Cold Weather Photography

[txbluegill]

I used film SLRs for years, but this is the first winter with a dSLR.

[John Bennett]

The only thing you really need to worry about is condensation forming.

I shoot all winter long and have yet to experience any kind of trouble. The odd time its been so cold I could the motor grind a bit but no worries. typically Weather conditions for me are anywhere from 0 to minus 25. The odd time Ive been out when it was minus 30.

If you dont have any weather sealing you may want to be a bit careful in snowfalls, but again Ive shot in some heavy falls without batting an eye…Mind you I have weather sealing.

But if you really want some confort look no futher than people who shoot alot in Northern Canada. Quite a few people I “know” have been shooting Owls for a few weeks in minus 30 to minus 40 temps…Or those who venture to places like Churchill Manitoba and James Bay to shoot Polar Bears.

[anonymous]

I’ve been surprised how well the cameras function in the cold. I only wish my cell phone would function as well. Just use your body warmeth inside a layer of clothing to keep it thawed from time to time. The main thing I’d worry about is the LCD display freezing.

Operational temperature in the manuals is generally for above 32 (F).

One trick is to carry an extra battery or two in the coat pockets and switch out from time to time. It’s easy insurance you’ll not miss an important shot.

It’s good to know John uses his in extremes without problems!

[Eric DeWitt]

I’ve shot with my 30D to -25 F in canada, no problems, except maybe a little less battery life.

[Author]

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