Avoiding Condensation
Dec 9, 2018 11:17:11 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
alberio wrote:
On a extremely cold day, I put them in my backpack with a mini dehumidifier and bring the backpack with camera inside. The backpack acts like a buffer against the change of temp.
As an alternative, you can use silica gel. It is available in large cloth bags that will work well for the purpose and they can be dried in a microwave after use and reused. This link will show you what they look like:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/450-Gram-Silica-Gel-Packet-Cotton-White-/181585924685
Dec 9, 2018 11:23:50 #
I upgraded from a ziplock bag to a dry bag used by kayakers, rafters, etc. They are very tough. I roll it up and snap it through a loop on my pack so I always have it. I also try and remember to pop the memory card out of the camera before bagging so I don't have to wait to pp when I get home.
Dec 9, 2018 11:43:41 #
robertcbyrd
Loc: 28754
I humidify my whole house to protect my music instruments at 48%. When I come in from the cold my glasses fog over and so does my camera. Let's see if I understand what my UHH peeps are saying.
In wintertime, if I put the camera in a ziplock bag before bringing it into the house then, presumably, the air in the bag is drier than the air in the house. So I put the camera in the bag while outside and bring it inside to warm up prior to exposing it to the humidity in the house.
And the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier (inside my camera bag) won't help because it takes too long to dehumidify? Or does the slow dehumidification work just as well?
In wintertime, if I put the camera in a ziplock bag before bringing it into the house then, presumably, the air in the bag is drier than the air in the house. So I put the camera in the bag while outside and bring it inside to warm up prior to exposing it to the humidity in the house.
And the Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier (inside my camera bag) won't help because it takes too long to dehumidify? Or does the slow dehumidification work just as well?
Dec 9, 2018 12:06:08 #
Dec 9, 2018 12:08:14 #
Dikdik
Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
You are correct for the procedure. Don't know how the dehumidifier works or how long... sealed plastic bag works well.
Dik
Dik
Dec 9, 2018 12:27:23 #
A.I.R. wrote:
When removing the camera from the backpack outside to take pictures doesn't it fog up then ? How long do you keep it in the bag before removing to take pictures?
A camera fogs up when it is colder than the surrounding air. This happens going going from cold to warm air only.
A great technique is when still in the cold air, seal the camera in a Ziplock bag. The colde air contains much less evaporated moisture than warm air. Bring it into the warm area and wait until the camera warms up before opening the bag.
Dec 9, 2018 12:46:43 #
I do nothing but wait. It's never really been a problem for me. I realize that when something goes from a cold environment to a warm one, there will be condensation. Then the condensation goes away.
Dec 9, 2018 14:30:14 #
alberio wrote:
On a extremely cold day, I put them in my backpack
with a mini dehumidifier and bring the backpack with
camera inside. The backpack acts like a buffer against
the change of temp.
On a extremely cold day, I put them in my backpack
with a mini dehumidifier and bring the backpack with
camera inside. The backpack acts like a buffer against
the change of temp.
I remove mine from any bag or pack and quickly put
it in a plastic bag to warm up. Leaving it in a pack or
bag just slows down the warmup. It's not as if 75degr
interior temp is any shock to the camera that's cooled
down to ordinary winter outdoor temps ... so sooner
is better than later for the camera reaching a usable
temp [assuming you DO intend to use it].
How much difference is OK ? How chilly is OK for you
to unwrap from the plastic bag ? Depends on the air.
75degr dry air wouldn't condense on a 45degr camera.
That might be an interior with dry hot air heating and
no cooking or showering going on. With verrrry humid
75degr interiors, 60degr could be too chilled for you to
unwrap the camera. Also, is it a weather resistant lens
and camera or not ?
.
Dec 9, 2018 15:35:41 #
This is not rock science. I agree with some of the others about placing your camera, in a camera bag, in the trunk or in the back seat a few hours or over night before your shoot. I live in a very humid city and have never had an issue with a fogged lens. After the shoot place the camera back in the air conditioned car and by the time that you arrive at home the camera is climatized for the home. For cold climates I place the camera bag in the car (garaged) a few hours before the shoot.
