Besides the Pentax K-7, K-5, and 645D, what cameras are rated for operation below 0 °C (14 °F)?

Question

The Pentax K-7, K-5, and 645D are rated for operation down to -10 °C (14 °F). This is a selling point of the K-7/K-5/645D, and they are specifically tested to operate reliably at this temperature (with a note on reduced battery life, recommending that the operator have extra batteries in an inside pocket).

I can't find any camera from Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Olympus rated to below 0 °C (to my surprise, neither the Canon EOS-1D X nor the Nikon D4 are rated to below 0 °C). Are there any other interchangeable-lens cameras designed to operate at below-freezing temperatures?

Asked by DragonLord

Answer

Phase One IQ series digital backs for medium format cameras are rated from -10°C to 50°C (but not the older P+ series). These could be used with, for example, Phase One 645DF body.

The manual of Nikon F6 does not list the range of operating temperatures, but does list how many rolls of 36-exposure films you can expect to shoot at -10°C with fresh batteries, so it's supposedly a supported temperature.

Answered by Imre

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Using carbon-fiber tripods in cold weather: safe temperatures, precautions, and effects of failure

Question

I'm considering buying Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon-fiber tripod legs with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head, but I've read that carbon fiber can break at low temperatures.

• How cold an environment can I safely use a carbon-fiber tripod in, and what precautions should I take?
• What would happen in the event the carbon fiber fails? Is there a significant health or safety hazard beyond equipment damage?

Asked by DragonLord

Answer

Carbon fiber can take quite a hell of a beating, both in terms of environment (water, sand, snow) and temperature. I've heard a lot of people discussing or complaining about how carbon fiber is susceptible to extreme cold, however I think most of it is hearsay and speculation.

There are only a couple times when I've read something regarding carbon fiber being fragile at cold temperatures...but the use of the word "cold" was always lacking. You would need to spend a night out on the frozen ice pack of the most northern reaches of Alaska during the heart of winter (which is actually what all of the verifiable accounts of broken carbon fiber 'pod legs I've read described...usually in relation to photographing the auroras) to actually experience cold enough temperatures for it to actually pose a serious problem. Most carbon fiber tripods these days are multi-layered, weaved or braided, and resin-reinforced. In the average case for cold, you may crack a layer if you slammed a leg with enough force, but it would take a pretty extreme freeze, well, well below zero, to run the risk of actually cracking a leg all the way through or shattering one completely.

As for precautions, if you are using your tripod at -20 or below, you need to make sure you don't slam it or strike it with anything hard. Dropping your pack or bag on hard snow pack or ice with the pod strapped to the outside is a sure way to crack or shatter it at extreme temps. You can crack a leg by pulling it too hard when setting it up, so you need to be careful with that as well. Section releases can ice up, and wrenching them too hard at cold temperatures may cause cracking, so its best to ease into it. Better yet, extend one or two of the sections before you get out into the extreme cold, and only extend the last sections if you absolutely have to (most of the articles I've read on aurora photography seem to indicate that you'll probably be sitting in a chair anyway, so full extension is often not required in the first place.) Once set up, you'll want to make sure you don't slam any of the legs with anything hard...such as the camera, any other gear, a flashlight, etc.

If for whatever reason you DID shatter a leg, I don't know of any specific health hazards. I've always heard carbon fiber was a pretty stable, safe, environmentally friendly product, so I wouldn't worry about that. Its unlikely it would break cleanly, especially if you have a layered product like a tripod leg. Its likely to leave a rough edge, so I would be aware of that and make sure you don't scrape your stab yourself with any broken ends.

Answered by jrista

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What kind of gloves to use for operating a camera in freezing temperatures?

Question

I am wondering what kind of gloves are practical to operate a camera (a GF3 in my case) in sub-zero temperatures (down to -20°C). Ideally it should be possible to both operate the touchscreen, take off lenses (or at least lens caps) and of course operate the mechanical parts of the camera (dials, shutter activator, etc.).

Anyone got experience with that?

Answer

I'm involved in a research project on glaciers and as such often have to use a computer in the cold, although thankfully never that cold. One thing I've found works well is wearing thin glove liners under fingerless gloves. This way you can use the equipment fairly easily but if you have a short break you can flip the mitten bit of the fingerless gloves down for added warmth.

The other thing I've found handy is having multiple pairs of gloves. So I have the combination described above but also carry a pair of thick ski gloves, using any equipment is impractical in these, but they are good for when you know you won't need to do anything requiring fine motor control for a while.

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What should I consider when using DSLRs in cold weather?

Question

What temperatures can consumer-level DSLRs and lenses typically handle? Are there any precautions one should take too minimize potential problems (e.g. condensating water)? What about moving in and out of the cold multiple times a day?

Answer

A lot of dSLRs are rated to 0 degrees celsius or 32 faranheit, though some more pro ones are rated to lower temperatures. Most of this is about the battery life, it will suffer in the cold.

However, in general, condensation is going to be your enemy when moving from cold back into warmth, so the best way to handle that is to put the camera and lens into a plastic bag and seal it before going inside and then leaving it in there until the camera comes up to temperature.

Anyways, some good tips can be found here: Protecting your camera in winter so go outside and shoot!

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