Michael652 Loc: Santa Cruz, CA

Hi all. In March I am going to Yellowstone and want to prepare early for my trek in the snow and freezing temperatures. Today I am looking for tips on my gear (another time I will be looking for photo tips for shooting in the snow). I have a Nikon D5100, and a P900. On my last vacation I carried both cameras with a Black Rapid double strap. Is it okay for a camera to be in extreme cold weather, or does it need to be under my coat or jacket? Do they make warm gloves with no fingers so you can operate your camera? Do I have to worry about condensation in or on my camera when I return to my room? What else should I buy to enhance the photo part of my trip?

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

With respect to frigid weather operation, I would expect that cameras that rely on moving parts would be susceptible to lubrication stiffening. Bringing a cold camera into a warm humid room invites condensation, so package the camera in a sealed plastic bag outside until it warms up.

Curve_in Loc: Virginia

I've done a number of hikes with my D7000 in the 5*-10* range. I use regular gloves and just take them off if I needed to do a lens change. I have the automatic preview function turned off so I've never used more than 20% of the batteries capacity during a day hike. It's important that you don't put the camera and lens through rapid temperature changes, so I put my camera in the trunk the night before a cold hike. I have the camera in a backpack or over my shoulder during the hike. Super cold and the P900 means you'll need a number of extra batteries to use it a full day. I do sometimes bring along my Sony NEX-5 (about the same battery use as the P900). I use it in a limited way instead of changing a lens.

If you can, shoot in RAW. You'll be able to get some nice shots even if you don't have the settings perfect.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Check your cameras' manuals for both operating and storage temperatures. You'll probably find it in the back of the manual under Specifications.
I have gone a few degrees over or under the stated temperatures without problems, but wouldn't take it too far.

Yes, you can buy gloves without finger-tips. Or if you have a friend who's a knitter ask him/her to make you a pair. It's no hard to do.

Condensation definitely is a problem to deal with. BEFORE you take the camera into a warm room, put it into a plastic bag, press or suck as much of the air out as possible and seal the bag. Then take it into the warm room. Don't open the bag until the camera is up to room temperature, at least half an hour, I prefer an hour.

Having the camera outside long enough to get really cold, will really slow down the battery, even to the point where your camera stops working. The solution is to have at least second battery, and even a third battery.
Keep the two spares in an inside pocket of your coat, and as soon as you notice your camera slowing down, swap the batteries.

Considering that there often is wet stuff coming from the sky in winter, I would also suggest raincoats for your camera.
http://optechusa.com/rainsleeve.html
I know, the company calls them rainsleeves, but in our family they are named raincoats.

twowindsbear

Keep in mind that the liquid in the liquid crystal display WILL freeze and burst - I just have no idea what temp, though.

Good luck Yellowstone is a wonderful place!

Sheila Loc: Arizona or New York

Most cameras are fine in cold weather. It is the batteries that could be the problem. Take more than one battery and keep them inside your coat. If you keep cameras inside your coat you might have to worry about condensation. The suggestion of an Optech sleeve is a good idea. There are gloves and mittens both that have removable tips. I have a pair of gloves I bought at an alpaca farm but I think B&H or some camping outlets may have some. I don't know how cold it will be in March at Yellowstone and it depends on how you respond to cold but I personally find the gloves useful.

MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

You will be fine. I have been to Yellowstone the past two winters, and we went into the park on snowmobiles for the entire day each day. I did nothing special except keep my camera batteries in my vest pockets to warm them. I actually found it much easier staying out in the cold with my camera as I did not have to fight condensation. If you worry about battery life use a battery grip. I used one, and while running the GPS on my camera, I did not have to swap batteries at all during the day. Its best to leave you camera in the trunk of your car at night (this will avoid condensation issues), and bring the batteries and memory cards inside with you.

Not sure about the windchill temps but it was 10-15 degrees during the day, plus windchill from the sled running down the road both years I was there.

As far as gloves and such, I had a thin pair of liners I wore under my heavy gloves, and when it came time to snap some photographs, I just pulled of my heavy gloves and my glove liners did a nice job. I used a Mountainsmith lumbar pack (worn backwards) to carry my camera and spare lenses in while running down roads on the snowmobile.

Dont forget to adjust your exposure compensation up one stop to compensate for the snow. I will be headed back out in Feb....Are you going to Gardiner, West Yellowstone, or Jackson Hole entrance?

picsman Loc: Scotland

I take a lot of skiing photos at resorts and found that liners under my skiing gloves work well as you can take off your outer gloves and still have some protection. I don't always put the skiing gloves back on, just stick my hands in my pockets if theres time between shots!

Spare batteries are also essential and best kept inside your ski jacket.

A rain cover is a must if it snows and a micro cleaning cloth if you shot into the snow to clean your lens. Sometimes the lens hood helps the snow to build up. I keep my backpack on as it helps keep me warm if theres a strong wind from behind.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Sew some pockets inside ya boxers and carry ya cameras next to ya nuts. Wear warm clothes and make sure you have a clean hankie. A chockie bar in the other pocket in case you get hungry.
Please feel free to come back and ask further advice about going outside when its chilly!

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Billy, you had me laughing coffee out of my nose this morning.😊😊😊

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Lets just hope the guy that posted the question has a sense of humour like you my man lol

gleneric Loc: Calgary, Alberta

I have been out shooting at -25 to -30 Celsius (approx. -5 to -20 Fahrenheit) with no condensation issues when returning ... I pack gear back into my camera bag just before heading indoors, zip the bag closed, and don't re-open inside until it has had time to slowly warm up. Might not be as effective if you have a bag that does not close tightly (e.g., with only Velcro closures?).

Agree with others on batteries ... expect reduced usage because of the cold, and keep a spare or two in an inside pocket. As for cold hands, I do like the outer glove with liners approach, keeping just the liners on while actively shooting and slipping the outers on in between. I also have some very thin gloves I found that are geared for people who run in the cold ... there are thin enough to keep on while shooting but still comfortable temperature-wise.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Aside from cold, snow is notoriously difficult to meter, easiest solution is a grey card. BTY every one has a substitute - the palm of your hand is about 18% reflection value. In a pinch over expose a stop,or stop and 1/2. So as to prevent grey snow

Jtrim Loc: Elmira Heights, NY

We fisherpeople can buy wool gloves that are fingerless. Good product. Check with a good outdoor store.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

If this is true, and I doubt that you can cite one instance where this has happened, it would be below -40 degrees. -40 degrees is quoted as the lowest recommended storage temperature for LCD televisions and other LCD devices.