Operating Conditions - Weather

S

sbryan

Well-known member
I'm getting cabin fever in this cold weather. According to Panasonic's manual, the operating conditions for the camera are 32-104 degrees Fahrenheit, but I was wondering if two hours in 24 degree weather would hurt the camera. Will it? I have an M2 adapter, I would also guess that the operating conditions of the adapter parallel the operating conditions of the camera...

I find it hard to believe that cold-weather DVX users stay indoors for the winter...
 
Go ahead and take it out. The HVX is listed as 32-104, but we used 'em in temps down to -57 up in Alaska.

I saw some tape-based cameras operating at -10 or so. I have no doubt your DVX will do fine at 24F for a short stint, at least.
 
I don't know why, but just about all these type of electronics tend to be rated for 32-104*F (0-40*C). I ignore those ratings, especailly on the cold end.

I've had a range of cameras out in WAAY below freezing (Finland, Alaska, The French Alps [3000m+]...) with no touble.

The first thing I've noticed is that the LCD screens start to get sluggy as it gets colder. That's about the time that I start figuring how to warm up the camera a little.


It's a good idea to plcae the camera in a big zip-lock bag outside before you bring it in from the cold, and especially get the tape out and the battery off.
When you bring a cold camera inside, it will become soaking wet from condensation, so open up the tape door and all the other parts to let it all dry out properly before you power it up and ause it again.


- Mikko
 
You can prevent condensation completely if you have a nice case, like a pelican. Or even a halfway decent case really.

Just close the camera inside the case before going outside in the cold, and let the case sit out in the cold for about an hour before opening it, so the camera and the case get nice and cold.

When you are through with it, put the cold camera back in the cold case and close it. Now you can carry it straight back indoors, just keep it closed and don't open it until it warms back up for an hour or two. There will be no condensation whatsoever.
 
If I am shooting outside for like 30 min in 30 degree weather, is it still necessary to put it in a plastic bag or inside my case before bringing it inside and using it?
 
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