I was wondering, as the temps are falling, does it harm my camera (besides an unhappy battery) to go in and out of the cold? Are there issues with lubrication on delicate mechanical parts? Condensation inside the camera? I live in Virginia, so it is generally above 0˚ F., so I am not concerned with extremely cold below zero stuff. I am using a D40.

Thanks!

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Hi Laura,

You are correct that battery life can be reduced when they get cold.
There should be no problem with lubrication at all.
Going from warm to cold is not a problem. When going from cold to warm, condensation can be a problem. Keep your camera in a camera bag or a plastic bag when you bring it in from the cold. Keep it covered long enough for the temperature of the camera to equalize with the air before you take it out of the bag.
Even shooting at tempratures well below zero is not a problem as long as you use common sense.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Howdy, Laura. I don't get out in really cold weather too often but I always keep my battery or two in my pocket and then take it out to shoot when it's cold out. Chemical reactions occur at rate that is proportional to temperature. I have a spare battery just in case and rotate them from my pocket to the camera every so often if the battery meter seems to be dipping prematurely, hard to tell with only 3 bars to work with.

Marty has offered a tried and true tip on the condensation problem.

Dean
Phoenix, Arizona USA
Nikonians Team Member
Website: The Splendid Silence of Light

Recent Trips: Grand Canyon 2012 Glen Canyon 2012 West Clear Creek

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