Super simple! I imagine I should do this other way too: going from a cold air conditioned house to a hot and humid day outside. My wife likes to keep the house cold, so I've had my lens fog up when I go out to shoot.
I have never shot that long, that cold before (having lived in San Diego), but now that I am in Germany, this tip will come in handy. Probably does not hurt to have a few dehumidifying packets in the zip lock (always) to get that little extra wet out of the air.
Thank you so much for creating this video. I live in Winnipeg and our winters are brutally cold, down to minus 40 so this is very helpful and will save my gear!!
Thanks for this, subbing since there is a HUGE lack of cold weather reviewers and educators out there hahah. My first sony camera is coming in this week so can't wait to dive into your videos for some halppp
One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes at around 0C the air can be humid outside. It's currently 80% RH outside but 35% inside because it suddenly got a lot warmer outside (was -10 to -15 last night, now -2C) and my viewfinder got foggy while outside so checking RH when it isn't super cold can be useful
Great video and advice! Just stumbled upon your channel yesterday - you've earned yourself a new subscriber! Keep up the great work! Happy New Year from Germany.
2 gallon bag will work with those bigger lenses. :-) I had to use one when I had my Sigma 14mm. Also if I'm able to take a case to a shoot I'll grab my SKB(think Pelican style) waterproof case, leave it outside with me, and it'll work the same way at keeping the moisture out when closed up.
So wish I had known this tip before my trips to Finland, Iceland and Alaska. Coming from Northern Australia where every day is 29 celcius & warm I could not work out how to keep my lens / camera from suffering from condensation. PS... look forward to a time when I can return to Alaska and take more amazing cold weather photos.
@@JakeSloan how long after should you see the condensation? Is it instantly? Is there anyway to check if the extreme cold weather has affected your camera in any way? I have recently travelled to Finland and although my camera seems fine after watching this video Im kind of worried
Actually I live in North Carolina right down the street from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And The Summer's here are horrendously hot and humid. So the first thing as soon as you walk outside with your camera and lens to take a shot you get the dreaded fog!. I do a lot of bird photography as well and have feeding stations set up across a few Acres that I live on and sometimes don't want to catch a great shot and as soon as I run outside I end up missing it because of the humidity
There's air inside the camera and inside the ziploc bag, and that air will still warm up once you go inside and condense on the cold surfaces of the camera and the lenses. The cold air that you trapped inside the bag is obviously less saturated in H2O than warmer air, but it still has H2O and it'll still damage your camera and lenses. If you throw a silica gel bag inside the ziploc bag it'll help things considerably, though. But there's really no definitive solution to protect your electronic equipment from wide temperatures swings, unfortunately.
@@JakeSloan That's exactly what I said. "Less water vapor" doesn't mean "no water vapor" - with time that water will still damage the electronic circuits. The desiccants, like silica gel, help quite bit, like I said. I'm an electronic engineer, by the way.
@@joaosoares3719 Doesn't condensation come from warmer, more humid air contacting something colder and the water condenses out as that warm air cools because of the contact? The air inside the camera and bag is already cold (and probably dry), so why would water condense out of that colder air it when it contacts the warmer environment inside the house? And if the air in the bag warms faster than the camera material, wouldn't it still hold on to its water because it is still getting warmer even if the camera material is as cold as the air was before without condensation?
_"Squeeze the air out..."_ *Zips bag that's full of air and it immediately balloons when he grabs it* I know it's just a demo but it made me giggle... :)
@@JakeSloan Question though, I found the video not because I'm shooting in the cold, but because I'm getting a backup camera body and I wanted to know if it was a good idea to store it in a zipper bag indefinitely (i.e. until I need it). I didn't know if it could do more harm than good, so that's what I was wondering.
it is the opposite for me in Louisianna and Houston Texas. I'm in a cold building then walk out into very warm humid air outside. My lense fogs upbadly.
Condensation isn't really great inside that lens either. Ziploc bags are available in sizes big enough for big lenses, maybe not at the supermarket, but I have gotten them from Amazon and Home Depot and Lowes and Target and so on. I live in Florida and have the reverse problem, my gear is at air conditioned temperature when I go out and the humid outside air immediately condenses on it and in it. I have 5V heaters for the lenses but it takes a while for the heat to make it into the body. My current solution is like yours but also in reverse. I put the gear in a bag and set it outside to heat soak before I go, but that is a pain, and slow. I am getting together some parts to make a warming box and hope it works out to be quicker.
