Cold Camera

[goosey]

Is it possible that if a camera gets too cold it can stop working properly? I don't mean Arctic conditions but 0 deg.
Yesterday I was out, I just put my camera in my bike basket (no case) so I had it handy while I was riding through the NP incase I saw something like deer or Buzzards and needed it quick. So it probably got very cold.
When I went to use it though I took the first picture and the screen stayed dark and the processing light came on and stayed on with nothing happening. So I turned it of and on tried to take another picture and the same thing happened. I changed the batteries - no good, took the card out and put it back in no good. The pictures I took though were on the card when I checked. I took some more pictures but having to turn the camera off and on after each - then it started to work OK.
I took it out again today and the same thing happened!
The only thing I can think of is that the cold has affected the workings and once my hands and handling warmed it up a bit was why it started to work again.

Any thoughts?

[black]

From what I've read most cold weather camera problems are usually due to batteries. I presume the ones you used when changing over were kept somewhere warm, even a battery kept in your pocket will need a little warming in your hand. Having a charged battery in reserve kept in a glove with one of those handwarming packs would be useful if you're planning any more winter cycles. One thing to remember as well is the problem with condensation on the lens and sometimes electronics if you come in from the cold to a nice warm house. One suggestion is to put the cold camera into one of those sealable plastic bags whilst still outside then the moisture will settle on the outside of the bag not your precious camera. Otherwise try at warm it up slowly keeping it in the porch for a few hours before bringing it into the house.

[goosey]

Thanks black - some good advice. I will take the precautions you have recommended regarding condensation etc - I couldn't bare to be without my camera.

Yes I certainly will be taking more trips out - just try and stop me .

You guessed it - my spare batteries were in my pocket - I will get some of those hand warmers thinking about it, they will be handy in more ways than one - as I had to give up on Saturday when I couldn't feel my fingers enough to press the buttons. Funnily enough I bought my mum some last year, I never even though of getting some myself.

[paul m]

I don't get the same problem as you - have a big battery (and am not going to carry a spare around - far too heavy!) which doesn't stop functioning even on very cold NW European mornings but it does start giving me warnings that my battery is about to run out of power (even a few hours after I've recharged the battery) - I've learned to live with the flashng red battery signs appearing on the screen bu it was very disconcerting at first!

Similar problem to that mentioned by black in cold weather: when it rains (or, worse, drizzles or is misty) I tend to drop my camera under my hoody; of course, when I take it out it is very warm and condensation forms rapidly. I don't know how to avoid this - walk around with camera exposed and wipe off the mist or snowflakes before photographing (with resulting smears) or remember to wipe off the condensation (with resulting smears)? Or stay indoors in cold weather?

[paul m]

Originally Posted by paul m

.............but it does start giving me warnings that my battery is about to run out of power (even a few hours after I've recharged the battery) - I've learned to live with the flashng red battery signs appearing on the screen but it was very disconcerting at first!
...........

As an example, it started flashing a warning sign on 6th January and finally ran out of power today! Judging it correctly is a bit like deciding how long you can drive with your car showing quarter-full!

Nonetheless, it's perhap a good idea to warm your battery up before replacing or recharging it .....

[Yogi]

That happened to me but it wasn't the cold. I had inadvertantly pressed a button on the camera that switched the screen off. I could review the shots I was taking but couldn't read the aperture or shutter speed etc. Took me a while to figure it out.

[jasmine]

What is a Cold Cam?

[goosey]

Originally Posted by jasmine

What is a Cold Cam?

Welcome Jasmine .
A cold cam is just the affects of cold weather, so the batteries in the camera won't work properly.