is it safe to take my camera to tahoe?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

12/20/2004 04:41:09 PM · #1

i figure it would be, since there must be people who use cameras in cold areas that're even colder than lake tahoe at this time of year. i'm going on a snowboarding trip for about 3.5 days but may only board for 2-2.5 days and was thinking of taking my camera around for the rest of the time. is it safe to do this? are there any safety precautions i should be aware of? in particular i'm worried about below freezing temperatures ruining any electronics or optics. also, i've heard condensation can be an issue when coming in from outside into a warm hotel room.

kearock

Nikon D90

12/20/2004 05:39:50 PM · #2

I use my camera all the time in the cold...not doing so isn't really an option in New Hampshire. I've also taken my camera skiing on more than one occasion and never had a problem. I just carry it in a padded case, only take it out when I need it, and am careful not to fall on top of it. I wouldn't worry about condensation unless maybe if you change the lens on an SLR while you're outside which I suppose could allow a small amount of moisture inside the camera, but I think in general most modern electronics can handle ambiant humidity, you just can't submerge something that isn't completely watertight. A small amount of condensation on the outside of the camera should be ok. As for below freezing temperatures hurting the electronics, I wouldn't worry. People take photos and videos in extreme cold all the time. What we think of as "below freezing" is the temperature at which water freezes. The metals, plastics, glass, etc. in a camera are already solid state and though I think temperature can have an effect on electrical properties, it's not that extreme. So unless you've got a bunch of water inside your camera that will freeze when you take it outside, it shouldn't be a problem.

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/20/2004 05:43:32 PM · #3

If it is so cold that it'll start to affect your camera, you yourself wont last long. Cameras can stand the cold quite well, and apparently cold is good for CMOS, reduces noise.
There is one big issue tho - condensation - and you have to be aware of the danger of that. Most likely when coming in from the cold to a warm room/car/cabin/etc. The official Canon workaround is put your camera in a zip-lock bag (while still outside and cold) and close the bag tightly and then enter and let the camera slowly warm up to room temperature. Probably best to shut it off as well.
I've used my 10D often in frost, it takes the frost better than I do. Except for batteri life. You need as many spare batteries as you can (maybe 2-3) since they lose their charge quite fast in cold weather. Keep 'em warm (in an inside pocket).
Try searching the forums, this came up a couple of times recently.

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/20/2004 05:49:13 PM · #4

Originally posted by kearock:

....I wouldn't worry about condensation unless maybe if you change the lens on an SLR while you're outside which I suppose could allow a small amount of moisture inside the camera....

In cold air is very little moisture, so changing lenses is probably safer than in warm air.

BTW on of the problems about shooting in frost is breath! Or the warm air that you breathe out can go in front of the lens and obscure the view :)

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/20/2004 07:03:13 PM · #5

thanks for the info - i'll look into it more.. leaving in about an hour! may end up leaving it here, since i only have 1 battery and a small memory card (just got my camera recently) and the amount of shooting time and number of pictures i can get may not be worth the risk =X

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

12/20/2004 07:06:37 PM · #6

o-no man. take it along. just be careful when you take it into a warm room if it's been long in the cold.

Sony 16-35mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE ZA OSS Lens

12/20/2004 07:08:23 PM · #7

i think i've also read that it can have condensation when going from warm to cold.. is this true? if so, is the workaround the same (the ziplock)?

bryanbrazil

Sony Alpha a7R III

12/20/2004 07:14:38 PM · #8

I've taken my Digital Rebel to Lake Tahoe on three different occasions recently, and have had no problems. I also took my smaller point-and-shoot snowboarding in a padded case.

Message edited by author 2004-12-20 19:16:31.

deapee

Kodak V803

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/20/2004 07:15:15 PM · #9

I'd just be more cautious not to fall on it heh. In the past week, I've been out on 3 seperate nights twice for extended periods. Last night, I was out shooting three houses for the decorations challenge (I ended up not submitting) -- and the weather channel said (temperature: 9 -- feels like: -7) lol -- I was FRIGID, but my camera seemed to do fine.