Posted by John Vaughan on December 30, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Hi All. I have a project that I am currently working on that requires me to shoot in extreme cold conditions here in the Frozen Tundra of Minnesota. The effective operating range listed in the manual for my Nikon D60 says 32-104 degrees. What steps, if any, do you take to insure there is no damage to the camera electronics? Any advice would be welcomed.
John Vaughan
John Vaughan Photography
Posted by Philip Schwarz on December 30, 2009 at 4:05 PM
I don't think you will have a problem. I've been out all day shooting with my Nikons at -10 and once at -20 and I didn't have any problems with the camera. You do need to carry extra batteries. When I come in from shooting I always put my camera in a 2 gallon plastic bag and seal the bag and leave it in the bag until the camera warms up.
I’ve had more problems with my zoom lenses and head becoming sluggish in the cold weather.
Posted by Bruce Palla on December 30, 2009 at 8:26 PM
John, My experience mirrors that of Phil. No problems down to -30 with the camera.(D200) Carry the batteries next to your body(first layer pocket). Your breath may fog and freeze on the viewfinder or LCD. Zoom lenses may get slow, especially on AF. Tripod adjustments may be difficult if wet or snow covered.
On a side note, I use football receiver's gloves(thin enough for dexterity, warm enough for 5 minutes) and then a good pair of Mittens on top. Good Luck
John, I don't get into as extreme cold as you will but have never had a problem with the camera. I have had a problem in the past with the toggle locks on my tripod. It hasn't been too cold here yet but was out a couple hours in the teens the other day and my new trick has worked well for me. I got a handwarmer mit and have been putting it on the camera it allowes me to reach all the controls and keep my hand warm and I think it is helping a bit with keeping the battery warm as well. I know my camera body is not as large as yours but think it could work with the right mit.
Posted by David Taylor on December 31, 2009 at 9:16 AM
I use Canon gear, but I shoot with a lot with friends/clients who have Nikons and we've all had similar results. We've shot in -48 below for hours on end (aurora photography in Alaska) and never had a problem with any failures. You go through a loooooooooooot of batteries, but not a big deal there. I keep my spare batteries in a big pocket with a hand warmer. When your current battery is reading "dead" from the cold, just switch it with one of your other batteries, the hand warmer usually brings it back from the dead.
When I'm done with shooting, just put your camera back in your pack and bring it inside. Allow the bag to naturally adjust to the inside temps and the camera will do the same without building up moisture.
Agree with other comments, be careful not to breath on your viewfinder or lens, it will instantly fog up.
Another warning, if it is VERY cold out and you are using a remote release - be very careful with the remote cord. I've had a few freeze solid (suspended in mid-air). If you try to manipulate them in that state, the cord will shatter. All the best!
Posted by John Vaughan on January 1, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Thanks everyone for your responses. They are truly appreciated. HMMmmm! Let's see now. It looks like there is no problem with the electronics even in extreme cold conditions so that is great news. I will try either using my backpack or the 2 gallon baggie when I come in to reduce the condensation. I will carry several extra batteries in an inside pocket with a handwarmer while wearing my football receivers gloves and using my handwarmer mitt and remembering not to breath on the viewfinder or LCD....LOL. I think that covers everything and...seriously...I do appreciate the help
Discussion
5 repliesJohn Vaughan
John Vaughan Photography
I’ve had more problems with my zoom lenses and head becoming sluggish in the cold weather.
On a side note, I use football receiver's gloves(thin enough for dexterity, warm enough for 5 minutes) and then a good pair of Mittens on top. Good Luck
When I'm done with shooting, just put your camera back in your pack and bring it inside. Allow the bag to naturally adjust to the inside temps and the camera will do the same without building up moisture.
Agree with other comments, be careful not to breath on your viewfinder or lens, it will instantly fog up.
Another warning, if it is VERY cold out and you are using a remote release - be very careful with the remote cord. I've had a few freeze solid (suspended in mid-air). If you try to manipulate them in that state, the cord will shatter. All the best!