I’m heading to Jackson Hole in January, and will be on and off of a warm snow coach multiple times over a 12 hour period. Would my best course of action be to leave my camera inside the Ziploc bag every time I board the coach and wait until I get back outside in the cold to pull it out of the ziploc again? I’m not going to have the luxury of time between stops for the camera to acclimate.
Great video! One question, does this work for camping too? I know there is alot of moisture in my tent in the morning, but putting my camera in the bag should protect the camera?
Do you think it’s possible to use hand warmers to speed up the warming process? I’m planning a shoot where I’ll be going inside and outside frequently and I won’t be able to wait long for the camera to heat up. Thanks for the tip also!
Short and concise! Thanks for the great video :D Just wondering though, what about the other way around? Do we need to pay attention when going out to the cold and dry weather from a warm and humid house/apartment?
...or, just pop out your memorycard while outside, leave the camera in the bag inside and do not touch it for several hours later, it will climatize and get the right temprature.. =)
Hi Jake This is the first time I've watched one of your video's and it was a very well thought out and informative video!! I live in Iowa where it gets cold (maybe not as cold as Alaska) and this weekend it's supposed to be - 20 to - 30 below zero. I take pictures for the local fire department at their fire scenes and this week they had a fire with temps at 4 below zero. I'm curious if your camera is weather sealed? Again a great video!! Best of luck in your photography journey!! Duane
I'm thinking out loud, why even take the camera inside at all then? sounds like it might be better to just leave it outdoors if you're planning on shooting outdoors (in my case, my safe is located in a non-heated room).
Hi Jake, great video! It was short and sweet. I have a question: Would it be necessary to do the opposite for the equipment? For instance, if the inside temperature of the camera is 20 degrees Celsius and the outside temperature is -6 degrees Celsius, should I zip lock the camera and lenses and leave them in the shooting temperature before the shoot?
How long before you know whether or not there's been damage to the camera, either short-term or long-term? I had this happen to me and moisture built up all over my camera and lens about two weeks ago. Everything seems to be fine, but I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't worried.
What if when you were shooting outdoors in the cold there was slight precipitation? So now your camera, while cold, has some moisture sitting on its surface. Do you put it in the bag out in the cold with that moisture, or do you try to dry it off completely while outside, then put it in the bag?
I would definitely towel it off as best you can then allow it to dry inside without opening any ports. at that point though the bag would be unnecessary
Thanks for the video :) However I have a question: I am new to systemcameras and I just bought a Canon EOS RP. It says in the technincal informationsheet that working temperature must not be below 0. In your video it appears as if that should be no problem, or what? Any commants on that ...
Almost every manufactured camera states that its coldest working temp is around 0 and that is due to the batteries, they don't like cold and don't function as well in the cold however if you can keep them warm then you won't have any issues
Hey Jake, thank you for this video! I wanted to ask though, what if I want shoot vlog style going inside places (like a grocery store, restaurant, etc) then back outside basically nonstop? Do I still need to worry about this?
I made the mistake of shooting in the cold for the first time and when I came inside it started condensing very quick and wet to touch. Is it okay for this one time?
I am a cold weather Photographer / Camper . Nothing extreme. Between 30F down to about 15F. I always worry about my camera being damaged in that weather. Have you ever experienced any issues with your equipment? Thanks
I sleep outdoors without a tent on the occasion so need to keep my canera protected from the dew . Will try this nect month . Can i put my 2nd lens in its bag holder in a ziplock bag or does it have to be only in contact with the plastic bag ?
Thanks for the tip! Have you ever had issues with your mechanical shutter in the freezing temperatures? Was considering switching to electronic shutter when going out in the winter to reduce the risk of damage but maybe I am overthinking it and would be overkill.
Hi Jake, thank you for the great information. Also, its about 68% humidity here. Are my cameras ok just sitting on the shelf or do I need to put them in a container that removes humidity? Thanks so much
Just come across this before heading to Norway so it may not get answered but what about the rest of your gear in your camera bag (nd the camera bag). I don'y think there is a ziplock beg enough but would the rain cover for the camera bag help?
