Camera Operation Affected By Cold Weather: I am wondering if shooting in cold weather (e.g., snow) affects the operation of a Mirrorless camera

Hoku1 Loc: hawaii

I am wondering if shooting in cold weather (e.g., snow) affects the operation of a Mirrorless camera - if any.
I have used my DSLR for many years in cold weather...no issues. (I'm just thinking it's about time for new camera since I'm planning a trip to Japan)

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I live in Florida but I have shot in Canada under freezing conditions using a dSLR at the time. No issues except to keep the batteries warm.
If you plan on buying a mirrorless body my suggestion is to check with the company making the camera. They can offer you the best information.

whfowle Loc: Tampa first, now Albuquerque

Back when film was the only way, I was stationed in the arctic and used my Nikon F all the time, even down to -40 degrees. The only problem then was brittle film and you had to wind a little slower to protect it. Recently, I've been in Alaska in the winter and the temperatures down to -10 degrees. The problem with digital cameras is the batteries draining a lot quicker than in warmer climates. It is best to have several fully charged before you go out and keep them in an inside pocket near your body to keep them warm. Carry the camera inside your parka until you need to make a picture. If you are in falling snow, you will need to protect the camera from moisture getting in if the snow is wet. Many places up north, the snow is very dry, like powder, and moisture is not a problem. In Japan, most of the places other than Hokkaido, the north island, are similar to the northern tier in America during winter. Hokkaido is more like Canada and northern Alaska.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

If you are going to be taking more pics it is not a good practice to put it back inside your coat once it has been out in the cold very long,it will fog up inside the warm coat

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Don't know about mirrorless, I'm not going there. But, with a DSLR or SLR used in Alaska down to about 25 below I always used chemical handwarmers taped to the bottom of the camera body. Worked great. Yes, the main problem is battery performance so I took the battery grip off so the warmth could get to the in-body battery.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The view finder of either camera type will fog- / frost-over from your body heat and perspiration with the camera held to your eye / face in 10F and colder. In addition to the keeping extra batteries in a pocket close to your body heat, be prepared to the use the rear display for composition and focusing.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

With one less moving part, the mirror, there is probably less to worry about as far as sluggish parts. Even that, so far as I know, wasn't an issue with DSLRs. I've never had an issue with my R5, or any of my previous DSLRs, in our upstate NY winters. A warm battery is your friend!

Hoku1 Loc: hawaii

Mahalo to all for your replies. My understanding is shooting in cold weather, whether it's a DSLR or Mirrorless camera, there is no issues with these cameras in cold environment. I will use the suggested precautions with the batteries and camera itself.
Aloha

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Keeping batteries warm and avoiding condensation are excellent points. Along with those suggestions, the use of a 'camera parka' is another suggestion. There are several brands. Atfrostedlens.com is the one I use. You purchase direct from the company.

obsidian

Hoku1 wrote:

I am wondering if shooting in cold weather (e.g., snow) affects the operation of a Mirrorless camera - if any.
I have used my DSLR for many years in cold weather...no issues. (I'm just thinking it's about time for new camera since I'm planning a trip to Japan)

I have BEEN using mirrorless cameras (Olympus OMD-ME10-I, Sony A7r3, Sony alpha1 for the last 7 years and I have not had issues in extremes of temperature here in Northeast USA. I started using lens warmer because that is where you might encounter some issues like lens fogging or zoom adjustment being stuck. Camera makers surely know these concerns of either extreme heat or cold and before the new model goes into production, they have been tried and tested. It probably matters after you are outside in the very very cold environment for extended period of time that you need to warm up your camera body like revving up your car engine early in the cold winter days before going to work.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Hoku1 wrote:

I am wondering if shooting in cold weather (e.g., snow) affects the operation of a Mirrorless camera - if any.
I have used my DSLR for many years in cold weather...no issues. (I'm just thinking it's about time for new camera since I'm planning a trip to Japan)

No.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

I've taken shots in the -30 to -40 (C or F doesn't matter) range with both conventional cameras and digital. I keep the camera in my parka to keep it warm until I need it. I wear mitts and gloves and remove the mitt prior to taking the shot. Fingers still get cold. Camera set so adjustments are minimal. Condensation is not a problem. When I bring the camera into the warmth I put it in a sealed zip lock bag until it warms up. I've never had a problem... I've used my Nikon F2 and my little Sony A6400... not really big cameras.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Hoku1 wrote:

I am wondering if shooting in cold weather (e.g., snow) affects the operation of a Mirrorless camera - if any.
I have used my DSLR for many years in cold weather...no issues. (I'm just thinking it's about time for new camera since I'm planning a trip to Japan)

I have had my Olympus out in 100°+ to -10° with no problems. And if labeled "weatherproof", snow and rain, without any other protection provided, should not be an issue. I shoot in the rain, salt spray, and snow with no concern for my equipment.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

had my z9 in 30 degree weather for a few days. no problems but then again 30 is a lot warmer than say 20 below.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've never had a problem any camera in cold weather. If I'm out for a long time, I'll put the camera under my coat, especially if it's snowing.

http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-camera-in-cold-weather/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/essential-tips-cold-weather-photography
https://improvephotography.com/43285/10-tips-for-cold-weather-photography/
https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/tips-techniques/nature-landscapes/cold-weather-photo-tips/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/cold-weather-photo-tips-coulson-brimberg