Winter photography can be a magical yet challenging experience due to the conditions that come with cold weather, snow, sleet, high winds, and limited daylight. As photographers, we can prepare for this in advance to ensure we’re insulated and dry enough to keep out the elements that this season throws at us, but what about our equipment?
Is your gear ready for sub-zero temperatures, freezing rain, and long periods of hourly changeable weather conditions that never quite reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit? It can change very quickly from a sub-zero overcast day to a howling freezing near-blizzard in a matter of minutes. “Blizzard” might be a little over dramatic in the case below but you get the idea.
Can Your Camera Cope With These Conditions?
Interestingly, most cameras can push beyond what the manufacturers recommend, although I’d be the first to say don’t try it, as you know they are tested to their extremes, and working recommendations are in place for that reason. Not all cameras are the same, however, so which ones would be best suited for winter conditions? I’ve photographed with a Nikon D850 with at 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and in colder conditions with a wind chill. The Nikon Z7 II and the Fujifilm X-T5 I’ve photographed with at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, but not any colder as yet. The camera is not the only consideration to make, however; Can your lenses hold up to these conditions? What specifications do they need to have as well? You also need to think about that. 
What’s the Spec?
As I mentioned, I’ve successfully used the Nikon D850, Z7 II, and Fujifilm X-T5 in sub-zero conditions and they performed with no problems at all. I did keep the batteries close to me for body heat when not using them and perhaps they did run down slightly faster than normal, but I couldn’t say for sure as normally I gave up before them. Either that or I’d seek out somewhere warmer before heading back out again.
So what cameras can hold up to what the winter conditions can throw at you? Here’s a list of five, in no particular order, that are designed to work in conditions like these and I would love to hear in the comments other cameras, tried and tested by you, that can add to the list.
Nikon D850
- Official operating Temperatures: 32 to 104F
- Operating Humidity Range: 85% or less
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Megapixel count: 45.7
- Format: Full Frame
- Weight: 1005g
Fuji X-T5
- Official operating Temperatures: 14 to 105F
- Operating Humidity Range: 10 – 80%
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Megapixel count: 40.2
- Format: APS-C
- Weight: 557g (including battery and memory card)
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Official operating Temperatures: 32 to 104F
- Operating Humidity Range: 85% or less humidity
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Megapixel count: 30.4
- Format: Full Frame
- Weight: 890g
Sony A9
- Official operating Temperatures: 32 to 104F
- Operating Humidity Range: 85% or less humidity
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Megapixel count: 24.2
- Format: Full Frame
- Weight: 588g
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
- Official operating Temperatures: 14 to 104F
- Operating Humidity Range: 30-90%
- Weather Sealing: Yes
- Megapixel count: 4/3
- Format: Full Frame
- Weight: 504g
All Things Considered
The points mentioned above don’t include the entire specifications of the cameras, but do include the important information that you should consider when working in winter conditions. Weather and dust sealing is an essential feature for these harsher conditions and these seals provide that extra layer of protection, safeguarding against the elements and ensuring your camera functions reliably even in extreme cold, freezing rain, and snow. I’m not saying leave them out in it as I also use a rain cover or cheap shower cap to cover the gear once set up on the tripod. But these seals in sub-zero temperatures help prevent moisture from entering the camera body which can lead to condensation and potential damage to its internal components.
Depending on the temperatures, I often use hand warmers wrapped around the lenses for longer shoots, such as timelapses. Apart from ensuring the lens operates efficiently, this also provides an extra layer of protection from the elements.
Reacclimatizing
I have a ritualistic approach to reacclimatizing my gear to a warmer environment. Doing this will ensure you prevent potential damage to your equipment, even if weather-sealed when transitioning from a cold to a warmer environment, as these sudden temperature changes can have a detrimental effect on your gear. My bag already contains many silica gels that I gather up when I get a delivery of something which I leave in the bag all year round. This takes care of any changes in moisture levels in humid or cold environments.
The steps I take when reacclimatising:
- The camera bag — still closed — is wiped down to remove any of the elements and left in the room for a few hours.
- After a few hours, I’ll open up the bag and again just leave it for about half an hour.
- I’ll then take the camera and lenses out of the bag, wipe them down (lens cap still on), and leave them on a surface for around another hour.
- Finally, I’ll give them another wipe-down and then remove the SD cards ready to be uploaded.
This may be totally unnecessary with regard to timescales, and in some cases not possible depending on what you are working on, but this is my usual ritual. During this time I can take a warm shower, get a hot cuppa, and just relax. I don’t need to see the images straight away, I’ve already experienced the conditions, and with luck, got the images I was after.
So with winter conditions on the horizon, embracing the cold can open up so many artistic possibilities. The serenity of snow-covered landscapes, the low arc of the winter sun, and the play of light on frosty surfaces, all create a dream canvas for your photography. While these can at times be challenging conditions, demanding extra effort on your part and that of your equipment, the resulting images can definitely be bountiful. Ensure you are up to it and wrapped up to the hilt, but also ensure your gear is up the the challenge of what you are going to be putting it through to get the shots.
Consider the Gear
Some of the cameras mentioned here have a hefty price tag so have you ever considered purchasing used? MPB.com is a leading marketplace for buying and selling your gear and offers a wide range of cameras, lenses, and photography accessories. With a reputation for reliability and quality, they have become a trusted online destination for both amateur and professional photographers looking to exchange and upgrade their gear.
MPB has an extensive list of available items spanning cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, and camera bags; there is something for everyone and every budget. Everything is quality-checked and graded, providing detailed descriptions of the items shown enabling you to make informed choices. The image shown of the equipment is the actual piece you would receive and not a stock image. I’ve personally used them for many years to trade in or purchase gear and each transaction has been quick and smooth, with great customer service and an honest appraisal and quote for the equipment I’ve traded to them. So if you are considering upgrading or changing your kit entirely they are definitely worth checking out.