Sorry, mislead you. My Lowepro bags all come with an attached rain cover that that unfolds from its own little pocket. I just wondered if this would assist with reducing condensation while the camera/lens all come up to temp?
I am shooting training videos in freezers. I assume all of this advice applies to video in 35 degree and sub-zero lockers. I was planning to power up with AC. should I bag my lights when i come back in from the cold? Is LED, Fluorescent or incandescent best?
If you leave them be for a while so they acclimate slowly on return to warmer temps you’ll probably be fine but the safest and best thing for the electronics would be to bag them before they come out. Most lights generate enough heat it probably won’t be an issue for yhem
Left my Sony a7iii in the car on a road trip overnight 3 days in a row. Had a lot of condensation on the lens when I brought it into the hotel this morning. I hope it’ll be ok once everything dries off and warms up. What type of damage can occur when too much condensation gets in the lens?
Hopefully none of it got inside the lens and it shouldn't have if the lens is weather sealed. Leave the camera to warm up and dry off completely before you open the camera or take the lens off and you should be fine
Finally, a camera solution that doesn’t break the bank! Thanks for the tips, Jake.
LOL you're welcome!
@@JakeSloan also not to get fungus if lens to big for zip lock bag .....get a bigger bag.......fungus is the ennemy
I wouldn't be surprised if they sold actual "camera gear" for this purpose that costs an arm and a leg.
I live Panamá and those sealed bags are my best life savers after the crazy weather we get
I bet!!
Super simple! I imagine I should do this other way too: going from a cold air conditioned house to a hot and humid day outside. My wife likes to keep the house cold, so I've had my lens fog up when I go out to shoot.
yep this would work that way too!
I have never shot that long, that cold before (having lived in San Diego), but now that I am in Germany, this tip will come in handy. Probably does not hurt to have a few dehumidifying packets in the zip lock (always) to get that little extra wet out of the air.
definitely does not hurt to have a few with you to keep in the ziplock to help!
It makes so much sense.. but something I just never considered. Definitely shows the value of weather sealed equipment.
definitely a huge bonus
Thank you so much for creating this video. I live in Winnipeg and our winters are brutally cold, down to minus 40 so this is very helpful and will save my gear!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this. So simple - I like simple.
You're welcome
Thanks for this, subbing since there is a HUGE lack of cold weather reviewers and educators out there hahah. My first sony camera is coming in this week so can't wait to dive into your videos for some halppp
Awesome, thank you!
One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes at around 0C the air can be humid outside. It's currently 80% RH outside but 35% inside because it suddenly got a lot warmer outside (was -10 to -15 last night, now -2C) and my viewfinder got foggy while outside so checking RH when it isn't super cold can be useful
True
Wish I knew that before I went to the Ice Bar in the Norwegian Epic! Thanks Jake.
You're welcome! and I bet it would have come in handy lol
Best way to do it for winter! I always forget to pull the card before putting it in the bag and have to wait haha
Lol I do too!
Excellent tip, Jake! Good information!
you're welcome Cheers Mark
No affiliate link for ziplock bags? 🙋♂️
Oh dang you're right! I think I would make .00002 cents per bag purchased right 😜
Great video and advice! Just stumbled upon your channel yesterday - you've earned yourself a new subscriber! Keep up the great work! Happy New Year from Germany.
Thank you very much!!
2 gallon bag will work with those bigger lenses. :-) I had to use one when I had my Sigma 14mm. Also if I'm able to take a case to a shoot I'll grab my SKB(think Pelican style) waterproof case, leave it outside with me, and it'll work the same way at keeping the moisture out when closed up.
Very true!!
I, too, live near the Arctic Circle! Great video, Jake. Good advice :)
You have some fantastic photos!!! Cheers and stay warm 😉
@@JakeSloan Thanks! You too :D
Cool tip Jake thanks for sharing 👍🙏
You’re welcome!
So wish I had known this tip before my trips to Finland, Iceland and Alaska. Coming from Northern Australia where every day is 29 celcius & warm I could not work out how to keep my lens / camera from suffering from condensation. PS... look forward to a time when I can return to Alaska and take more amazing cold weather photos.
Oh goodness I bet! I hope you make it back up this way soon!!