Dec 9, 2018 15:57:57 #
For me here in Wisconsin I may over kill a bit, but when I'm going out shooting in freezing weather usually I have to drive to location (park or lakefront walking trails )
when I get to location I crack the truck windows so that the temp will be equal inside or outside , I have a cooler that my camera will fit into which I also open so that it cools to outside temp. Than go shoot upon returning an hour later or more I remove the mem cards and place in a case which goes in my inside shirt pocket.
Next I have found zip lock bags (2 Gallon )that my rig fits into (inside the bag I have a desiccant box I bought from B & H (under $20), but I used to just save the packs when they came in vitamins and such ) squeeze out as much air as I can ,zip it shut and place it into the cooler. When I get home I just set the cooler in the back hall and let it warm for a couple hours (using a cheep collapsible cooler ) I take the cards I took out earlier and download . If you have only 1 or 2 batteries you can remove the battery at the same time you take the cards out so you can start the recharge when you get home too. If I will be in and out of the Truck I also turn down the heat to keep me from forgetting and taking the camera out inside a warm truck . I haven't had a fogged camera in 8 winters
when I get to location I crack the truck windows so that the temp will be equal inside or outside , I have a cooler that my camera will fit into which I also open so that it cools to outside temp. Than go shoot upon returning an hour later or more I remove the mem cards and place in a case which goes in my inside shirt pocket.
Next I have found zip lock bags (2 Gallon )that my rig fits into (inside the bag I have a desiccant box I bought from B & H (under $20), but I used to just save the packs when they came in vitamins and such ) squeeze out as much air as I can ,zip it shut and place it into the cooler. When I get home I just set the cooler in the back hall and let it warm for a couple hours (using a cheep collapsible cooler ) I take the cards I took out earlier and download . If you have only 1 or 2 batteries you can remove the battery at the same time you take the cards out so you can start the recharge when you get home too. If I will be in and out of the Truck I also turn down the heat to keep me from forgetting and taking the camera out inside a warm truck . I haven't had a fogged camera in 8 winters
Dec 9, 2018 18:08:46 #
TheShoe
Loc: Lacey, WA
A.I.R. wrote:
To answer the first question, it will only fog up if it is cooler than the ambient temperature. Thus, going from a warm house to a cooler outside temp or from a cooler outside to a warmer house will create the conditions for fogging. During warmer weather, a/c must be taken into consideration.When removing the camera from the backpack outside to take pictures doesn't it fog up then ? How long do you keep it in the bag before removing to take pictures?
Dec 12, 2018 22:23:43 #
TheShoe wrote:
To answer the first question, it will only fog up
if it is cooler than the ambient temperature. .....
To answer the first question, it will only fog up
if it is cooler than the ambient temperature. .....
No.
It will only fog up if it's cooler than the dew
point of the ambient air .... a huge variable.
.
Dec 14, 2018 12:13:53 #
We're seriously considering a cruise to Norway, most of it above the arctic circle, in January (this or next year) to see the northern lights. Since it will be cold, the relative humidity should be low outside, and the same should be true on the ship, even though it will be heated. It seems like it shouldn't be a problem, unless I'm missing something. Do I need to be concerned? I shoot with a Canon 80D (weather sealed), but my lenses are not weather sealed.
Dec 14, 2018 13:30:23 #
DJphoto wrote:
We're seriously considering a cruise to Norway, most of it above the arctic circle, in January (this or next year) to see the northern lights. Since it will be cold, the relative humidity should be low outside, and the same should be true on the ship, even though it will be heated. It seems like it shouldn't be a problem, unless I'm missing something. Do I need to be concerned? I shoot with a Canon 80D (weather sealed), but my lenses are not weather sealed.
Indoors there is evaporation that raises the relative humidity so that there will be condensation when a cold enough object is brought there. This would happen on the ship as well. You can check this easily. If there is condensation on the outside of an iced water glass, there will be condensation on a cold object brought in from outside.
Dec 14, 2018 13:42:51 #
On a ship you could be getting humidity from the ocean , just a thought . I think of it this way if my glasses fog so would my camera . the humidity might be lower but the large temp difference would find what little water is in the air the more drastic the temperature change the more likely the condensation
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.