Taking my 60d into the COLD...help!

10/26/2011 04:25:40 PM · #1

Tomorrow morning I am getting up before sunrise. The temperature will be around 14 degrees, and there is almost a foot of snow on the ground. I've read a few articles about this, but they are all so different. I want to hear what has actually worked for you.

SO, how do I prevent condensation or basic weather stress on my camera?

Covert_Oddity

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/26/2011 04:35:25 PM · #2

The easiest way is to let it adjust to the temperature gradually before you use it.

When taking my camera out in the winter, I used to leave it in it's bag and put it somewhere at a similar temp to the outside (garage, room with open window), and then by the time you take it out it's fine.

Coming in from cold to warm is where you'll get condensation. Same applies, try and leave it in somewhere in a middle ground temperature. This time though, leave it out of the bag with caps and covers off to make sure condensation isn't getting trapped somewhere. Once it's had a chance to warm up gradually you're fine to put it away.

I also always leave some of those little desiccant packs in my camera bag where I ultimately return the camera to.

Message edited by author 2011-10-26 16:36:00.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

10/26/2011 05:00:37 PM · #3

[quote=Covert_Oddity]....This time though, leave it out of the bag with caps and covers off to make sure condensation isn't getting trapped somewhere.

Huh? I've been told to, and have been doing, just the opposite. When shooting outside in cold weather and coming inside, cap and bag the camera, and leave it in the bag for at least an hour if not longer, before removing it.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2011 05:23:06 PM · #4

Originally posted by snaffles:

That's what I've learned to do and I never see any visible condensation, at least if I don't get inpatient.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

10/26/2011 05:26:02 PM · #5

Try putting it in a zip lock bag before you bring it in out of the cold. That will limit the amount of moisture available to condense on the equipment. The condensation will take place on the outside of the zip lock. After it comes back to room temperature, then you can wipe off the moisture, and take it out.
ETA, Take the card out and put it in your pocket while still in the cold. It will warm right up, and be ready to download while your camera is warming up.

Message edited by author 2011-10-26 17:27:51.

10/26/2011 05:26:22 PM · #6

Both make some sense... ??? Maybe I should keep the camera stored in the garage... :)

So let me get this straight. I leave the camera (in the bag) in the garage overnight. Is this with the battery in the bag, too?

10/26/2011 05:28:59 PM · #7

Putting it in the zip lock bag makes sense. Is that kind of the same idea as leaving it in the camera bag for a while before bringing it in?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

10/26/2011 06:08:37 PM · #8

The reason the Ziploc bag trick works (and works well) is that in order for condensation to occur, the temperature of the surface (camera) must be *below* the dew point of the air around it. The cold air outside is *very* dry. Unless it is snowing, the humidity is less than 100%, so the dew point is lower than the temperature. Therefore, no dew/frost will form on the camera.
Now put the camera into a Ziploc bag while outside. The bag, air and camera are all at the outside temperature. When you bring it inside, the bag, air and camera all warm together. The dew point in the bag is still below the outside temperature because no moisture can enter (or exit), so condensation cannot form. Once the bag, air and camera are at room temperature, there is no danger of condensation upon opening it because the dew point inside the building is well below room temperature, and the camera is warmer (at room temperature).

10/26/2011 06:22:15 PM · #9

Great. I get it. But what about bringing it out into the cold? Same procedure?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

10/26/2011 06:32:56 PM · #10

Originally posted by ph0t0trip:

Great. I get it. But what about bringing it out into the cold? Same procedure?

Not necessary. As you exit a heated building, the camera is *much* warmer than the air. Therefore no dew can form, because the camera is warmer than the air, which in turn is warmer than the dew point.

Note that the opposite approach is required when going from a cool, air-conditioned space to a warmer, humid outdoor setting. Then, you want to bag the camera before going outside and let it warm before unbagging, but you can bring it directly inside without worry.

Message edited by author 2011-10-26 18:35:18.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

10/26/2011 08:40:27 PM · #11

Thanks a ton. I think I'm set for tomorrow!

FromDaRock

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/26/2011 08:45:52 PM · #12

Here is an excellent article written by a local photographer on winter photography that covers this topic and other cold weather related issues.

