Cold cameras

TorS wrote on 11/20/2002, 2:21 AM
This morning Stavanger had minus 6 degrees Centigrades which is not dramatic for Norway, but here on the coast - with the humidity and the wind - it's certainly noticable. The time of the red noses has come.

Do you good people know how digital video cameras perform in cold weather? Anything a prospective red nosed buyer should take into consideration?

Tor

Comments

haywire wrote on 11/20/2002, 5:25 AM
I used my Canon ZR cameras during a snowmobile trip last year with temps ranging in the 20-0 F range. I kept the camera inside my jacket until I was ready to use it. I don't think most cameras would operate in extreme cold after a certain period of time, but for scenes under five minutes, I never had a problem. Check your camera's specifications for an operating temperature range. Most don't recommend operating the camera in below frezing temperatures.

One thing to watch for is condensation on the lens or protective filter. I had to wipe the filter clean on one occasion, but other than that, I got great results. Keep in mind, if you see condensation on the lens, it may also be forming in the tape compartment or inside the body of the camera.

Michael
FuTz wrote on 11/20/2002, 8:18 AM
Tor, you should consider buying a ***Portabrace Polar Mitten*** for your camera. I don't know if they got one for your exact model but maybe one for a similar camera model (I mean "SHAPE") could fit. You then slip "warm-ups" into the pockets and voilà...you're on your way. It also prevents a part of the condensation problem...
Pro teams use them with success. And I'm from Canada so you can trust me here! ;D

www.portabrace.com (main)
http://www.portabrace.com/asp/ProdDesc.asp?DescCode=PRM (the "mitten")

in Norway:
Porta-Brace in Norway

2MTV Media Products a.s.
POB 444
4001 STAVANGER

Phone: 51 47 53 77 70
Fax: 51 47 53 77 71
Email: kristian@2mtv.no


Cheers and Merry Christmas!!!
wcoxe1 wrote on 11/20/2002, 8:24 AM
There was a recent article, I believe in National Geographic, about someone who went on "holiday" to the North Pole and taped the whole trip on Mini-DV. Talked a good bit about gloves ;) and keeping batteries warm in armpits. I don't remember much about the rest of the article, I live in the near tropics and have other problems with humidity and air conditioners. You might look it up. If anyone else knows anything about this trip, or can confirm it was in National Geographic, or elsewhere, it would probably help this person.
Former user wrote on 11/20/2002, 8:30 AM
Cold is an enemy to batteries. Have plenty of extras, and keep them as warm as possible.

Dave T2
FuTz wrote on 11/20/2002, 9:22 AM
also: a LITHIUM battery will be a LOT better than your usual battery, especially brand new. I went to North Pole with a 8 hour battery (lithium) for four months. All I had to do was recharge (with help of a generator) and I had no kind of wathever envelope/brace on the cam (pd-100, sony). Everything went A-1-A.
Like the other member said: wear gOOd glOves!!!