Camera in Lapland?

[JoSolley]

Hi everyone

Hope you guys will be able to help me. I'm going to lapland this week and am worried about the low temeeratures damaging my camera. I understand that batteries will wear away quicker but will the body of the camera or lenes be at risk.

Any Advice and tips would be most useful

Thanks

 

[itsdavedotnet]

Should be alright as long as you don't dig snow with it... Put it in the bag when you go from inside to out, and vice versa, and leave it there for a while, so it doesn't all steam up. If it does, just wipe it with something soft.

Batteries, take a lot, and once you've used one, put it close to your body to warm up again and it'll magically 'recharge'!

Primark or similar cheap thin gloves make using a camera in the cold much more pleasant too!

 

[cowasaki]

Absolutely. The biggest problem is changes in temperature rather than just low temperature. The problem with changes in temperature is that they promote condensation and it is this that causes problems.

The minimum temperature that the camera will work at is listed by Nikon as 0 degrees C but as long as it is kept under a coat it should be fine as it should keep enough of your body temperature to be fine.

 

[Zilog]

If you are using a flash that clips on top they tend not to like working in the cold. Last time i wan there i had to warm up the batteries under my top before I got any life out of the thing. Also get some dry gel crystal bags to put in your camera bags they really help stopping mist.

 

[Kevin H]

Hi, I'm off to Rovenemi tomorrow for 2 days, camera shouldn't be a problem, it's ONLY -21 C

 

[Arkady]

Used mine from -27C to +60C with no dramas - most companies err on the side of caution...

There's a few threads on here dealing with this. If you can, leave the cameras in an outer hallway or vestibule - most homes in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions have such places for skis, snow-shoes and outdoor clothing - bringing them all the way inside would cause the snow on them to melt and they'd be permanently damp then freeze solid outdoors again.

Just bring the batteries in to warm them up and recharge them - then keep spares in between layers of clothing to keep them warm.

 

[Kevin H]

Being serious, I'm trying to decide which camera(s) to take.
What I would advise is:
Taking the camera out in such low temps, will shorten the battery life, keep spares in an inside pocket in your jacket to keep it as warm as possible.
Maybe the camera will stop working in such low temps, but I'm sure it won't do any permenant damage, so long as it's brought back to normal temp slowly & carefully.
What may well damage your camera, & certainly stop you taking photos for a while, is when you bring the camera back indoors after it's been in the cold for some time, it will get condensation immediately over the outside of the camera but worse still, inside the lens & camera body, this may take some time to clear, an hour or two.
What you need to do before you bring you camera back inside is to first put it inside a close fitting plastic bag, then put it inside your camera bag, & allow it to slowly return to indoor temperature, could take a while.
Therefore the best plan is, if you can, take two cameras, one for for use outdoors, the other for use indoors (this one should be kept inside your camera bag & maybe inside your jacket).
This worked for me a few years ago the last time I went to Finland in the winter.
Good luck, & enjoy Lapland
ps, don't forget to ask Father Christmas for that new camera body or lens your after

 

[Zilog]

Hi, I'm off to Rovenemi tomorrow for 2 days, camera shouldn't be a problem, it's ONLY -21 C

I am so jealous I love the place. The bridge looks stunning when its all lit up. Last time I went I was disappointed to miss the northern lights. Post up some pics when you get back pleassse