@@JakeSloan how long after should you see the condensation? Is it instantly? Is there anyway to check if the extreme cold weather has affected your camera in any way? I have recently travelled to Finland and although my camera seems fine after watching this video Im kind of worried
Note to self when Ken and I go to Alaska 😁
LOL very much so
as a mountaineer, this is relatable and it works..
Fantastic!
Great idea! Thank you.
You are so welcome!
Actually I live in North Carolina right down the street from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And The Summer's here are horrendously hot and humid. So the first thing as soon as you walk outside with your camera and lens to take a shot you get the dreaded fog!. I do a lot of bird photography as well and have feeding stations set up across a few Acres that I live on and sometimes don't want to catch a great shot and as soon as I run outside I end up missing it because of the humidity
Dang!
There's air inside the camera and inside the ziploc bag, and that air will still warm up once you go inside and condense on the cold surfaces of the camera and the lenses. The cold air that you trapped inside the bag is obviously less saturated in H2O than warmer air, but it still has H2O and it'll still damage your camera and lenses. If you throw a silica gel bag inside the ziploc bag it'll help things considerably, though. But there's really no definitive solution to protect your electronic equipment from wide temperatures swings, unfortunately.
it's considerable less saturated with h2o and doesn't condense the same way since it stays the same temp as the camera as the camera warms up
@@JakeSloan That's exactly what I said. "Less water vapor" doesn't mean "no water vapor" - with time that water will still damage the electronic circuits. The desiccants, like silica gel, help quite bit, like I said. I'm an electronic engineer, by the way.
@@joaosoares3719 Doesn't condensation come from warmer, more humid air contacting something colder and the water condenses out as that warm air cools because of the contact? The air inside the camera and bag is already cold (and probably dry), so why would water condense out of that colder air it when it contacts the warmer environment inside the house? And if the air in the bag warms faster than the camera material, wouldn't it still hold on to its water because it is still getting warmer even if the camera material is as cold as the air was before without condensation?
_"Squeeze the air out..."_ *Zips bag that's full of air and it immediately balloons when he grabs it* I know it's just a demo but it made me giggle... :)
Lol
@@JakeSloan Question though, I found the video not because I'm shooting in the cold, but because I'm getting a backup camera body and I wanted to know if it was a good idea to store it in a zipper bag indefinitely (i.e. until I need it). I didn't know if it could do more harm than good, so that's what I was wondering.
Great tip
You're welcome!
I use one of those dry bag stuff sacks you can get at some outdoor stores. I can fit a few lenses and body in one.
That’s a fantastic idea!
it is the opposite for me in Louisianna and Houston Texas. I'm in a cold building then walk out into very warm humid air outside. My lense fogs upbadly.
oh for sure where you are!
Condensation isn't really great inside that lens either. Ziploc bags are available in sizes big enough for big lenses, maybe not at the supermarket, but I have gotten them from Amazon and Home Depot and Lowes and Target and so on. I live in Florida and have the reverse problem, my gear is at air conditioned temperature when I go out and the humid outside air immediately condenses on it and in it. I have 5V heaters for the lenses but it takes a while for the heat to make it into the body. My current solution is like yours but also in reverse. I put the gear in a bag and set it outside to heat soak before I go, but that is a pain, and slow. I am getting together some parts to make a warming box and hope it works out to be quicker.
very cool solution!
super useful!!
Glad it was helpful!
thanx
You're welcome!
I’m heading to Jackson Hole in January, and will be on and off of a warm snow coach multiple times over a 12 hour period. Would my best course of action be to leave my camera inside the Ziploc bag every time I board the coach and wait until I get back outside in the cold to pull it out of the ziploc again? I’m not going to have the luxury of time between stops for the camera to acclimate.
that will help otherwise just keep everything on the camera closed and lens attached and go for it.
Ty sooo much
you're welcome
Great video! One question, does this work for camping too? I know there is alot of moisture in my tent in the morning, but putting my camera in the bag should protect the camera?
It will!
thank you so much for this!!!!!!!
You are so welcome!!
Do you think it’s possible to use hand warmers to speed up the warming process? I’m planning a shoot where I’ll be going inside and outside frequently and I won’t be able to wait long for the camera to heat up. Thanks for the tip also!
