It’s getting cold

and electronic equipment don’t like it.  Well, neither do most people.

Still many people still like to go out when old man winter is sending chilly drafts down your neck.

Things to be aware of:

1.  frost will build up on the outside edges of lens – using a lens hood provides a better place for the frost to settle (instead of the edge of the filter)

2. do as much as you can to reduce the amount of hot-cold-hot transitions that you will experience as you shoot in inclimate weather.

3. when going back into the warmth, seal your camera in an air tight & moisture free bag (and in your camera bag) and leave it there until the whole camera has slowly reached room temperature.  Beware though – this may take several hours.

Essentially, the goal to to prevent condensation from causing damage to critical surfaces. (sensors, lens, conductive surfaces, etc)

Batteries will lose its stored energy more quickly in the cold – if the battery compartment is accessible as your trek about in the cold, pop the battery out and stuff it in your mitt or pocket.  This will give you a bit more operating time – but not much more.  Results will vary.

Remember that the colder it gets, materials tend to become brittle – especially plastics – so be gentle.

Lastly, keep yourself warm by dressing in properly moisture wicking, breathable and  insulating  materials. A good water and wind repellent outside layer is great to keep the layers dry and warm.