Protect Your Camera in Cold Weather | Harrison Cameras

How to Protect Your Camera in Cold Weather

Autumn and winter provide loads of beautiful photo opportunities, from frostbitten fields and fireworks to snowy peaks and icy lakes. And while you probably can’t wait to get out there and start snapping shots, it’s important to protect your camera from the cold weather. In this blog, we’ll look at a few ways you can get the best performance out of your camera when the temperatures drop, while ensuring it’s safe from damage.

How cold is too cold for a camera?

Most modern cameras can function at 0 degrees C, and some are even specialised to work in freezing conditions. However, as temperatures drop, your camera becomes more susceptible to damage; the cold makes a camera's materials more brittle, depletes its battery life, and can make it vulnerable to water damage.

Ways to protect your camera in cold weather

Below, we’ve outlined several steps you can take to make sure your camera is safe in the cold.

Make sure you have spare batteries

Cold temperatures can have a huge impact on battery life; the cooler it gets, the quicker your battery life will drop. Keeping spare batteries will mean you won’t have to cut your day short if your power drains quicker than usual. There are more precautions you can take too. Keeping the camera somewhere warm will increase its battery life, while putting the depleted battery itself somewhere warm can even cause it to regain some life.

View our collection of battery chargers today.

Look out for condensation

Moisture and condensation can cause permanent damage to your camera, and mostly arise when moving from warm air to cold air or vice versa. This indicates the times you need to be most careful: when leaving your home to go out into the cold, or when coming in from the cold to your home. To minimise the impact of these swings in temperature, it's good practice to leave your camera in a transitional environment, such as a porch. Just make sure you remove the battery beforehand; as we've already seen, exposure to the cold will reduce its life.

When out and about with your camera, keep it in an airtight bag with a sachet of silica gel. This will absorb the moisture and protect your camera.

Get a padded camera bag

The glass and plastics that make up your camera become more fragile in the cold, so a protective camera bag is essential. Keeping your camera in a padded bag will protect it if you drop it or if it rains. Be careful when taking it out, making full use of wrist or neck straps.

View our collection of camera bags for shoulder bags, cases, holsters and more.

Stay warm

Don’t forget that your camera’s health is at the mercy of your own. Making sure you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to keep yourself warm and safe will give you the best chance of protecting your camera. That means wearing lots of warm layers, bringing enough provisions, and maintaining energy throughout the day. If you’re not fully prepared, the conditions can begin to take their toll on both you and your device.

Our clothing is perfect for cold and inclement conditions.

Carry a cloth with you

Keep a couple of absorbent cloths to hand when you're out and about. If you notice any moisture on your camera, give it a wipe to keep it safe from damage. Our cleaning equipment features cloths, optic cleaner and more - perfect for keeping your camera safe.

Use a rain cover

Rain covers also work for photography in the snow, so they're great to have when you're out in wintry conditions. Plus, they'll provide that extra bit of warmth for your hands when you're capturing shots. We stock a variety of top-quality rain covers at affordable prices.

Protect your memory card

While some higher-end memory cards operate fine in sub-zero temperatures, others may need extra protection. A water-resistant case is recommended in snowy conditions, and will protect your memory card from condensation. You’ll find lots of memory card cases within our bag accessories.

Dry out your gear after a shoot

After each shoot, lay out all your gear on a towel. Remove the body cap and the lens caps from your camera and allow them to dry on the towel; this will stop mildew from forming.

Common questions about using your camera in cold weather

We’ve included a few frequently asked questions regarding cold weather photography.

Do trail cameras work in cold weather?

Like most modern cameras, trail cameras are designed to function at freezing temperatures. However, the more temperatures drop below -10 degrees C, the more vulnerable your camera will be to damage. Be sure to check that your camera has been tested for freezing conditions before you take it out.

What are some tips for swapping lenses on DSLR and mirrorless cameras?

Avoid changing lenses in wet or dusty conditions when using DSLR or mirrorless cameras, and be sure to wipe down your camera beforehand. Any accumulated water or dust can be damaging, so head for cover and swap your lenses somewhere safe. The same rule applies when changing memory cards or batteries.

Do you need weather sealing on camera?

Non-weather-sealed cameras will likely suffice if you take the necessary measures to protect them. However, you always run the risk of encountering conditions that may damage your camera. The type of photography you prefer will probably determine whether you go for a weather-sealed device or not.

Get cold weather photography gear from Harrison Cameras

Some of the most stunning shots of the year come in winter time, so don't miss out for lack of photography gear. Visit our Sheffield store or shop online for cameras, accessories, equipment and more. We stock both new and used products, offering free delivery and a generous returns policy.

Our FAQs section is full of useful information; if you can't find what you're after, feel free to contact us.