Yes you can do that and it will help speed things up a bit
Love the video very helpful. At what temperature do you think this starts to be necessary
anytime temps fall below freezing
Short and concise! Thanks for the great video :D Just wondering though, what about the other way around? Do we need to pay attention when going out to the cold and dry weather from a warm and humid house/apartment?
Yes. Moving from warm humid to cold can cause issue but mostly when you come back in from the cold.
...or, just pop out your memorycard while outside, leave the camera in the bag inside and do not touch it for several hours later, it will climatize and get the right temprature.. =)
exactly what I said in the video 😁 but this is even more important if your lenses or camera are not very well weather sealed
Great video, I'm off to shoot in -20°c soon - have you tried the Sony a7riv in this weather?
Works this also for a not whater sealed cam? Actualy i take shoot on fuji xt200 thank you answer. Great video!! Cheers from Slovakia Europe📸🗺
It will help dry out any equipment.
Thanks for the tip Jake! Super useful! One question, I was wondering if you do the same for your drone?
I do sometimes depends on conditions
Hi Jake
This is the first time I've watched one of your video's and it was a very well thought out and informative video!!
I live in Iowa where it gets cold (maybe not as cold as Alaska) and this weekend it's supposed to be - 20 to - 30 below zero.
I take pictures for the local fire department at their fire scenes and this week they had a fire with temps at 4 below zero.
I'm curious if your camera is weather sealed?
Again a great video!!
Best of luck in your photography journey!!
Duane
The camera is weather sealed!
@@JakeSloan
Thanks for the reply!
Best wishes
Duane
Jake do you use this method on your drones ? This will be my first winter with a drone and I'm not sure if the open motors and moisture is a good mix.
I do sometimes if I am going from very cold to warm indoors I will.
If you remove the lens because it is to big do you put it in a ziplock bag too? Very good video...thank you....Richard
you can also get 2 gallon ziplock bags which are huge and will fit much larger lenses
Never hurts to put some desiccant bags in your camera bag, or any electronics for storage.
agreed! I keep a few in all my pelican cases as well
I'm thinking out loud, why even take the camera inside at all then? sounds like it might be better to just leave it outdoors if you're planning on shooting outdoors (in my case, my safe is located in a non-heated room).
you could do exactly that
@@JakeSloan Cool. I guess I mostly just take it inside for charging, but considering this might just start taking the battery indoors instead
Hi Jake, great video! It was short and sweet. I have a question: Would it be necessary to do the opposite for the equipment? For instance, if the inside temperature of the camera is 20 degrees Celsius and the outside temperature is -6 degrees Celsius, should I zip lock the camera and lenses and leave them in the shooting temperature before the shoot?
I never find the need to do the opposite personally
How long before you know whether or not there's been damage to the camera, either short-term or long-term? I had this happen to me and moisture built up all over my camera and lens about two weeks ago. Everything seems to be fine, but I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't worried.
you should be ok but usually it will take a while to show up
@@JakeSloan Thank you!
What if when you were shooting outdoors in the cold there was slight precipitation? So now your camera, while cold, has some moisture sitting on its surface. Do you put it in the bag out in the cold with that moisture, or do you try to dry it off completely while outside, then put it in the bag?
I would definitely towel it off as best you can then allow it to dry inside without opening any ports. at that point though the bag would be unnecessary
Does the ziploc bag need to be at the outside temperature too or does it not matter at all?
no it really doesn't matter just make sure the bag is dry
Thanks, great video! Off to Antarctica, should I take this process in reverse when taking the camera out of the warm environment into the cold?
No it really only affects your equipment coming from cold to warm environments
Thanks for the video :) However I have a question: I am new to systemcameras and I just bought a Canon EOS RP. It says in the technincal informationsheet that working temperature must not be below 0. In your video it appears as if that should be no problem, or what? Any commants on that ...
Almost every manufactured camera states that its coldest working temp is around 0 and that is due to the batteries, they don't like cold and don't function as well in the cold however if you can keep them warm then you won't have any issues
Hey Jake, thank you for this video!
I wanted to ask though, what if I want shoot vlog style going inside places (like a grocery store, restaurant, etc) then back outside basically nonstop? Do I still need to worry about this?
if your camera is weather sealed and your lens is weather sealed don't worry about it
I made the mistake of shooting in the cold for the first time and when I came inside it started condensing very quick and wet to touch. Is it okay for this one time?
