Thanks everyone for all your advice and well other bits and jokes,
yes I double posted when I realised I was in the wrong topic
hey its my first time here...
all in all I'm happy with what I have heard, so I will be back with more questions
So thanks again
Sol
The cosmic dust issue seemed plausible. It really is a concern with astro CCD imaging....
I like the point about the pink cosmic dust. I'll have to get some for my desk, when a server is down, I'll blame it on cosmic dust, and if it's pink, it can double as faery dust, too.
Last week I used my DVX100B at 3000 metres (10 000 feet) in the French Alps. Temperatures as low as minus 20 C, occasionally with 50 km/hour winds, giving what the lift attendants* claimed was minus 55 C windchill. It worked brilliantly, with very good battery life. (*OK, I'm not gonna climb that sort of height!). My son used it for some on-the-hoof ski footage, and we are maybe going to use it more in the future for selling dvds to ski holidaymakers. He's an expert skier, but does anyone have ideas about protecting the DVX - from occasional falls, and also from the weather?
I would suggest buying a cover to keep the snow/water off the camera. Also may help to keep the battery warm, as cold batteries don't work as well. The cover may offer some cushioning for falls, but it probably would help much.
There's been several threads on rain covers. Just search the forums.
Careful with your equipment in Peru, Sol. I'm sure you already know that.
Post back when you can. Love to hear about your experiences.
By the way if you find yourself in San Isidro. You can look up my relatives the Durands (There are a gaggle of them there). They might be able to help you if you find yourself in need of it or perhaps some PAs.
I've shot over 300 38minute videos with my DVX100A over the past 2 years and the low temperatures don't seem to bother the quality or the cleaning aspects (I've only done it once). I have to admit, the batteries do take a heavy hit. Any suggestions for "ice Rink" settings? I think I have the perfect settings but you never know....