batteries don't even bother on the really cold days
Aug 29 2010 8:14AM
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icantskiiFILM
Posts: 2113 - Karma: 140
yesh a lot of times u get condensation on the lens so before u go inside put it inside ur backpack. if condensation forms on the outside..then its gotta on the inside too and that could cause fungus and shit.
Aug 29 2010 1:28PM
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steezyzak
Posts: 57 - Karma: 12
The batteries get cold and don't work as long as they would if they were warm. So get some xtras...
Aug 29 2010 1:42PM
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annex_
Posts: 1659 - Karma: 1,499
What about the T1i? I just got it today and definitely want to take it out this winter.
Aug 31 2010 10:19PM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,945
I'm pretty sure its going to be similar for all DSLRs. The moving parts will slow down, but as long as you don't let condensation get the best of you (allow ample time for the camera to acclimate when coming in/out of the cold) you'll be fine.
Aug 31 2010 10:38PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
I've never had a problem. Battery life goes down a little. I would just leave it in the pack so it warms up slowly once you bring it inside, but as long as you are careful and not changing lenses before it's warm you shouldn't have any condensation issues inside the camera.

Sometimes if your pack is warmer your lens will fog up, but this won't happen as much as long as you keep your glass clean.
Aug 31 2010 10:41PM
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annex_
Posts: 1659 - Karma: 1,499
might be a stupid question but keeping the camera in my bag for a good amount of time inside yes, but going back outside you still want it to acclimatize to the cold right?
Aug 31 2010 10:42PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
If I have a 7d with a weather proof lens, is it still possible for condensation to get in it?
Aug 31 2010 10:47PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
I'd say so. Keep it in sealed bag with some of those silica gel packets for a little while after going inside.
Aug 31 2010 10:50PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
My camera goes from my hard case in the house to the back of my car, then out of the case into my pack in the parking lot, then out of the pack when I start shooting. I rarely go into the lodge, but when I do I just don't really play with my camera, when I go back outside I pull it back out and start shooting. Ive never really had a problem, and I'm never ready to review shots before dinner time anyways. So basically I just wouldn't stress it too much. As long as your gear is clean, it's not really going to have problems.
Aug 31 2010 10:55PM
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annex_
Posts: 1659 - Karma: 1,499
thanks for help!
Aug 31 2010 10:58PM
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Jacuse
Posts: 1792 - Karma: 1,549
I've had no problem at all with cameras in the cold (both video and still cameras).

However as stated above watch out for moisture getting into the camera. Don't bring it inside and then back out soon after...give it time for all the moisture to evaporate or you'll have problems with it freezing inside.
Aug 31 2010 11:11PM
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