I will be going skiing in a few days and will hopefully be able to test out my camera's AF(40D) on some quite manic skiers, my family, I'm just wondering how careful I need to be and if I'll have any problems with my camera shooting in those kind of conditions. Don't worry when skiing about the camera will be packed safely in a Lowepro 300AW
Mostly you'll want to be wary of condensation, as you move the camera from a cold dry environment (outside) to one that's warm and humid (inside). Zip the camera/lenses into an airtight bag when moving inside, and keep it closed until the temperature equalizes. Also, cold batteries don't work well, so maybe keep a few charged spares close to your body warmth.
Cold won't hurt it, it'll just make your batteries die quickly. Pack extra and keep them in a pocket next to your body.
Moisture can hurt it. Keep it in the camera bag for a while when you transition between outdoors and indoors so it can slowly equalize temperature to avoid condensation. Put it in the bag before you come inside to a warm area and leave it in there zipped up for 20-30+ minutes.
If it's really heavily snowing you might wanna get a gallon size zip lock baggy and put it over the camera bag cutting a hole in the seamed side for the lens to stick out. put a rubber band around the lens and the bag to keep it together and stick your face up to the viewfinder through the opening in the bag. It'll probably be overkill for most situations.
Just be sensible and it should be fine. Bring a battery charger
When you say about condensation will putting it in my slingshot before I come in and then leaving it for a few minutes be alright, ( I have moisture proof lenses at bay, well 1 at least)
I'd use nothing less than a ziplock freezer bag, as the bag should be airtight to keep the warm, moist air from contacting the cold camera body and lenses. Here in the States, a box of 15 1-bags gallon size costs ~$2. If you've got those available, why not bring a few, as they will take up virtually no room/weight in your bag. Also, even Canon's weathersealed L-lenses aren't sealed unless they're mounted to a weathersealed body, and some even require a front filter. Use the ziplocks - cheap, effective protection.
If it gets snow on it, don't worry. Brush it off before it turns to water. For this reason, keep the camera outside your jacket so it stays as cold as the ambient temps. That way, snow won't melt the instant it touches your equipment.
Do you reckon I'll be able to get some at the airport, I'm actually going in a few hours. I know it's my huge mistake for leaving it this late but o well.
Also does it actually cause any permanant damage if condensation enters
The cold definitely has an effect on the batteries. I was out a couple of days ago with a fully charged bp-511, it lasted 30 (!) or so shots with chimping; and it was only -6 C.. The next day inside the house with the same battery, my 300D showed me it was fully charged.. argh
Fred Lindsey wrote:
When you say about condensation will putting it in my slingshot before I come in and then leaving it for a few minutes be alright, ( I have moisture proof lenses at bay, well 1 at least)
Let it come to room temp. As to "moisture proof"...I seriously doubt there's such a lens
in your bag. I'd worry more about getting down the mountain in one piece.
