I just recently got my 1st DSLR- a Nikon D3000 with the 18-55 kit lens. I really like the pictures I'm getting out of it, especially after I started using manual only. I have so much to learn!
One thing that occurred to me with the cold weather almost here- How much do I have to worry about condensation forming inside the camera if I use it outside this winter? I know it's not a "state of the art" model (I only paid $230 for it), but I really like it and don't want it to get messed up. I plan on eventually getting a D5100 and using the D3000 as my back up.....
I think the main issue is when going from warm to cold environments in a short period of time. I've heard things such as when you're outside and ready to go back in, to put the camera and lens inside a plastic bag and with some of those moisture absorbers, and then go inside, and let it warm up before removing from the bag.
But don't take my word for it. I'm hoping that some people who live in colder climates will chime in with what works for them.
Mike_B wrote:
I just recently got my 1st DSLR- a Nikon D3000 with the 18-55 kit lens. I really like the pictures I'm getting out of it, especially after I started using manual only. I have so much to learn!
One thing that occurred to me with the cold weather almost here- How much do I have to worry about condensation forming inside the camera if I use it outside this winter? I know it's not a "state of the art" model (I only paid $230 for it), but I really like it and don't want it to get messed up. I plan on eventually getting a D5100 and using the D3000 as my back up.....
I just recently got my 1st DSLR- a Nikon D3000 wit... (
show quote)
I wouldn't worry about it. In all the years I've shot condensation has only been a problem when I would visit a hothouse on a cold day. The condensation will occur - just sit and wait for it to clear.
les_stockton wrote:
I think the main issue is when going from warm to cold environments in a short period of time. I've heard things such as when you're outside and ready to go back in, to put the camera and lens inside a plastic bag and with some of those moisture absorbers, and then go inside, and let it warm up before removing from the bag.
But don't take my word for it. I'm hoping that some people who live in colder climates will chime in with what works for them.
I've always been told the same thing....just let it warm up slowly.. I usually go back to the car, put it in my camera bag, then on the drive home my car warms up slowly, then take the camera bag inside. With it still in the camera bag, it always warms up slowly....never had an issue. Also, I hate cold weather, so I don't shoot much over the winter LOL!!
Mike_B wrote:
I just recently got my 1st DSLR- a Nikon D3000 with the 18-55 kit lens. I really like the pictures I'm getting out of it, especially after I started using manual only. I have so much to learn!
One thing that occurred to me with the cold weather almost here- How much do I have to worry about condensation forming inside the camera if I use it outside this winter? I know it's not a "state of the art" model (I only paid $230 for it), but I really like it and don't want it to get messed up. I plan on eventually getting a D5100 and using the D3000 as my back up.....
I just recently got my 1st DSLR- a Nikon D3000 wit... (
show quote)
Mike,
What LesStockton and pigpen said is accurate. I do a lot of shooting in the winter, mainly exterior and interior of houses and have never had a problem with condensation, but if I'm outside for more than a half hour, I will let camera warm up slowly, ie..from outside to car, to garage to house within an hours time or so and if outside for over an hour, will use the plastic bag and "moisture absorbtion packets" and keep the camera in there until it's warmed up and in the house.
When you're outside, try to keep the camera under your jacket as much as possible; it helps.
I lived in Alaska for a number of years and took photos is some awful temperatures (including during the Iditarod race.) During the race, I used a small camera that fit in my shirt pocket and kept it there except when I took a photo. This kept the camera warm enough so there was no problem when I went inside. At other times, when I used my SLR, I tried to keep it under my parka to keep it as warm as possible, but put it in a plastic bag when I went inside. I never had any problems.
Dawn between Finger Lake and Rainy Pass
Dawn near Takotna at 30 below
While everyone is thinking condensation, what do you do to keep the exterior of the lens from fogging when going from car or house to a cold exterior location?
As perviously stated, going from cold to warm environment is usually the what you have to work about. I usually leave my camera in its bag for while after coming in from outside. I Alwhat throw a couple of those desiccant silica packs to absorb moisture in my camera bag
merouk
Loc: White-Mountains of NH
I thought tissue and lenses were a no no!
JimH
Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
merouk wrote:
I thought tissue and lenses were a no no!
Ah, more or less, I suppose. Especially after first use. How about a lint-free microfiber cloth instead? :)
this is off the subject at hand, but those dog and snow shots warm my heart. Great Shots !!! What keeps their feet from becoming icey.
JimH
Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
Never mind. Was meaning to ask, 'What dogs?' when I saw them.. :(
On the subject of the moisture absorbers can someone point me in the right direction of some to buy online? I'm going to be in Manhattan doing some pictures of the Christmas displays and the famous tree.......so i'm going to be outside for a while. I plan on going in at times to warm up so the moisture absorbers seem like a good idea. However if anyone has any other cold weather tips for DSLR's it would def be handy =)
Going from warm to cold is not a problem. When going from shooting in very cold conditions, I wrap my camera in a plastic trash bag before taking it into a warm car or house. Some people use zip lock bags...... I have always done this so I really do not know if condensation would have formed without doing it. It's that ounce of prevention thing.....
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