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How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

snegron7
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I'm posting this on both the Canon and Sony forums because I would like to know about the cold weather performance on both cameras I own; Canon R6II and Sony A7c.

Both cameras have the exact same operating temperatures of 32° to 104° / 0°-40° C.

I'm looking into planning a possible trip to visit a very cold place, possibly 14°F (-10°C). This is cold by my standards (I live in Florida, and the temperature here is usually between 80° and 93°F). I have read that the charge on my batteries will die down faster in colder weather. However, I'd like to know which of my two cameras will not freeze up completely and fail me. My goal is to get a picture of the northern lights, so I will be outdoors in cold weather, and I would be really bummed out if my camera failed me. For the sake of weight, I can only take one of the two cameras.

Anyone here have experience shooting in cold weather? At what point does your camera fail completely?

Aug 23, 2024 at 03:36 PM

gchappel
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I shoot western US in the winter all the time- like Bosque and Yellowstone.
Frequently see below 0. Coldest that I can remember was a reading of -27F.
Never had a problem with a camera.
Batteries do take a hit-- I keep 2 in inside pockets. You will go through 2-3 batteries in a full day, when 1 battery will do me in warmer weather.
Don't worry about your gear- it will be fine.
Now on the other hand- my fingers freeze no matter what gloves I use.
gary

Aug 23, 2024 at 03:47 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I haven't shot in really cold since going digital but you might get a new battery or 3. Got really cold for here earlier this year and 21-23° F didn't cause any battery problems but I had a good battery, I'm sure it didnt last as long though. My old BP-511's, probably over a decade old, doubt they'd have done too much although they're fine now in 80-90+°

Some of the places having auroras can be a lot colder than 14°F if you don't mind me asking I'd be curious what your destination is.

Not a bad idea to be careful going from cold outside to inside.

Aug 23, 2024 at 03:53 PM

pokemeng
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

Would take my 7D2, which has the same operating temperature spec, out in 0F to -10F pretty routinely and never had any issues.

I have not had the opportunity since I picked up a mirrorless though.

Aug 23, 2024 at 04:09 PM

tschopp
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I did some shooting at 0F on Sony a7Rv. The camera had no issues, my gloves was another story. I think it's safe to say the camera can tolerate colder weather than I can.

Aug 23, 2024 at 04:23 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I have shot my r5 (r8, 5dsr, 5diii, 7dii, 7d) down to -40c for hours. It works well and the batteries work well. The only issue I have had was
- the dslrs' would groan a bit but work with mechanical shutter
- that I need to be careful not to breath on the back and it will freeze over making it hard to see the lcd/evf. Lens too.
- that I had to be careful to keep it in my back pack when warming or leave it outside or the condensation would form and then if I took it out to soon, freeze. If you bring it in, bring it in in a camera case and leave it to warm for an hour or so
- Near water, there can be condensation - bring a elastic band and chemical heat warmer and put it on the lens.
- I have frozen the tip of my nose on the lcd. Don't use the EVF.
- bring more batteries and full batteries and put them in your jacket. Not a lot more.

I once had a a7rv1 and with it - the batteries would fade fast. And even worse the lcd would just stop working after 15m and the camera would have to be warmed for 1/2 hour before coming back. I am not sure whether newer sony's work in the cold because I stopped using it in the winter and I did not like the dust control.

For caution, I would take the Canon. Shoot in lcd but keep your face back.

Edited on Aug 23, 2024 at 04:40 PM · View previous versions

Aug 23, 2024 at 04:32 PM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I've shot just fine at 10F for hours. As said, gloves are the hard part.

Aug 23, 2024 at 04:35 PM

Slalom
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I ski, merino liners in your gloves are magic. They tend to wick away moisture and consequently can feel dry,

But weather proofed gloves mean the wicking of moisture is blocked.

Aug 23, 2024 at 05:34 PM

Imagemaster
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

-10C is hardly very cold. I have shot in -30 to -40C many times with no camera problems. Keep the camera inside your parka until ready to shoot. If you have to shoot long exposures off a tripod, you can always attach Little Hotties around the base of the camera.

