Did you know that your camera has a temperature range for optimal operation? It is usually, depending on the model and manufacturer, between 0º and 40º C. Is it then that outside these temperatures it does not work? No. It will work, but don’t expect it to work normally, and you may run into more serious problems than slow firing.
If you’re worried about taking care of your equipment, I’d stay with you ;), because I’m going to tell you how to prevent these possible problems or how to solve them if you want to capture the wonders that cold days offer.
What problems can arise?
It is possible that at very low temperatures your camera does not work normally, that the LCD screen does not work or is not working well and you have to get it to heat up. This does not mean that you put it on top of a radiator, but it does mean that you can get into a closed place where the temperature is higher. But the problems that you will find the most are related to the battery and condensation.
Drums
The batteries with the cold perform much less, you will notice that they have less autonomy and that, in addition, they take longer to charge. The best solution is the most basic, carry a spare, so as not to stay in the frame at the best time. Other trick is, as long as you don’t use it, carry it close to the body or, for example, in a coat pocket (if it’s better inside). Your own warmth will protect her from the cold and she will last longer. Put it on the camera when you are going to use it, meanwhile, very close to you ;).
When the spare runs out, if you’ve had the foresight to keep the other close to your body, try it again, because it’s likely to get you a few more shots. It is that the cold makes them lethargic but with the warmth they come back to life.
Condensation
If you wear glasses, you surely know what it’s like to enter a very warm place from the street when it’s very cold and your glasses fog up. This is the least that can happen to your camera (better said to your lens) with a sudden change in temperature. And I say the least because this problem is temporary, you will not be able to take photos for a while.
But what if your camera started to sweat? It would not be so literally but it could seem so. And this happens when the humidity of the environment condenses in the chamber. Although it can be very scary, it is not serious if the condensation is external, however, an internal condensation can damage your camera. And I mean really messing up. Do not be scared, this is not very common, but I am telling you about it because it can happen and there are ways to prevent it.
It is not that your camera hibernates in winter like a bear in the cave, but that you take the necessary precautions.
Some of these measures are:
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- Put small bags of silica in the backpack (those that come in the boxes of sports shoes, for example). Although it seems that it is not one hundred percent effective, it does not hurt to put some, do not you think?
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- Wrap the camera in a towel or t-shirt before putting it in the backpack.
- Do not take the camera out of the backpack immediately when the temperature changes, let it gradually adapt to the ambient temperature. Place it away from any heat source. You can open the backpack after a while and leave the camera for a while longer until you notice that it is no longer cold when you enter a warmer space (or vice versa).
The important thing is that the temperature change is not too abrupt, so any solution you can think of so that the change is gradual (and not aggressive for the equipment), will be welcome. When you get home, try not to take it out of your backpack for a couple of hours. Even if you have to fight the excitement of reviewing the photos, you’d better wait with a hot drink ;).
Hits
In addition to condensation and battery life, you should keep in mind that at temperatures of -20º C or less, metal and some plastics become more brittle, so if they receive a strong blow they can crack. If you are normally careful not to hit the equipment or to prevent it from falling, extreme cold conditions require extreme caution.
Snow
If you are going to photograph in the snow, try to use a waterproof case or bag so that the camera does not get wet and the damage goes far beyond a few frozen feet. Because those little ice creams end up turning into water, the number one enemy of your team.
It’s also not a bad idea to use a waterproof backpack or at least a waterproof cover to cover it. If you do not run the risk of falling into the water with equipment included, one that includes a cover will work for you. Mario’s favorite is this. But if you want to find the one that best suits your needs, here is a buying guide to find the ideal backpack for your camera.
Trick: you can even use a shower cap to protect the camera, or any plastic bag helped by a rubber band.
Fog
You can not miss the opportunity to photograph the fog for fear of damaging your equipment. It’s too magical for that and your gear can be bagged like snow or wrapped in a t-shirt or cloth. It is also a good idea to dry it from time to time to protect it from too much moisture.
OMG! What have I done to my team?
Okay, you couldn’t wait, the emotion of downloading the photos or reviewing that really cool one you’ve achieved has overwhelmed you and you’ve taken the camera out of your backpack as soon as you walked through the door and you’ve felt at home, in the warmth of the home . Now your camera is almost dripping and you have noticed this condensation thing that you no longer remembered and you don’t know what to do. First of all, don’t run out into the street to cool it down again!!! Now breathe, as you get confused you will not give foot with ball, and follow these steps:
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- Take out the battery.
- Open all the covers.
- Remove the lens caps.
- Dry the outside of the camera and lenses with a soft cloth.
- Now yes, place them near a heat source, not too close, but enough so that some heat reaches it and the water can evaporate. Give her the necessary time for it.
Inspiration
And so you can see that I don’t want to take away your desire to walk your team in the cold, I’ll leave you with some motivating and inspiring articles. You will not be able to avoid going out to be cold at the slightest opportunity 😉
protect yourself
Okay, a lot of protecting the team but… what about you? Have you thought how your hands can stay after five minutes in temperatures below 0º C? If I were you, I would wear good gloves that allow you to leave a couple of fingers free, because if you have to keep taking them off and putting them on, it is useless to wear them. here are some In case you don’t know what I’m talking about.
You also have this option cheaper and leaves all fingers in the air.
Remember that with very intense cold the metal adheres to the skin and when you peel it off you can see the stars, hence the importance of gloves and being careful when bringing a metal camera close to the nose or cheekbones.
A good coat, a warm hat and a termite with a hot drink will not hurt either. Your team is important, but you more. Without a photographer there is no photo 😉
Don’t forget to share this information so that your colleagues’ cameras are safe 😉 Now go out and enjoy the cold, it will be worth it when you see the result!
Thanks and see you soon.