snowboarding

D

DetectiveTofu

New member
I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts for taking my dslr when I go snowboarding. I have a lowepro fastpack 250. I don't snowboard like a maniac, so the chances of my taking a major spill are almost nill. If I take a spill and damage my camera, the camera may be the least of my worries, haha. My concern is with wearing a back pack on the ski lift ... anyone have any thoughts? Seems like it may be a problem, but I'm sure other people do it!?!
 
I took my D70 on a snowboard adventure in Colorado while on a business trip a few years back and used a $10 generic "Digital SLR" case that I got at Wal-Mart (the type that ONLY holds the camera with attached lens.... nothing else). I had it attached to my belt by means of a carabeener (sp?) and a key ring. It did not interfere with the lift and could be easily seperated to get the camera out. Worked great, but would be kind of limiting if you planned to take more than one lens and/or a flash unit.

You can see the case in this pic:
Colorado120704%2844%29.jpg
 
@Meuser -That definitely looks handy and compact, which is good. The only problem I might see with that particular pack (and how it hangs from your belt), is that the case hangs in a position where if I were to fall, the chances of my falling on my camera are higher.

@Psam -yeah, I was recommended the FastPack250 by a couple folks, all of which gave positive feedback about the pack. I think I will just swing it forward when I am on the lift ... I'll just need to be sure that I do not fall forward when coming off the lift :D
 
look around at lowepro and some others. Also, Galen Rowell (sp?) was an avid outdoor person and amazing pro photog (www.mountainlight.com) and I think he developed an case that kept the camera in front of your body for easy access (he used it for trail running I think).
 
i like-a to shred. I have done backcountry with backpacks in austria and out west and on ski hills out east. It really isnt a big deal wearing the backpack on the lift. Even wipeouts arent too bad as long as it isnt really icy.
 
A hot pack wouldn't hurt, but probably isn't needed. I've taken Aurora shots at 20 below zero without much issue. When I snowshoe or x-country ski at -5 to anywhere above zero I rarely worry about it. If it's REALLY cold I'll try and keep the camera body/lens in my jacket. It is a good idea to keep a second battery and keep that warm though. I usually keep one in an inside pocket close to my body. The cold will drain the heck out of your battery life!

moonset2-sunrise-at-mile-135.jpg


_L6A6779.jpg
 
According to the Canon website the 40D is designed to operate at 32*F on the low side. I'm not sure what kind of camera body you have Louis, but do you know what might happen to my camera should the temperature get insanely low? Will the batteries just have a crap holding a charge, or will my camera not turn on?
 
I have used my 50D in temps around 0F before without any problems. Today and yesterday I was shooting in 10F and did not notice any problems. And unless I hear otherwise I wont be afraid to take it in colder environments (within reason). The weather sealed 7D and the 5D II is also only rated to only 0C. And I know people take those cameras in very cold and extreme environments. It may not perform fully to specs (ie maybe the exposure is a bit off, or more noisy sensor or something), but I would be surprise if it got damaged from just the pure cold (assuming no condensation).

It is not a bad idea of putting the camera in an also cold case before going back inside though. Just to help it warm up slower and reduce the fogging/condensation.

It's also important to note that when going from a warm environment to a cold one, that the air inside the camera will contract. And thus create negative pressure. If you were going from a warm environment to a wet cold one, it would make that wet that much more risky due to the fact that suction will be taking place around the seams.
 
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I have had the 10D and the Original 5D both out in Well below zero. Admitedly the mirror slap started to seem slow and there may have been some increased noise issues but (except for my finger tips or toes killing me) the Cameras seemed to have no issues (batteries aside). The specs are for ideals/recommended and often do not reflect the true limits of the gear. Not that I am saying you couldn't have a problem, just that I pushed it and didn't have one. My guess is it'd be fine. The 10D was one of the early DSLR's really and I am sure stuff now is light years ahead technologically (or mechanically) at the least equivalent.

The keeping it in a bag or some case when going from one temp environment to another is sound advice for sure. Once I changed lenses in the back seat of my truck after shooting subzero for a while and my gear was COLD. I got condensation that actually froze on the back element of my lens!! I couldn't understand why everything looked blurry (until I took the lens off because I thought it was the mirror). I was not happy when I figured it out...and like any hardcore photographer I just warmend it up with my arm and wiped it off with my sleeve :) to get a few shots of the remaining nice light!
 
Reefer Brian said:
Where are you at in Co. I am headed to CO in a month.
Click to expand...

Im almost positive that this was at Breckenridge. I also made it over to Copper Mountain while I was there. As a kid that grew up riding the Appalachain mountains, Colorado absolutely blew me away. Best powder I have ever seen.
 
I live in colorado, and a complete mountain bum....I love snowboarding, and could never move away from the snow or mountains.
 
Condensation is the only real danger. If it's really cold, bring a 1 gallon zip bag. After you're done shooting for the day, put the camera in the bag and seal it. Don't open the bag or attempt to change lenses or whatnot until the camera has come up to room temperature.

Keep a spare battery in a pocket close to your skin. You may have to swap batteries a few times depending on how much you're shooting.
 
beerguy said:
Condensation is the only real danger. If it's really cold, bring a 1 gallon zip bag. After you're done shooting for the day, put the camera in the bag and seal it. Don't open the bag or attempt to change lenses or whatnot until the camera has come up to room temperature.

Keep a spare battery in a pocket close to your skin. You may have to swap batteries a few times depending on how much you're shooting.
Click to expand...

Really cold like ... ? Rough estimate?
:)
 
DetectiveTofu said:
Really cold like ... ? Rough estimate?
:)
Click to expand...


Reality is if it is below freezing outside this should probably be done. Usually when I come back from being out my stuff is in a backpack and I just leave it in there (which is basically near the temp I was shooting in and the pack provides insulation so when I enter a warm environment there is a buffer) to let the temps adjust more slowly. Doug may have a more specific guideline for you though.
 
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