Aug 23, 2024 at 05:47 PM

Hairy Heron
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I love shooting photos in the snow -- during and just after. We only get a couple of 3'+ accumulations per year so nothing wild. But I'll be out shooting 2-3 hours in 20 degree (F) weather. Battery drains a bit faster, but no issues with the R5 (in ES). I do keep it in a sling bag when walking around and nothing interesting to shoot. Usually after a few hours my fingers are frozen (thin gloves so I can still feel and press the camera buttons), but not the camera.

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:01 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

AmbientMike wrote:
I haven't shot in really cold since going digital but you might get a new battery or 3. Got really cold for here earlier this year and 21-23° F didn't cause any battery problems but I had a good battery, I'm sure it didnt last as long though. My old BP-511's, probably over a decade old, doubt they'd have done too much although they're fine now in 80-90+°

Some of the places having auroras can be a lot colder than 14°F if you don't mind me asking I'd be curious what your destination is.

Not a bad idea to be careful...Show more →

I'm looking at the possibility of going to Iceland. If that doesn't pan out, then maybe Alaska.

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:03 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

pokemeng wrote:
Would take my 7D2, which has the same operating temperature spec, out in 0F to -10F pretty routinely and never had any issues.

I have not had the opportunity since I picked up a mirrorless though.

Coincidentally, I still have my 7dmk2. I hadn't really thought about it. Thanks!

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:06 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

gchappel wrote:
I shoot western US in the winter all the time- like Bosque and Yellowstone.
Frequently see below 0. Coldest that I can remember was a reading of -27F.
Never had a problem with a camera.
Batteries do take a hit-- I keep 2 in inside pockets. You will go through 2-3 batteries in a full day, when 1 battery will do me in warmer weather.
Don't worry about your gear- it will be fine.
Now on the other hand- my fingers freeze no matter what gloves I use.
gary

Thanks! That brings me to my next question; what gloves should I get? I own a cheap pair of gloves (because I'm in Florida), so I have very little experience shooting in cold weather (went to New Mexico once and it snowed, but it really didn't feel insanely cold). My biggest weather threat in Florida is humidity, which is always high.

Edited on Aug 23, 2024 at 06:17 PM · View previous versions

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:11 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

Slalom wrote:
I ski, merino liners in your gloves are magic. They tend to wick away moisture and consequently can feel dry,

But weather proofed gloves mean the wicking of moisture is blocked.

This is a whole new science for me! What gloves would you recommend for shooting? I'm assuming that weather proofed gloves are probably thicker, so feeling the camera might not be possible? Again, I don't have a clue!

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:15 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I've shot for hours in temps -20C to -25C, sometimes colder. Just have lots of batteries (or a USB power bank under your jacket, and a dummy-battery). For me, in these temps, the most important piece of gear is my Baffin Boots.

Aug 23, 2024 at 06:28 PM

chez
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

The camera will outlast you in the cold. Just have a bunch of batteries in a warm inner pocket.

Aug 23, 2024 at 07:47 PM

CelesteForza
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

I’m in Southern California and have no answer for you.

Aug 23, 2024 at 07:56 PM

stanj
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

1Ds, the original, in Fairbanks in the winter. -40C
5DsR, northern polar ice cap in the winter. -20C on a good day.
R5, Ross Ice Shelf, -20C or so.

No problems whatsoever, I gave up before the camera did. And obviously I love ice.

Aug 23, 2024 at 08:06 PM

MRundel
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

In Talkeetna Alaska there's a professional photographer called Aurora Dora, she specializes in northern light photos. In speaking with her, she has been out in -50 degree temperatures. She uses some larger format digital gear for resolution and also for larger control buttons to be able to operate with protective gloves and mittens. She has some beautiful shots with very effective light painting technics. You might be able to contact her through the net and see if she can help with your questions.

Aug 23, 2024 at 08:16 PM

snegron7
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · How Cold Can You Really Shoot At?

Scott Stoness wrote:
I have shot my r5 (r8, 5dsr, 5diii, 7dii, 7d) down to -40c for hours. It works well and the batteries work well. The only issue I have had was
- the dslrs' would groan a bit but work with mechanical shutter
- that I need to be careful not to breath on the back and it will freeze over making it hard to see the lcd/evf. Lens too.
- that I had to be careful to keep it in my back pack when warming or leave it outside or the condensation would form and then if I took it out...Show more →

Thank you for the detailed feedback!! I will definitely be following your suggestions! In terms of camera bag, do I need to use some sort of insulation for it, or would the regular padding do?

Aug 23, 2024 at 08:24 PM

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