Low Temperature

[Gianni]

Hi,

I wanted to buy an A85 camera (or A95, I'm still thinking it over...), but on Canon's specs I've found that operational condition is 0-40 degrees Celsius.

So what happens if I take it on snow ?

Is it something that only refers to battery duration, or it might not work at all, or, worse than ever, get ruined (perhaps the LCD ) :( ?

Can you help me ?

Thanks

[dropman]

Strange enough that canon has special mode on A75 called SNOW :)
so it seems i can shoot snow pics only through my window :D

I am not sure but i think the main reason why thew wrote that is that LCD may not work properly or even damage... And of course battery life will be much shorter at low temperature.

[TenD]

I took my S30 with me to Deadhorse Alaska in early spring. Temperatures hovered around -40c almost the whole time I was there. My S30 gave me no problems shooting pictures, the LCD was a little sluggish or just refused to work at times, but the pictures were unaffected. I have had my 10D, and G2 out in freezing temperatures and never had problems with them.

[Tremendo]

Although different moels, my S100 & S230 both have been skiing and in a pocket that was below freezing. The motor for the lens seems to freeze at some point, then the camera basically stops working. Thaw it out, no problem. I had a little moisture in 1 camera for a day or so, but it cleared out on it's own just letting it dry. I've abused both these cameras skiing and they hold up well.

[Rhys]

I took my S30 with me to Deadhorse Alaska in early spring. Temperatures hovered around -40c almost the whole time I was there. My S30 gave me no problems shooting pictures, the LCD was a little sluggish or just refused to work at times, but the pictures were unaffected. I have had my 10D, and G2 out in freezing temperatures and never had problems with them.

LCDs freeze? Below what temperature do you reckon the LCDs become useless? I can imagine the liquid freezing below about -20c. It's some kind of silicon alcohol as far as I know.

Have you tried keeping it in a pocket until a picture is required or even putting it into a thermal jacket? One idea could be to pop it into a mitten with a handwarmer to keep it warm. I can imagine the electrolyte in the batteries would freeze below -20c.