AG-HMC150P Camcorder in Freezing Cold

[Melvin Partido]

In a few days, we plan to take a family vacation to Washington State where the temperature will be dipping in to the low 30's. I'm bringing my Panasonic AG-HMC 150P digital camcorder to take videos of our two grandsons as we tour the State.

Will I have any problem with my camcorder in freezing temperature?

[Mark L. Whalen]

I just did a 2-hour job today using an HMC150 in 25° and falling snow with no problems whatsoever.

Frankly I worry a lot less about card based cameras than tape based ones, as there are fewer mechanical parts to freeze or become sluggish. Of course, precipitation can be an issue regardless of temperature, so be sure to keep your camera protected in adverse conditions.

[Roberto Diaz]

should there also be concerns about condensation -- going between a warm, moist home and the outside where it's much colder and the moisture in the air can condense on the lens or inside the camera)?

should there be concerns about "thermal shock", again going between warm and cold temperatures?

[Mark Williams]

Had problems with batteries on a project at 10F. Solved by using "heat packs" attached to battery.

Something like this Amazon.com: Porta Brace Polar Heat Pack, Disposable Chemical Hand & Equipment Warmer, two pack: Camera & Photo

[Mark L. Whalen]

Originally Posted by Roberto Diaz

should there also be concerns about condensation -- going between a warm, moist home and the outside where it's much colder and the moisture in the air can condense on the lens or inside the camera)?

should there be concerns about "thermal shock", again going between warm and cold temperatures?

I typically keep the camera in a bag with the lens cap on when going between indoors and outdoors. Let the camera inside the closed camera bag sit in the cold for a bit before use; vice versa for bringing it indoors. Mark Williams brings up a good point about batteries, too: use a heat pack is a great idea - or keep a spare battery in a pocket close to your body and alternate from time to time.