Cold weather rig advise

J

jamkam

Active member
Have to shoot at 10-0 degrees F tomorrow night on an EN- type shoot and have heard theDVX is finicky sub freezing (as are most humans) so obviously the issues are not only optimal battery performance but transport, too.

So, I'm  looking at either a standard rain slicker (Kata, PortaBrace or Petrol) and GT'ing a few handwarmers of the ski bunny variety inside in startegic spots (battery, tranpsort door, over lens) or I think PortaBrace makes a 'Polar Mitten' that has slots for the hand warmers.  Anyone have field tested comments on this and also feedback of the best slicker.  I think PortaBrace is a good 50 bux more but supposedly is a better handheld design.  Also will be using an A/B ultralight so need to accomodate that, too.

Thanks!
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

Whenever I shoot in the cold, which up here is way too often, I use my rain cover along with hand warmers at the tape door. It gets a bit too hot to conect the warmers right to the camera. So try to have some cloth or something as a bit of a buffer. I have shot for hours at -30 with no dropouts.
One warning though, you go through batteries like you would not believe, so be ready for that.
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

I shot all week-end some ski races for my nephew here in Quebec with my DVX. The temperature during the day was between -29 to -20° Celsius and Sunday with the wind factor you can add another -10°C.

I had no major problem except the view finder seem not always to follow the focus when looking at it. All the tape look fine however. I always kept the battery in my inside pocket between the shot. For my hand, I bought some thin glove for outdoor climbing (Marmot Windstopper), they are pretty good.
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

interesting, i've gotten mixed opinions. the min. operating spec for the dvx is listed as 32 deg F, and you say you've had no probs at -4 or -5? wow.
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

Yop! Yesterday was something like -13°F. (-25°C.), and everything was OK.

But I prefer to shoot when it is a bit warmer, personally. ;)
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

...he he, i hear ya shadow. me too! i'll use my trusty shooting mit/gloves or perhaps some fleece/windstoppers like you suggest. i will have some handwarmers handy, just in case tho. i do wish panasonic or an aftermkt made a battery cable to pocket it while you shot.
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

" i do wish panasonic or an aftermkt made a battery cable to pocket it while you shot."

I know something like that already exist, I asked that question before and somebody answered by positive reply, I think it was Barry Green or Barry S. It is something like the DC cable who attach to the battery.

Good luck with your shooting. :)
 
Re: Cold weather rig advise

I think most manufacturers tighten up the specs in order to reduce the number reported problems. I do remember reading the 32F minimum and wondering why that particular number - no water it there, I hope. :)
 
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