Keeping camera equipment cool.
Jun 23, 2013 09:33:36 #
tombackman
Loc: RHODE ISLAND
I want to keep my camera in my car for quick use as the need arises. However I am concerned about how hot my car gets in the summer and the damage the heat will cause to my camera equipment. What do people do to protect their camera equipment from the heat when it is stored in our cars?
Jun 23, 2013 09:40:30 #
Jun 23, 2013 09:53:35 #
tombackman wrote:
I want to keep my camera in my car for quick use as the need arises. However I am concerned about how hot my car gets in the summer and the damage the heat will cause to my camera equipment. What do people do to protect their camera equipment from the heat when it is stored in our cars?
This question comes up fairly frequently on the Hog, but one solution I have not (yet) seen:
I wonder if it will work if you wrap your equipment in aluminum foil - yes, the same kind you would use for the turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas - shiny side out ??
I won't have time for the next couple of weeks, but after that I will try and do some experimenting... now I've got myself curious...
EstherP
Jun 23, 2013 10:20:08 #
How many pros do you think bother or worry, I don't and maybe I am no pro but people these days are too anal about their equipment, small dust specks, heat, etc
Jun 23, 2013 10:35:14 #
the Scottsman wrote:
You can always put it in a small cooler with a ice pack.
Uh, wouldn't an icepack require that the camera be in a zip bag to protect it from condensation?
Jun 23, 2013 10:51:19 #
tombackman wrote:
I want to keep my camera in my car for quick use as the need arises. However I am concerned about how hot my car gets in the summer and the damage the heat will cause to my camera equipment. What do people do to protect their camera equipment from the heat when it is stored in our cars?
I have a small backpack/carry camera bag which holds my D3100 w/70-300 mm attached, 2 spare batteries, a 2x TC, 50mm, and a 18-270mm and has a few pockets for cables etc.
Its got about a 1/2 inch thick padding and it seems to do well.
As far as JR's remark about being to anal with equip I tend to be in very dusty conditions and my equipment is not the most expensive there is but it's still a large investment and while not in use I take care to protect it from the elements.
What works for me may not work for others , so far I've had no issue's with heat and it tends to get damn hot too.
Best I can say is to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible and use light colors as the reflect sunlight while darker colors absorbe heat .
Jun 23, 2013 13:09:48 #
You really do not want to cool it as, when you take it out in that summer humidity, condensation becomes an issue that would likely be worse than heat.
The simple answer is keep it with you.
The simple answer is keep it with you.
Jun 23, 2013 14:28:18 #
Jun 23, 2013 14:35:56 #
I think the point here is protecting our camera equipment from excessive heat ( 120 + while in a locked car ) not keeping it cool so to speak , but at a point where it does not cause excessive moisture , condensation inside the body or lens, or causing any problems with the internal electronic workings due to excessive heat build up.
1st of all I would think nobody is going to place the camera equipment in a plastic bag or container as those will become sauna like in a short matter of time .
1st of all I would think nobody is going to place the camera equipment in a plastic bag or container as those will become sauna like in a short matter of time .
Jun 23, 2013 15:31:21 #
tombackman wrote:
I want to keep my camera in my car for quick use as the need arises. However I am concerned about how hot my car gets in the summer and the damage the heat will cause to my camera equipment. What do people do to protect their camera equipment from the heat when it is stored in our cars?
This has got to be one of our most popular topics - in addition to keeping everything warm in the winter. I'm surprised that a manufacturer hasn't come up with an accessory.
While you don't want the camera getting too hot, you don't want to chill it with ice and then take out in 90° weather. I never leave my camera in the car in hot weather. Your manual will tell you what its temp limits are.
Jun 23, 2013 16:20:38 #
tombackman wrote:
I want to keep my camera in my car for quick use as the need arises. However I am concerned about how hot my car gets in the summer and the damage the heat will cause to my camera equipment. What do people do to protect their camera equipment from the heat when it is stored in our cars?
Tom, your question is valid, I think all of us give it thought when the conditions are questionable.
Usually my gear is in a backpack. If leaving the pack in the car for short periods, I put it on the floor and pile stuff like jackets and clothing on top of it to make at least some thermal barrier.
If it were hot enough to cause more concern or a more extended period of time, I simply take the gear with me, into work, a restaurant, a store etc.
But then again I don't live in Thermal, CA.
Certainly you can take steps to mitigate the heat, but it's looking like most don't do anything special. I guess you can start by leaving all the windows down a few inches. That should buy you a lot of thermal insurance by itself.
Good luck. SS
Jun 23, 2013 17:18:08 #
Never leave my gear in the car in case of theft but when traveling, I just place it on the floor out of direct sun light...
Jun 23, 2013 19:19:48 #
SX2002 wrote:
Never leave my gear in the car in case of theft but when traveling, I just place it on the floor out of direct sun light...
Right! Better to leave it in the car than in a restaurant along the highway.
Jun 23, 2013 21:20:09 #
Jun 23, 2013 21:30:16 #
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