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Battery Question
Dec 12, 2013 07:13:52 #
OK... I'll admit it... I generally do not read the instructions. However, this time I did and it has prompted this question.
I just bought a Nikon EN-EL15 battery as a spare for my D7100. Then, I departed from normal and read the instructions, which say that the battery should not be used in temps lower than 32F (0C). Well, that effectively eliminates using the camera outdoors for a great portion of winter, even here in North Carolina.
So, the question is: Is Nikon taking a very conservative position here? Or, is there a different battery that is better suited and rated to cold temperatures, like to 0F?
I just bought a Nikon EN-EL15 battery as a spare for my D7100. Then, I departed from normal and read the instructions, which say that the battery should not be used in temps lower than 32F (0C). Well, that effectively eliminates using the camera outdoors for a great portion of winter, even here in North Carolina.
So, the question is: Is Nikon taking a very conservative position here? Or, is there a different battery that is better suited and rated to cold temperatures, like to 0F?
Dec 12, 2013 07:35:55 #
I had the same concerns when I bought my D7000. I did a little research and found out this could be Nikon being overly cautious. I talked to a Sony user and he said the Sony manual has basically the same wording. I found it hard to believe Nikon would put a restriction such as this on one of its products. I read on Ken Rockwell's site where he put one in the freezer over night to see what effect it would have and other than foggy lcd I don't recall any adverse effects. I bought my first Nikon digital in 2005 and have shot in 5 degree and 115 degree and haven't noticed any change in performance. Good luck.
Dec 12, 2013 07:50:54 #
Gitchigumi wrote:
OK... I'll admit it... I generally do not read the... (show quote)
Cold has never bothered my cameras - D7000 or anything else. Cold will sap the energy from a battery quickly, so be prepared with spares. I've seen pictures taken at the north and south poles, and I hear it gets pretty cold there. Below is a picture from Nikon's web page. I bet it was cold there.
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/index.page
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Dec 12, 2013 07:52:43 #
Nikon cameras have been used in Arctic conditions for years, I have seen pictures of Nikon DSLRs encrusted in ice and still making the shots. I believe they put that statement in the manual because the cold will diminish the power stored in the battery. Most of Nikons batteries are rated for so many shots and when in the cold that number decreases dramatically. If you are going to shooting in the cold there are certain precautions you should take to care for your camera properly. The way you bring the camera up to room temperature is one, keeping your spare batteries inside your jacket next to your body to keep them warm will help maintain their usefulness outdoors, I would do a search on articles for the care of your camera in those types of conditions, I have read several so I know they are out there.
Dec 12, 2013 08:07:13 #
My D800e has the same battery. I've shot ski scenes at -15F with no problems. Nikon is just being cautious.
Dec 12, 2013 08:16:14 #
jimq wrote:
My D800e has the same battery. I've shot ski scenes at -15F with no problems. Nikon is just being cautious.
I wonder if Canon has that warning. Someone who is undecided could be influenced by the cold warning.
I looked in the 5D mark III manual and didn't find anything about using the battery in cold weather. I did a Ctrl-F search.
Dec 12, 2013 08:37:05 #
I suspect the batteries come from the same vendor. In any case, the battery chemistry probably has more to do with the cold weather performance than the vendor. I would worry about the LCD display on the back of the camera when it gets really cold. LCD's don't like to freeze.
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Dec 12, 2013 08:39:57 #
I wouldn't worry in the least. I have been using EN-EL15 powered cameras for 4 years without an issue at all. Best camera battery I have ever had too.
Dec 12, 2013 08:40:22 #
jimq wrote:
My D800e has the same battery. I've shot ski scenes at -15F with no problems. Nikon is just being cautious.
That is what I suspect, too... But, thought I'd ask to see if there is a really good reason. Or, perhaps, another solution.
So far, it sounds like there is no problem other than shorter service-time during those cold conditions. And, I can certainly live with that. And, put the spare battery in my shirt pocket. :D
Dec 12, 2013 08:43:46 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I wouldn't worry in the least. I have been using EN-EL15 powered cameras for 4 years without an issue at all. Best camera battery I have ever had too.
Thanks for your reply... if anyone had direct experience, I would think it would be you.
BTW, is that photo recent? That is what folks here call "boo-chilly"!! :shock:
Dec 12, 2013 08:45:47 #
Gitchigumi wrote:
Thanks for your reply... if anyone had direct experience, I would think it would be you.
BTW, is that photo recent? That is what folks here call "boo-chilly"!! :shock:
BTW, is that photo recent? That is what folks here call "boo-chilly"!! :shock:
That one was in January of 2010 when I was headed out to shoot a cattle drive. I had two spare batteries in the pocket but only needed one of them. The D7000 shot better than I did that day.
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Dec 12, 2013 08:46:51 #
Gitchigumi wrote:
OK... I'll admit it... I generally do not read the... (show quote)
I used my Nikons with the el-15 Battery in Canada at lower temps without any problems and do night sky photography in the winter at colder temps without any problem. Yes cold causes the batteries to loss charge sooner that is why I have spares available which I keep in a shirt pocket to keep warm Putting the battery from the camera into your shirt will revive it so it can be used again.
Dec 12, 2013 08:49:30 #
mborn wrote:
I used my Nikons with the el-15 Battery in Canada at lower temps without any problems and do night sky photography in the winter at colder temps without any problem. Yes cold causes the batteries to loss charge sooner that is why I have spares available which I keep in a shirt pocket to keep warm Putting the battery from the camera into your shirt will revive it so it can be used again.
Cool!... er, Great! Thanks... :D
Dec 12, 2013 09:19:38 #
Gitchigumi wrote:
OK... I'll admit it... I generally do not read the... (show quote)
I daresay it gets colder here in North Dakota than it does in North Carolina. I try not to leave equipment in the car at below 0 temps, but do occasionally between 0 and 32 temps with no problem.
The real lesson here is to not read manuals and instructions except as a last resort.
Dec 12, 2013 09:29:26 #
PrairieSeasons wrote:
The real lesson here is to not read manuals and instructions except as a last resort.
LOL! Agreed... that is "normal" for me. This time, I made the "mistake" of actually reading the directions! What was I thinking??? :shock:
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