Digital SLR Camera's in the cold!

Hello,

I have a Canon 5D and will be doing the K2 base camp trek in August. Temperatures at tomes will be below zero, possibly down to -10º/-15º.

Has anyone had experience with such a camera (professional SLR) in very cold conditions? Even if i take it, and the battery freezers, when i come back down the mountain will the battery come back to life in the warmer temperature? or is the battery dead?

If anybody could advise on tips on such photography it would be greatly appreciated

Thank you!

You may have to dig a bit to find it, but there was an interesting comparison of film and digital cameras at high altitude published on the Rob Galbraith site some time back. The film cameras were specially prepared - all the lube was stripped (oil gets pretty sticky when cold). Digital just required some special care for batteries.

Basically, your batteries will be fine. You'll just get less shots per charge. Take extras, keep the spares close to your body for heat, underneath your coat. Swap them from time to time.

You'll probably do most of your shooting during the daytime when temps won't be so cold.

We tried to keep the camera inside the overall when we could - otherwise we took the battery out & kept it inside the clothing until we needed it...

Good advice above.

Basically, it's no big deal...

While shooting in Alaska, I kept one battery under my arm (yes, in my armpit), and then exchanged it when the one in the camera got cold (and thus losing power). Once they warm up, they'll get their power back.
If you have the D5 grip, you'll of course do a little better since you'll have two batteries to draw from.

And if you're going to be doing any serious, high volume shooting there's always battery packs that can be worn inside your clothing and tethered to the camera.

this is great feedback everyone!

I'm truly thankfull for your tips!!!