V1 in winter...your experiences(?)
 

I'll be taking the V1U out in the cold in the next couple weeks. I'll be out in near zero weather, probably snowing heavily at times, other times in the blazing sunshine.

Anyone been shooting in these conditions? What sort of cover do you use? Extra ND filters to tone down the sun? Settings?


thanks

I was in the snow not more than 4 days after I got mine. I had no cover. Just watch your white balance and exposure. I had a UV filter for the most part.

Will the camera be outside for long periods? Do you have the ability in between shooting to put it in a car or a bag?

I have a Kata cover, which I have a love/hate relationship with. I also have a Petrol raincover,which I similarly like and dislike, although it provides better protection from rain and snow than the Kata

I recently picked up (of all things) a Stanley "Big Max" hard rubber bottomed tool bag that fits the Z1 with some accessories nicely. That may work its way into your solution here too. (Also a perfect solution for travel with a Z-1. Small, fits on an airplane easily, and is incognitio as to what you really have inside.)

All that said, the actual answer may depend on your exact situation. If I was going to be out in near zero for a long time and away from a car or warm place, I'd probably suggest that you pick up some of the powdered carbon handwarmers. Unless the weather was really ugly, I'd put the Kata cover on and put some warmers inside it. I'd tape one to the battery too... hopefully a 970.. the cold will sap it first and makes sense to go with the biggest battery available.

Between takes I'd put the whole thing into a bag (this is where the Stanley tool bag might be perfect), again with something designed to keep it warm, maybe a bunch more of the handwarmers, or whatever else you can come up with, nothing combustible... if for no other reason than moisture prevention. (For whatever reason the carbon/metal based handwarmers do not seem to exhibit this problem, even though it IS combustion that creates their heat output.) I'd keep a spare battery inside my clothing to keep it warm.

If the weather is really crappy and you are out for extended periods where none of this is possible, they make a "polar cover" with pockets for the handwarmers. Bucks.

Also, be mindful that even if you can bring the cold camera inside to warm it up, you need to be mindful of possible condensation issues, so if the camera gets decently cold you may be better keeping it outside and "moderately warm" (defined as a temp below the dewpoint) rather than bringing it inside a house or building.

I carry my V1u extensively in the winter. I use it while backcountry snowboarding. I have a pelican case and I put that into my Osprey backpack.Not only am I concerned with all of the elements...but Im also concerned about high speed falls. Thats why I keep it in a pelican.
I dont treat the camera like it should be treated and I can say they are tough. I have had snow all over mine from my subjects spraying me for the filming ...spring corn and winter powder it does fine. Sometimes when Im done it stays in the pack overnight for the drive home. I havent had the V1u out in steady snow all day but I have an HCR-HC7 that sits on a helmet that is exposed to falling snow for hours at a time and no problems with that one either

And I have taken about 3 head over heels tumbles with it. Luckily all the falls were in powder

Here is an article you might find interesting.

http://www.sony.se/biz/view/ShowCont...veContext=true

Thanks for the share link