Digital camera's and cold weather

[shellback]

I was looking at operating ranges of some digital cameras that I'm interested in and the range is 32F-104F.However the storage is -4F-104F.Has anyone ever had problems with digital cameras in COLD temps?I want to start taking more pictures icefishing but dont want to ruin the camera.

[Bobberstop]

Carry it in buttoned inside pocket.Dont want it going down the hole. It will be fine.        Ron

[Sir Catchalot]

GOOD question...and I dont have the answer, but I was wondering the same thing.  I took mine (my girlfriends) up north, with you, and found that it chewed right through batteries in a matter of an hour!

Do they sell a DC that can stand colder temperatures?

[bigredonice]

the main thing I have found is to keep the camera warm...if you can't do that, at least keep the batteries warm. I usually put the batteries in my pocket, that way they don't get too cold, and maintain their charge.  Doing this, I've taken pics with my camera in -30 degree temps last year.

[Swampbucks1]

Inside warm pocket, under the layers.   

Good, point bobberstop:  make sure your camera is secure before leanin ova the hole!

I've had no problems, do go through some battries though.

bigred: good idea, just keep the batteries in your pocket till needed...

[Auger]

I left my digital camera outside overnight in low single digit temps last week at deer camp.  Yes, there were some potent spirits involved, but that's not the point.  When I retrieved it the next morning it said the battery was dead.  I didn't have time to go back in for the other battery off the charger.  After two deer drives with it in an inside shirt pocket, it was back up to full power and worked the rest of the day.  I would say that the cold is bad for the battery but doesn't seem to affect the camera itself, which may be a statement of the obvious.

[Bluefinforme]

I keep mine hanging on a nail in our shack....then if there is a picture worthy fish....simply run back and grab it!  

[hali-man]

I have never had a problem.
Cold doesn't effect the batteries- it's operating them in the cold that does.
So you do use them a little faster.
Ever hear of storing batteries in the 'fridge?

[mikeyc0203]

Ive never had a problem with having the camera in the cold weather.. to me it works good 

[Swampbucks1]

I keep mine hanging on a nail in our shack....then if there is a picture worthy fish....simply run back and grab it! 

I thought your shack was reduced to ashes last March? 

[Bluefinforme]

I thought your shack was reduced to ashes last March? 

na........we cut it up to save the materials....and are in the process of buliding another
I won't let it freeze up this year......I am blocking it for sure

[Swampbucks1]

Nice...

won't let it freeze up this year......I am blocking it for sure

Is it going back to the same location? 

[Bluefinforme]

Nice...
Is it going back to the same location? 

most likley.........I dunno though..........only got one big boy last year.....and the other days' were slow I might move it out a little deeper

[Swampbucks1]

ONE HUGE GUY!

Our biggest was an 8-9#'er.  But man is fun to chase flags there or what...

[jrelaxin]

too bad there wasn't a waterproof model  for lou so it could keep company with his cell phone.................

[Swampbucks1]

Too bad the aqua vu's don't have a memeory chip in them, so you could flash a pic.

[shellback]

I was refering more about the LCD screen freezing up.I think that would be the concern.

[billditrite]

i use a digital on the ice all the time . if you have a good battery it wont make a difference. if your battery is old or . cheap or you are using AA's it will go quicker. i have never had a problem with the camera functions or the screen. i keep it in the shanty til its needed, and the jacket till its being used , and always...ALWAYS...use a neckstrap. that is safest for your camera. a wriststrap can be bad news if you fall. and if you dont have either you will drop it down the hole and you know it.

[cdc]

I use rechargeable batterys and they last a long time...As far as the LCD screen at times it is hard to see but I have never had a problem with it freezing..I keep mine in my pocket when a flag goes up so I have it there before letting the fish go...

[Hoppes]

Batteries lose their "ooomph" in the cold.  That said, I always have my digital camera on the ice.  Usually kept in the shanty.  A smaller, Olympus Stylus for example, camera or similar model kept in a pocket next to your warm body would be the best bet.  Lithium batteries work much better in the cold and last longer than regular akaline.  They cost considerably more than akalines also.  Best price I've found is at Sams, 12 for $22 or something close.  Cameras have really come down in price and a small pocket camera with 3-4 mp works just great on the ice. Read reviews of cameras before you buy, some are really battery hogs, ie.  Kodak C330.  Even a disposable camera would be better than no camera at all! 
Hoppes

[hardwatergrampa]

i carry mine in my shirt chest pocket use the wrist band to loop though the button hole if i need the camra its right there have never had aproblum with it and got it new for 10 bucks from marlboro miles

[Captain Time]

found the camera (1.3 mp) in my phone works great in the cold. quality isn't too bad and used it on the ice all last winter.  even made it three days on sebago without having to charge it.