Tips for photography in cold conditions

[CanonPhilip]

I'm off to Austria next week for the finale of the 4 Hills Ski Jumping tournament. I'm staying in a village called Pfarrwerfen which is in the foothills of the Alps.

The scenery is stunning so I'm hoping to take some good shots as well as enjoying the Ski Jumping.

Does anyone have any tips for using a DSLR in conditions of -5 degrees or so and what precautions I need to take regarding care of my gear?

Thanks in advance

[Enigma]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

Your batteries may not last as long at low temperatures. Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket to keep them as warm as possible before use. Think also about temperature changes to try and avoid condensation issues. Have a fantastic trip!

[John Liddle]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

Don't breathe near the lens!

[rcarca]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

I have taken my camera skiing before now with no problems (apart from the obvious risk of injuring yourself and your kit...). Watch out for misting up going indoors after the cold.

[antoeknee]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

I have taken my camera skiing before now with no problems (apart from the obvious risk of injuring yourself and your kit...). Watch out for misting up going indoors after the cold.

I have an ancient Canon S10 that I use for skiing. All metal case and about size of a packet of cigarettes. All of 2.1 MP!

Screen on the back looks tiny (about 4x3cm). Battery lasts ages and 1GB card is enough for approx 1300 images.

[CanonPhilip]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

I won't actually be skiing! Just taking a few landscape shots in the morning then off to the Ski Jumping stadium in the afternoon......to watch

Have I read somewhere to put the camera in a sealed plastic bag before going indoors to the warm thus preventing condensation? Or am I dreaming again?

[Jedicolin]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

Don't forget to keep yourself warm too!

[CanonPhilip]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

Don't forget to keep yourself warm too!

the Glühwein will do that

[MartinR]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

... Have I read somewhere to put the camera in a sealed plastic bag before going indoors to the warm thus preventing condensation? Or am I dreaming again?

That's definitely worth doing - and also when you first leave somewhere warm for a significantly colder place.

Martin

[@imagesBV]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

The RPS has a feature on this in their current magazine. In addition to the above it says your camera will normalise if kept in a photography bag in about an hour of being in the cold ....also suggests keeping the camera in the fridge overnight....apparently some people do that. Shouldn't be a problem as the fridge is around +4C.....not the freezer section of course.

[Enigma]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

also suggests keeping the camera in the fridge overnight....apparently some people do that. Shouldn't be a problem as the fridge is around +4C.

If you do anything to chill the camera remember not to leave the battery in.

[TonyT]

Re: Tips for photography in cold conditions

Stick the spare battery in your Undies to keep it warm.