EVF in cold weather at DVinfo.net

March 7th, 2003, 03:27 PM

Yesterday I was shooting news footage at the scene of a fatal avalanche. It was at 12,000 feet elevation and colder than a... well, it was cold. Though it was mostly sunny, the wind was blowing at about 40-knots and clouds passed overhead like fluffy race cars. I had to keep my thumb on the iris wheel to make constant changes. It was not snowing, but the wind was blowing so many tiny specs of snow it was like being in a frozen shower.

The biggest problem I had was my EVF. Almost as soon as I'd put my eye to it, it fogged up. So I tried to center my shots and keep other than primary stuff out of the foreground, and held the autofocus button in... hoping for the best. Luckily, that worked and I got some terriffic footage.

I did notice, however, when I could see through the EVF the image appeared to be much darker than normal. Fortunately, I trusted my gut and shot at the exposure I thought best. If I'd have shot using the EVF to give me an indication of what I was getting, I'd have gotten a bunch of worthless stuff.

So after this winded diatribe, the question is: Was it just me, or does the EVF react to damp cold and not reflect images accurately?

Jeff Donald · March 7th, 2003, 03:36 PM

Cold effects the liquid in the Liquid Crystal Displays. Canon rates the camera to specific temperatures. Beyond that temperature Canon makes nor specific warranties. It not that the camera won't work when it is cold, it may not work up to the manufactures specs. Freezing is usually the mark most manufactures aim for.

Don Palomaki · March 8th, 2003, 06:17 AM

Canon's spec for the XL1 (the XL1s appears to be similar):
Performance: 0 C to 40 C, 85% RH, the temps translate to 32 F to 104 F.
Operation: -5 C to 45 C, 60% RH, temp translates to 32 F to 113 F.
Operation implies it works, but may not be up to specification. (And I wonder if the RH numbers were a typo error in the manual.)

Dan Holly · March 11th, 2003, 06:51 PM

Charles,
I find that when using a Portabrace heated cover that I don't have the issues you speak of.

It seems to keep the "neck" of the EVF warm enough to alleviate the issue. (no scientific data to back up this theory)

You may want to check one out for future shoots in the cold.
I'm pretty happy with both models for the cameras listed in my signature below.

March 11th, 2003, 07:45 PM

Thanks, all.

Interesting... we haven't had an avalanche fatality around here for about 12 years. Now we've had three (as of yesterday) in as many weeks.

Ken Tanaka · March 11th, 2003, 08:51 PM

One more tidbit for you, Charles. Eyepieces have a really maddening way of quick-fogging in the cold. Since the eye is wet moist air quickly fills the cavity betweeen your eye and the eyepiece lens, leading to condensation.

Using an iCuff (my favorite) or Hoodman eyepiece accessory will greatly help to alleviate this, as well as providing more comfortable eyepiece for all-seasons.

March 7th, 2003, 03:27 PM	#1
Guest Posts: n/a	EVF in cold weather Yesterday I was shooting news footage at the scene of a fatal avalanche. It was at 12,000 feet elevation and colder than a... well, it was cold. Though it was mostly sunny, the wind was blowing at about 40-knots and clouds passed overhead like fluffy race cars. I had to keep my thumb on the iris wheel to make constant changes. It was not snowing, but the wind was blowing so many tiny specs of snow it was like being in a frozen shower. The biggest problem I had was my EVF. Almost as soon as I'd put my eye to it, it fogged up. So I tried to center my shots and keep other than primary stuff out of the foreground, and held the autofocus button in... hoping for the best. Luckily, that worked and I got some terriffic footage. I did notice, however, when I could see through the EVF the image appeared to be much darker than normal. Fortunately, I trusted my gut and shot at the exposure I thought best. If I'd have shot using the EVF to give me an indication of what I was getting, I'd have gotten a bunch of worthless stuff. So after this winded diatribe, the question is: Was it just me, or does the EVF react to damp cold and not reflect images accurately?

March 7th, 2003, 03:36 PM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	Cold effects the liquid in the Liquid Crystal Displays. Canon rates the camera to specific temperatures. Beyond that temperature Canon makes nor specific warranties. It not that the camera won't work when it is cold, it may not work up to the manufactures specs. Freezing is usually the mark most manufactures aim for. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 11th, 2003, 06:51 PM	#4
Dan Holly Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 336	the cold...... Charles, I find that when using a Portabrace heated cover that I don't have the issues you speak of. It seems to keep the "neck" of the EVF warm enough to alleviate the issue. (no scientific data to back up this theory) You may want to check one out for future shoots in the cold. I'm pretty happy with both models for the cameras listed in my signature below. __________________ Dan Holly Anchorage, Alaska

March 11th, 2003, 07:45 PM	#5
Guest Posts: n/a	Brrrrrr Thanks, all. Interesting... we haven't had an avalanche fatality around here for about 12 years. Now we've had three (as of yesterday) in as many weeks.

March 11th, 2003, 08:51 PM	#6
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	One more tidbit for you, Charles. Eyepieces have a really maddening way of quick-fogging in the cold. Since the eye is wet moist air quickly fills the cavity betweeen your eye and the eyepiece lens, leading to condensation. Using an iCuff (my favorite) or Hoodman eyepiece accessory will greatly help to alleviate this, as well as providing more comfortable eyepiece for all-seasons. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 8th, 2003, 06:17 AM	#3
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Canon's spec for the XL1 (the XL1s appears to be similar): Performance: 0 C to 40 C, 85% RH, the temps translate to 32 F to 104 F. Operation: -5 C to 45 C, 60% RH, temp translates to 32 F to 113 F. Operation implies it works, but may not be up to specification. (And I wonder if the RH numbers were a typo error in the manual.)