When It’s Cold Outside…Tips for Camera Care in Cold Weather
by Whitney Hubbard,
Staff Photographer
As I write this, I am sitting in my warm apartment, cloistered away from the icy roads and frigid air. I have played with the idea of taking my camera out for some fun photos in the snow, but I have to be cautious. Taking photos outside in cold weather will require a little forethought and some preparation in order to protect my camera properly. Not many people realize that the cold can pose a threat to their camera. So, in the spirit of the inclement weather we’ve been experiencing as of late, here are a few of my tips for taking care of your camera in the winter time!
1) Keep your camera warm. Holding your camera close to your body is the simplest solution to this problem. The same goes for camera batteries, as they will not hold a charge as long in cold weather. Often, photographers will not even insert their batteries into the camera until they are ready to shoot, in order to lengthen their lifespan. Another way to help with this problem is to turn off all superfluous battery- draining functions until they are needed, like the LCD screen or high speed shooting modes.
2) Protect your camera from moisture. Although some are moisture-resistant, to a degree, it is never safe to get your camera wet. Melting snow or ice, and condensation are problems in the winter months. You should even avoid breathing on your camera, because the moisture in your breath can cause damage. I’ve seen many photographers breathe on the lens of their camera to clean it, but this should be avoided when out in the cold.
It helps to store your camera in a sealed plastic bag while you are transporting it, which will keep condensation on the bag instead of your camera. If moisture freezes on your camera or lens, it could cause irreparable damage. If you notice this happening, stop using the camera and quickly remove the lens cap and battery, as well as the memory card. Open all compartment doors and wait for any wetness to evaporate.
3) Transition slowly. Take your time when bringing a cold camera indoors. You want to allow it proper time to adjust to room temperature before using it. Leave it unused for around a half hour, preferably in a camera bag to help minimize condensation. Also, do not take the camera back out into the cold again until all condensation has evaporated, to prevent moisture freezing on the interior parts.
It’s a good idea to read up on your camera’s minimum and maximum operating temperatures. This will keep you knowledgeable about the limits of your camera, and prevent you from invalidating your warranty by exceeding them. You can find these specifications by searching for your model on the internet, or by reading the always handy manual that came with your camera!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.