As a side note, I took this set with my old Rebel XT in -25C (thankfully there was no wind), and I didn't bother doing anything special to handle the cold. Ignorance was bliss ;-)

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

10/26/2011 09:16:49 PM · #13

Cold stuns batteries, so if you are taking a spare battery, put it in an inside pocket, or keep it where it will keep warm in the car. When the one in the camera gets low, you can switch them out, and by warming up the first battery, it will work again for a little while, until it gets chilled.

spiritualspatula

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

10/26/2011 09:22:35 PM · #14

Be very careful of getting any melted snow on your lens. It may instantly freeze once your camera has cooled to the ambient. Also do not clean your lens by breathing on it, this too will freeze very quickly. Be careful keeping your hand near the end of the lens when it's very cold- I've had condensation appear from the proximity of my hand. If anything freezes on your lens I suggest you warm it up instead of trying to scrape/chip it off. I find protecter filters particularly beneficial in this setting, since you can take it off and warm it up briefly if needed for de-icing.
Also, if you have more than one battery, it will help immensely. Batteries will lose charge when they are cold. To combat this, keep one in the camera, and one in your pocket where it will warm up, alternating when needed. Be careful not to have it in a pocket too close to your body or you will get condensation on the battery from perspiration if you're hiking/exerting yourself.

Are you going to your mystery locale?

ETA: Luminous Landscape article on mountaineering photography, which covers many of the issues of shooting in such scenarios, though from an admittedly specific side of the problem.

Message edited by author 2011-10-26 21:42:30.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/26/2011 10:53:19 PM · #15

Cool. Thanks for the link and for the tips.

I'm hoping to hit a few different locations around town while there is snow. I've never been out at sunrise for photos (believe it or not)! We'll see what happens---let's hope for a good sunrise!

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

10/26/2011 11:31:54 PM · #16

Remember to keep your spare batteries inside your thermal envelope, like your shirt pocket under your jacket. Your camera wants to be cold, but your batteries want to be warm to work well.

10/27/2011 12:24:07 PM · #17

Thanks everyone. It worked out well (but it was VERY COLD)...

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

10/27/2011 02:14:15 PM · #18

Originally posted by ph0t0trip:

Thanks everyone. It worked out well (but it was VERY COLD)...

Are your fingers thawed yet? ;-)
My wife and I were laughing last night, a friend we just visited in Fort Collins this past weekend sent us pics of the new snow. Of course, when we were there, it was 70°F and sunny!

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

10/27/2011 03:39:43 PM · #19

It's a funny thing, but it took a few hours before I felt I was back to normal temperature (my fingers WERE the last to thaw). Crazy weather here! There was some slight wind this morning, too, making me feel quite sorry for the coyote and deer we spotted.

spiritualspatula

10/27/2011 09:22:07 PM · #20

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by ph0t0trip:
Thanks everyone. It worked out well (but it was VERY COLD)...

Are your fingers thawed yet? ;-)
My wife and I were laughing last night, a friend we just visited in Fort Collins this past weekend sent us pics of the new snow. Of course, when we were there, it was 70°F and sunny!

Geez! You should've said something- we could've had a mini meetup! There was a model shoot here and everything.

Glad to hear everything went well. Glove selection is something I've messed with, as well. Personally I like using a combo of a liner glove (I use Black Diamond, but any of them will work really) for most conditions and then a softshell glove over the top if it really gets cold. With the Black Diamond's and a set of Outdoor Research Stormtrackers, I still have good enough dexterity to change controls readily.

Message edited by author 2011-10-27 21:24:32.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

10/28/2011 12:57:11 AM · #21

I should look in to those gloves. I had wool mittens (very thin) this morning (miserable, miserable, miserable), but still had a good time.

spiritualspatula

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

10/28/2011 01:33:51 AM · #22

That setup is warm enough for me down to at least 0 if I'm moving about- it's my standard backcountry setup for winter trips, and then I bring along a pair of quality mittens for sitting around camp. Unless you're doing lots of snowdigging or something a softshell is perfectly fine for conditions here since the snow generally isn't super wet and they'll breathe better than a waterproof layer like goretex or bdry or whatever. Layering is key for maintaining dexterity, as most of the heavy gloves won't be as versatile and are way more cumbersome. I've got some high quality heavy gloves I use for the outdoors when the weather really gets wretched but they are only going to release the shutter and MAYBE turn a command dial. You can also take along some of those chemical handwarmers to rewarm your hands if you start getting a bit chilled. They're pretty cheap and you can just leave them in your bag so long as the bag doesn't get perforated.

hahn23

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

10/28/2011 01:42:51 AM · #23

I love my Dakine Scout Gloves. They come with liners, but are so warm, I don't need the liners. Essential equipment for my outdoor winter photography. These are too warm for 50 degree hiking. Just right for 0 degree to 40 degree, which covers most of my winter experience. If it's -20, I stay inside.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/28/2011 02:06:20 AM · #24

It doesn't get so cold in my neighborhood, but i like shooting with my framer's gloves nice grippy material, and they keep your thumb, index and middle finger last digit uncovered for those who have trouble pushing buttons through ski gloves.