Temperatures approaching zero degrees

Hello, bought my D3200 for a couple of years ago, but the camera never worked when temperatures approaching zero degrees. Closing time is tremendously long, that many seconds, impossible to get clear pictures with this closing time. Having had the camera on repair once, when I was sent with a new battery, did not improve. Got it switched to a new camera, this does not work either. Are there any settings that need to be done in order to be able to use the camera in the winter when the temperature hits freezing and below it?
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Welcome to Nikonites.com, Thomas in Norway.

As mentioned in the post above by FredKingston, you are looking at conditions for which your camera wasn't designed/tested to operate in. Chances are very good that your camera, and most any other camera for that matter, will not reliably operate in conditions far outside the temperature range it is designed for. The further away from the specifications you attempt to use your camera, the more likely it is that it will not operate as you wish it to. While there are some sources that say that your camera should operate in the conditions you are trying to use it in, but what they say just doesn't matter when your experience is contrary!

I don't believe that changing the settings on your camera is going to help you. However, it doesn't mean that you cannot make adjustments which will allow your gear to work when it is so cold. The following links have some advice for shooting in the cold, and if you are not already doing so, try the tips which are given in the articles to see if they help.

Winter photography tips: Protect your gear in extreme cold | Expert photography blogs, tip, techniques, camera reviews - Adorama Learning Center

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explor...ions/key-accessories-cold-weather-photography

https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-camera-in-cold-weather/


You also might try wrapping your camera in a shirt with activated hand warmers next to the camera. Keep the camera out for the time period essential for the shot to be made and then wrap it up again. There are several factors that may be involved in causing your camera issues. Experiment with different solutions until you find a technique that works for what you need.

I now live in Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico, and I'm very familiar with camera problems caused by weather, but mostly on the other end of the temperature and humidity range that you are experiencing. I do know a bit about cold though, since I lived in North Dakota and Colorado for a few winters. I also know that with the cold's challenges come photo opportunities that are so strikingly wonderful that they are worth going through the labors to capture them.

I wish you the best in finding a solution to your problem, and look forward to seeing your images posted here in the future.

WM
 

Kevin H

Senior Member
Post a pic I've never had a problem down to -35c with a D5100 D7100 and a D7200 heck my D7200 went from +30c to -30c in a day :D

Sound like your talking slow shutter speed by closing??
 
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RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Howdy and welcome to Nikonites!

Batteries don't like the cold, but from your description that doesn't sound like the root of your problem. We don't get many days below freezing here in Texas, but hopefully others will have more direct experience they can share on the subject.
 

Fortkentdad

Senior Member
Temperatures here were approaching zero today too - hoping it gets even closer to zero because it would be nice if it warmed up that much. :)

Where I live we have sub zero - a lot. And while I can't speak for the D3100 I have shot outside in the winter in sub zero with my D5100 which I wouldn't think would be as susceptible to the cold as the D3100. If there is moisture in the camera and that freezes that may be the problem.

And yes Cowboy - batteries of any kind are half their normal power when it gets real cold - including big car batteries. Don't expect any battery to perform anywhere near normal in subzero temps.
 
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