How can I keep my camera cool on a budget?

Question

Is there a way to cool the camera without buying a new hardware? How do you determine that the camera is NOT cool ATM? What temperature can be considered hot for the camera sensor? Does cooling really reduce the noise in the pictures?

Answer

In general, the camera's manual will tell you the operating temperatures for the camera.

Like all pieces of electronics, excessive heat isn't good for it. That said, I've only seen anecdotal evidence of heat adversely affecting image quality. It seems more common for batteries to stop working.

As for noise, you're probably going to have this issue in broad daylight, maybe in a desert. Your problem will be to get less light to the sensor, not worry about low light levels where noise is usually a problem.

I'd get a decent camera bag, in a lighter colour, and keep my gear in the shade whenever possible. Avoid using icepacks or similar or you will probably get problems with condensation.

Cooling is used in astrophotography, but those sensors are mostly CCD's, and the exposure times and low light levels are an order of magnitude longer and lower, respectively. I don't know whether CMOS sensors have the exact same issues as CCD's with heat when used for long exposures.

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