Digital camera question

[hillman1]

I just bought a new camera after having my last one freeze last winter. This is more of a "real" one, as opposed to my credit card sized one. I was wondering if anyone else has had thier camera ruined by cold, and how do you know if the one you have will last through cold temps? I got a good deal on a sanyo 5 megapixel 3x optical zoom and 2.4 inch lcd. All for under a $100, I would like it to last through the winter, but for hiking, I consider most of my gear disposable--especially on bushwack stuff. Just wondering what you guys are using in the snow.

[lumberzac]

My Olympus C5060WZ worked fine down to -20F. I think the main issue is to keep the camera away from your body where it can pick up moisture. I do keep one of my two battery packs in an inside pocket to keep it warm. To swap with the one in the camera if I need to.

[hillman1]

I plan on keeping it in a plastic sandwich bag, I did that before, but I think the camera was just too thin.

[Neil]

I've never had a problem using my cameras in all kinds of cold and wet weather. However, I usually "dispose" of them before they get a chance to break. In real cold weather you might want to use Lithium batteries, my rechargeables tend to conk out quickly. Keeping the camera close to your body will get it damp. If I had to fool around with a plastic sanwhich bag I'd never take pictures. If you do use one though carry an old piece of dried up roast beef in it. It will absorb moiture from the camera. A better bet is a camera case on your pack belt or sternum strap.

[AlpineSummit]

It's been my experience that the Sony's are kinda crappy in the cold. I mean, they all are but I think the Sony's are worse than the norm.
I bought a kodak easy-share and I love it. It takes real filters, has a quality lens and makes happy little noises all the time.

Also prefer corned beef to roast beef. The little meat particles get into the lens mechanism and the camera smells spicy everytime I zoom in & out. Two of my favorite hobbies; photos & eating. What's not to like?

[Boreal Chickadee]

I don't baby my Kodak easy share in the winter. It travels in the same 97 cents lightly padded holder that I use year round. If it rains hard then it goes into a plastic bag in the pack. I use lithiums year round and only change them after around 600 pictures, more if they're all outside with no flash. I've tried rechargeables adn alkalines, but it's too darned annoying to pick up the camera and have it dead, so now I use lithiums all the time.

[Eric]

I had the same problem 2 years ago Doug. It was a Cannon. The sun was out on a great winter day, I kept pressing the button for a pic and it just wouldn't work. It lasted a good 3 years, not long enough. When I brought the camera in for repair at Cannon in Clifton park they told me it would cost more than what the camera was worth. So instead bought a new camera, another Cannon. I now carry the camera in a padded case. I do find myself being more selective in winter as to when I want to take a photo. I haven't had a problem yet, could be that I'm more selective and try to protect the camera more.
Last 2 years I kept the camera like I said wrapped up pretty good in an insulated padded water resistant case attatched to my pack, I had no problems with it as of yet.

[hillman1]

NOw I'm just learning all the features this camera has. My last one was just point and shoot. This thing has a ton of options. My first good hike with it will be this thursday. I can't wait to get to post pictures again.

[Neil]

My first good hike with it will be this thursday. I've got a roast in the oven.

[Hikerdad]

I haven't had my digital camera out in winter yet...maybe a stupid question here but can the LCD freeze? I seem to remember one of the kid's hand held video games being ruined after being left in the car over night in the winter.