Using and storing the Sony NEX camera in winter country.

[Velectron]

To TS:

Regarding your question on taking care of your lens and camera, I think Albert had already more or less answered you. Condensation would likely occur when there is a sudden change in temperature, but it is more apparent when you enter a warm place after being out in the cold for quite some time. Some fogging might appear on the front of your lens. During this time, try to avoid changing lenses otherwise condensation could also happen on your sensor when it becomes exposed. Condensation on the sensor by itself is not of much issue, but if there are (tiny) dissolvable particles/dirt on your sensor,these could dissolve in the condensation and leave behind marks when they dry out. Fortunately, the chances of this occuring is slim as NEX has sensor shake to remove dirt. If you do manage to get condensation on the sensor, do avoid switching on the camera until it dries out.

Snow on your camera is probably not a high risk to your camera or lens, especially if you are out in the cold. But do remember to brush them off before you place your camera back into the bag, otherwise they could melt into liquid water and seep into your camera or lenses.

Hope this helps.

 

[Velectron]

Yes, common sense.. do compare the conditions of the room described in the article and compare with the cold environment TS is concerned about. The Walk-In Coolers are dark, the air is nearly stagnant and the growth is described (and depicted) on organic material (or surfaces with organic residue). Every decent type of fungus is happy about such conditions. But are these conditions anywhere close to TS' conditions?
One major point not to forget is: the intensity and speed of vital processes is proportional to the environmental temperature. In other words (and simplified): growth rate of fungus at 32 degrees is about 4 times higher than at 8 degrees. That's one purpose of a fridge: slowing down all vital processes - the processes of food decay as well as the growth processes of bacterias and fungus.
Coming back to TS and his conditions: in a cold country where the camera is used outside the chances of growing fungus is really really low and the very last thing to be concerned about. Even the condensation that occurs when bringing the equipment inside is nothing to worry. Once the camera warms up the water evaporates again, the warmer air inside can take much more water vapour. Houses with heating tend to have a lower humidity in Winter time, I remember that at home we even used additional water vaporizer to get the humidity above 40% in Winter time.

Not only that the coldness prevents fungus from growing, the air inside a fridge is also much less humid ..

I agree with what you wrote here and this is in line with what I had mentioned earlier, if you read my reply carefully. I also do not think there is fungal risk just that I cannot fully agree with the point that low temperatures alone could prevent fungal growth. Low temperature is a supporting factor but not the determining factor. To clarify, the conditions in the coldroom example above is exactly the same as inside the fridge that you had mentioned - dark, stagnant air, lots of organic materials, and a not-so-low humidity.

Anyway...chill. The conclusion is we all agree is that there is no problem with using the camera in the cold and TS should not worry about it. Boleh?

 

[albertri]

Yes, common sense.. do compare the conditions of the room described in the article and compare with the cold environment TS is concerned about. The Walk-In Coolers are dark, the air is nearly stagnant and the growth is described (and depicted) on organic material (or surfaces with organic residue). Every decent type of fungus is happy about such conditions. But are these conditions anywhere close to TS' conditions?
One major point not to forget is: the intensity and speed of vital processes is proportional to the environmental temperature. In other words (and simplified): growth rate of fungus at 32 degrees is about 4 times higher than at 8 degrees. That's one purpose of a fridge: slowing down all vital processes - the processes of food decay as well as the growth processes of bacterias and fungus.
Coming back to TS and his conditions: in a cold country where the camera is used outside the chances of growing fungus is really really low and the very last thing to be concerned about. Even the condensation that occurs when bringing the equipment inside is nothing to worry. Once the camera warms up the water evaporates again, the warmer air inside can take much more water vapour. Houses with heating tend to have a lower humidity in Winter time, I remember that at home we even used additional water vaporizer to get the humidity above 40% in Winter time.

yep i do agree fungus issue is not really a concern I've seen lenses in Singapore that were not stored in a dry cabinet and yet there are no fungus infestation so that's the least of TS should be worrying and I think South Korea average winter humidity is around 40% so this is about my dry cabinet humidity range 30-40% but even the humidity is low condesation is a worry coz it's water vapors if you condense in a wrong place on the lens it could kick start the fungus infestation given the right situation =) Anyways the TS wont stay there for long I have my lens/cam also in Seattle last year Fed-Mar for a 2 wks without dry cabinet and it still working and no fungus infestation was seen. Seattle weather is much like Singapore wet and wet and more wet =)

 

[tntrue]

I spent almost the entire month of December in a cold climate, shooting my NEX C3 regularly, at times in sub-freezing weather. I didn't take any climate-specific precautions with it, never noticed any condensation when moving it from outdoors to indoors or vice-versa, and didn't notice much difference in battery life.

Best advice I can give is to enjoy shooting and don't worry about the climate difference...or the forum smartasses.

 

[tyho]

Was in Korea 3 weeks back and it was indeed very cold. -3 to -17C depending on where I was.
My Nex5N had no problems. It is a bit of a battery hog though so if you are going to shoot a lot... suggest you get a 2nd battery. At the end of the day of shooting say 200 pix and short video my battery was at 40%. If you are a heavy user it'll be less. Had great fun with this camera. The HHT, auto HDR and pano modes make it a really nice holiday camera.

 

[Octarine]

I agree with what you wrote here and this is in line with what I had mentioned earlier, if you read my reply carefully. I also do not think there is fungal risk just that I cannot fully agree with the point that low temperatures alone could prevent fungal growth. Low temperature is a supporting factor but not the determining factor. To clarify, the conditions in the coldroom example above is exactly the same as inside the fridge that you had mentioned - dark, stagnant air, lots of organic materials, and a not-so-low humidity.

Ok, misinterpretation .. thought you compare outside winter with cold walk-in rooms.

Anyway...chill. The conclusion is we all agree is that there is no problem with using the camera in the cold and TS should not worry about it. Boleh?

Bolah 'lah!

 

[sdchew]

Was in Korea 3 weeks back and it was indeed very cold. -3 to -17C depending on where I was.
My Nex5N had no problems. It is a bit of a battery hog though so if you are going to shoot a lot... suggest you get a 2nd battery. At the end of the day of shooting say 200 pix and short video my battery was at 40%. If you are a heavy user it'll be less. Had great fun with this camera. The HHT, auto HDR and pano modes make it a really nice holiday camera.

The chemical reaction in Lithium Ion Batteries is reduced and thus its capacity is reduced when using them in very cold environments. Its always a good idea to put the spare batteries in your jacket pocket for them to keep warm. Else, you will find that they run out very fast too.

 

[hishouken]

Was in Korea for a Xmas holiday in Dec a few weeks back. It was like constantly -2c min. and I don't see any issues with my Nex 5n. Just use your camera as per normal and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Take more pictures and do bring an extra battery.