I've been thinking a lot about operating temperatures recently because I'm headed to Antarctica at the end of this year. A while ago, I came across a photographer online. I can't remember if it was a blog post or a YouTube video, and honestly, it doesn't really matter. But they said something like, if the weather is uncomfortable for you, then it's uncomfortable for your camera too. And their conclusion was that you probably shouldn't take your camera out into that environment. And my first thought was, seriously?
Because if that were true, living here in the Northeast, I'd never shoot outside for half the year. And what about those jaw-dropping national geo shots in the Arctic or the Sahara? You think those photographers are just hanging out in cozy climate-controlled comfort? I don't think so. So yeah, the idea that you should only use your camera when you're feeling comfortable outside? Pretty ridiculous. That said, there is a pretty legit conversation to be had about operating temperature ranges for your camera.
Let's talk about it. So the question is, can you shoot in extreme temperatures? How hot or how cold is too much for your camera? Cameras are delicate-ish devices, right? You definitely don't want to be splashing salt water on them or any water for that matter, unless you have a waterproof camera. And sand? Sand is your camera's worst nightmare. A little dust? Okay, maybe. But a full sandstorm in the Moroccan desert? That's a hard no.
When it comes to temperature, most manuals will list an operating range. Typically something like 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or zero to 40 Celsius. That covers a pretty wide range. And let's be honest, if you're out shooting in either end of that spectrum, you're probably not feeling super comfortable yourself. But here's the thing, those numbers in the manual, I don't think they're actually about the camera itself.
I think they're based on the battery performance. Hear me out. Batteries have operating limits and it should be noted that they're different for charging versus discharging, which is what you're doing when you're out shooting. I did some digging and found that charging usually requires a narrower temperature range than when you're actually using the battery. And get this, the temperature range listed in camera manuals, what they call the operating temperature,
It often lines up more with the charging range than the discharging range. My guess is that the manufacturers simplify things by giving you one safe range that covers both. And to be fair, most people aren't shooting outside either on the low end or the high end of the operating range anyway. But let's be real. Who's charging batteries in sub-zero temperatures or in 100 degree heat? Most people aren't shooting outside
on the far ends of the recommended operating range anyway, right? But let's be real, on the charging side, who's charging batteries in sub-zero temperatures or at 100 degree heat? Hopefully when you're charging those batteries, you're inside in some heated or air conditioned space while your batteries are charging. And yeah, I know there's probably that 1% of people who do need to charge in extreme environments, but seriously, how often do you find a plug
in sub-freezing temperatures and you're going to say, I'm going to plug into that and let my batteries charge, right? So unofficially, in my humble opinion, your camera can probably handle a bit more than what the manual says as long as your battery's holding up and you're not charging in extreme conditions. Expedition photographers do it all the time. If you want to know your battery's actual limits, just Google your specific battery model. You might be surprised.
Now, a quick note for the video shooters out there. Long recording sessions, especially in the heat, can definitely cause overheating, even with still photography. If you're rapid firing hundreds or thousands of images, like at a sporting event or a wedding, you can generate some serious internal heat. And a lot of that is going to come from not only the processor, but your battery as well. So if you're shooting in hot weather, let's say 100 degrees Fahrenheit and up,
and you notice your camera getting warm, give it a break, pop out the battery and open the compartment and let it cool off and maybe swap in a fresh cooler battery. It's a small move that can keep you going longer. Also, just to cover the other end of the spectrum, if you're shooting in cold temperatures like under 40 degrees Fahrenheit or around five degrees Celsius, you're not going to get as much life out of your batteries. They drain faster in the cold. So keep your spares in your pocket
and keep them warm until you need them. So this whole idea that you should only shoot when you're feeling comfy outside? Total nonsense. Push through it, dress for the weather. Your camera's probably tougher than you think.
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