Photography in cold weather. What extra care should I be taking?

[blewis1984]

Hello DPS!

So I've been contemplating for quite some time about getting into photography and I've finally decided to take the plunge. After reading several reviews and given my budget, I've decided to purchase the Nikon D3000. I'll probably be ordering it this weekend.

In two weeks some friends and I are going on a week long vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN. Got a really nice cabin on the side of the mountain with some killer views. I'm really excited about getting some pictures of the (hopefully) snow covered landscape.

Whether there's snow or not, I know it's going to be quite cold. What extra precautions should I be taking with my new camera as not to damage it?

Thanks for your time!

-Brian

[RLucas]

The biggest problem with cold is the battery life. If possible buy an extra battery, charge it, and keep it in your pocket so it stays warm. Other than that, keep yourself warm, so you can stay out and shoot longer! Have fun! Pigeon Forge is a beautiful area!

[spazoid1965]

Condesation will occur if the temperature of you lenses increases drastically. Kinda like breathing on cold glass. Bringing your camera directly into the warm cabin will cause the glass elements to fog. This problem can be redused or even eleminated if you allow the camera to slowly change temperature. Place you camera back into your camera bag before bringing indoors. The padding in the bag will insulate the lenses allowing them to change temperature at a slower rate. Better yet would be to place the camera and bag inside a clean DRY styrofoam chest with a lid. This will allow an even slower temperature change.

[spencer28n]

I good tip I heard from Chase Jarvis is when not in use keep the batteries snug against your pocket, preferably a interior coat pocket or something similar. Helps extendend battery lfie.

[nsaplayer]

I am going to Alaska in March so I have been poking around to see if there was anything I would need to worry about in terms of cold weather and my camera. I found a website that has an article about it. It is somewhat interesting, though I don't think I will be seeing the -40 temps he is seeing...

The biggest thing I have read about it the battery life issue, I have 4 batteries so I hope I will be ok :-)

Cold Weather Photography: How to stay warm in Alaska's extreme winter temperatures.

[blewis1984]

Thanks for the responses guys.

One other question. If condensation does occur in the lens, will it hurt it in any way? Does it eventually just evaporate and everything is okay?

Sorry to be a bother. Just don't want to harm my new toy a week after getting it.

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by blewis1984

Thanks for the responses guys.

One other question. If condensation does occur in the lens, will it hurt it in any way? Does it eventually just evaporate and everything is okay?

Sorry to be a bother. Just don't want to harm my new toy a week after getting it.

It just evaporates. No harm done.

Cameras are much more resilient than most people think. I've face-planted into a snowbank, with an uncapped lens, many times -- no damage, nothing wrong at all. One of my favorite photos from my 365 so far is exactly that: My camera "In its native habitat"