FS7: FS7 in the Arctic

B

bengiles

Well-known member
I have to go up into the Arctic next Spring, when the temperature will be around -25 C.

Can I expect an FS7 to work effectively at those kind of temperatures?

Anyone got any direct experience and tips they could share, please?

How do you cope with condensation from temperature shifts etc?

Cheers,

Ben.
 
Not mine experience but I've read that some time ago that minus temperatures (even very low) are not a problem. Problem is water vapor that occurs when you're moving it from freezing cold to warm/hot rooms to fast. You should do something like a transition zone were you go for example from -25 to 0 and only then from zero to room temperature. Do it as slow as possible.

But like I'm saying: better ask someone that was actually doing it himself.
 
you have to look out how to deal with batteries and condensation...the camera should be fine unless sony says something about low temps?
 
I did -19C with no issues at all. Condensation isn't an issue if you give all the gear a chance to get to temperature. Move slow, shoot fast.
 
Main things to worry about is battery power (I tape handwarmers to them to
keep the batteries lasting longer than 10 minutes) and condensation.
Once you are out shooting and the camera is acclimated to the cold,
stay out and do as much shooting as you can. But just cold shouldn't bother
the camera. And I've been in some cold (like more than double your -25).
 
shot with the FS7 in various different countries so far... -15 to +45 degrees... 90% humidity, super dry deserts, rain, snow, sand... All works great, the only thing you have to be aware of is that your sensor fogs up if you change temperatures quickly. always leave time to acclimatize.
also I would advise a raincover if the rain becomes stronger... make sure you dry the cam afterwards, same goes for condensation.
 
I've worked extensively in the Arctic with almost every camera but the FS7 (although that will change this summer). To begin with, the concept of Spring needs to be researched but generally after April seriously cold temperatures wouldn't be expected unless you are north of 75°, but hey lets say I'm totally wrong and indeed you are in -25C. The biggest issues I've encountered in -25C and beyond are always with :

1. lens function--sticky iris's, locked focus or zoom mechanics, and any internal moisture is the kiss of death.
2. viewfinders--when its really cold humans just give off water vapor which eventually will for ice on glass/acrylic surfaces

cameras generally are fine, batteries hold up remarkably well, I did have a sticky ND wheel on a 900 series Sony HDcam once. Froze a gopro mounted on a helicopter skid once. Keep some spare bats in a vest or something under your parka and you are good to go.
 
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