Should be fine just be sure and let it dry off completely before turning it back on
@@JakeSloan thanks for your quick reply I appreciate it! Should I take the battery out or anything?
You can and open all the doors and ports to allow good airflow
Is this the same for cell phones
most modern cell phones are ip67 rated so it is not as much of a worry
I am a cold weather Photographer / Camper . Nothing extreme. Between 30F down to about 15F. I always worry about my camera being damaged in that weather. Have you ever experienced any issues with your equipment? Thanks
I have not. and I don't do this all the time either
Hey thanks for the video! Useful tip. Just thinking. Do you put your lenses into a bag too since they have el. contacts etc? Thank you again
I do
Hi Jake,
Thanks for creating this video. Is it really something to worry about if I am shooting at 40-45 degrees F (Outside)?
youre welcome, at those temps you should be just fine
Hi, Love your video Jake! I have a quick question, does this method suitable for me to use it in my room when I am sleeping with a humidifier?
yes it will or look at the box I built to keep lenses and camera bodies safe from high humidity
im from alaska and i was shooting with my gopro 2 min in dead.. why?
likely the temperature
@@JakeSloan thanks for responding 🥰
How do you combat this?? I'm planning Alaska, Antarctica, and artic trips
I sleep outdoors without a tent on the occasion so need to keep my canera protected from the dew . Will try this nect month . Can i put my 2nd lens in its bag holder in a ziplock bag or does it have to be only in contact with the plastic bag ?
yes you can
@@JakeSloan awesome,thx
Yep i use zip for all my electronics pieces.
Very good!
Thanks for the tip! Have you ever had issues with your mechanical shutter in the freezing temperatures? Was considering switching to electronic shutter when going out in the winter to reduce the risk of damage but maybe I am overthinking it and would be overkill.
I have not and usually there enough heat generated by the sensor to keep that from happening
do you cool down your cameras before you go out and shoot? If so, how long to you cool it down?
no I do not
I bought the Canon R5 because everybody said it had overheating issues. I figure by shooting in the cold it would balance everything out
Lol well it sort of does
does putting the camera and lens in its bag work as long as the bag is the same temp as outdoor temp?
Yes
Hi Jake, thank you for the great information. Also, its about 68% humidity here. Are my cameras ok just sitting on the shelf or do I need to put them in a container that removes humidity? Thanks so much
They should be fine just make sure and keep them clean and lens caps/body caps on
Just come across this before heading to Norway so it may not get answered but what about the rest of your gear in your camera bag (nd the camera bag). I don'y think there is a ziplock beg enough but would the rain cover for the camera bag help?
I don't think you can find one that big
Sorry, mislead you. My Lowepro bags all come with an attached rain cover that that unfolds from its own little pocket. I just wondered if this would assist with reducing condensation while the camera/lens all come up to temp?
I am shooting training videos in freezers. I assume all of this advice applies to video in 35 degree and sub-zero lockers. I was planning to power up with AC. should I bag my lights when i come back in from the cold? Is LED, Fluorescent or incandescent best?
If you leave them be for a while so they acclimate slowly on return to warmer temps you’ll probably be fine but the safest and best thing for the electronics would be to bag them before they come out. Most lights generate enough heat it probably won’t be an issue for yhem
What happen if I saw this video after😔 I was so worried when I came home... I take out from may bag immediately and leave on the room temperature 😔
one or two time is no problem
Do I need to put my lens in that zip pack as well or is it only for camera?
I put both in the bag until it has reached room temperature
Make sure you use the freezer ziplock bags for freezer burns 😜😜😜
ROFL exactly!!!
Can be 1 min video instead of 4
Go ahead then
moire
yep
Left my Sony a7iii in the car on a road trip overnight 3 days in a row. Had a lot of condensation on the lens when I brought it into the hotel this morning. I hope it’ll be ok once everything dries off and warms up.
What type of damage can occur when too much condensation gets in the lens?
Hopefully none of it got inside the lens and it shouldn't have if the lens is weather sealed. Leave the camera to warm up and dry off completely before you open the camera or take the lens off and you should be fine