Any tips for winter photography?

[xXBehindTheLens]

I'm looking to get a few shots this winter. I was wondering if anyone had any tips or thoughts on how to keep your camera safe in the cold? Is there any preperations that you should do before taking the camera out or bringing the camera in? Or if a film camera or a digital camera is better?

I just want to be sure not to damage the camera when taking it outside and then bringing it back inside.

[dcclark]

Many people say that you should let a cold camera warm up slowly, to avoid condensation. Some put it in a sealed bag for the same reason.

Personally -- I just bring it in and out like usual. Going into a warm room, or putting a warm lens cap on a cold lens, will lead to fogging -- but that's just exterior, and goes away quickly. I've beat on my D40 thoroughly, including face-planting it into the snow (with no lens cap) many times. It just keeps on working!

One good thing to think about though: if the camera isn't fully acclimatized (to hot or cold, either way), don't remove the lens from the body. That's when condensation can actually hurt you, by getting inside the camera.

[Sterling]

^^^ I do the same. Although I do make an effort to let it sit inside the bag for an hour or so when I bring it inside. I have also put a silica gel packet in the bag to hopefully absorb any moisture.

[TeresaAdamBoston]

Any tips for active snow? I'm feeling scared to bring my camera out while it's snowing, but I really want to take some shots.

[kirbinster]

If you dress very warmly there is less chance of your dropping the camera in the snow

Remember that when very cold you don't get full capacity out of your battery - so bring an extra one and keep it in your pocket. Digital will work better in extreme cold than film as the cold will impact the emulsion on the film.

[dcclark]

Your camera won't be hurt at ALL by snow falling on it. Don't change the lens in the snow, that's all. Snow on your lens, on yoru screen, etc. will just melt and be harmless.

[TeresaAdamBoston]

Thanks! I will have to venture out next snow... so, tomorrow. :-D

[JamesMorgan]

Teresa--
There are several issues regarding the camera in the cold. Battery function is the main one. Try to keep the batteries warm as long as possible and/or bring spares. Moisture is only an issue when you bring the camera back inside so don't go in and out e.g. into your car and then back out again. You will have condensation on the lens which will then freeze when you go back out. If you have to do this, first dry the lens while the camera is warm and use a proper lens cloth. If you use a UV filter (which you should do to protect the lens) you will have to take it off as there will also be condensation on the lens itself.
When you are shooting remember that the snow will fool the lightmeter so check your histograhm after a test shot and adjust accordingly. Usually it's necessary to open up a bit.

[dcclark]

@Syndony: Looks like you've read these tips and copy-pasted them in here exactly?

[GadgetRick]

Tsk tsk tsk...