2 things - low temp operations and non-Canon lenses???

I've held off getting a digital SLR because I guess they have the same temperature limitations as my non-SLR digicams, but am already committed to EOS & EF lenses so would choose Canon if I take the plunge. I'm curious to know if the D30 and 1D can't shoot below freezing, but am more curious to know about the quality of non-Canon lenses. In the days of my old Canon SLRs my Canon lenses were clearly superior to others and wonder if that still holds true. I'm also happy with the results of my 2 digicams that are much less $ than the D30 and D.

Comments on the digital SLR s in frigid and rough use as well as non-Canon lenses would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Wm. L. said:

I've held off getting a digital SLR because I guess they have the
same temperature limitations as my non-SLR digicams, but am already
committed to EOS & EF lenses so would choose Canon if I take the
plunge. I'm curious to know if the D30 and 1D can't shoot below
freezing, ...

Click to expand...

While it was not planned as a test, I shot for three days in sub freezing temperatures last December with my D30 without problems (Washington DC and Williamsburg). We toured the various mouments outdoors staying out for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Although I had one microdrive at the time, I did not use it. The camera and images were fine.

I had my D30 shooting at -30C in Canada and has no problem. However, I would recommend to use the CF instead of MD to reserve the power. The battery drains faster below zero. Keep the camera inside your clothers and try not to expose to the air for two long.

Wm. L. said:

I've held off getting a digital SLR because I guess they have the
same temperature limitations as my non-SLR digicams, but am already
committed to EOS & EF lenses so would choose Canon if I take the
plunge. I'm curious to know if the D30 and 1D can't shoot below
freezing, but am more curious to know about the quality of
non-Canon lenses. In the days of my old Canon SLRs my Canon lenses
were clearly superior to others and wonder if that still holds
true. I'm also happy with the results of my 2 digicams that are
much less $ than the D30 and D.

Comments on the digital SLR s in frigid and rough use as well as
non-Canon lenses would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

I have asked Canon about the temp range.
Canon blames the CF when they have the 0*C as the low range.

The thing is that that I got a url from a another member of this fantastic forum to a manufactor who build CF with -25*C as low range( I havent contact them yet). I mailed Canon about this and ask what temperatur limited the d1 has and not CF. This one of answer I have was the week part is the LCD "It is unlikely we will back the camera outside that range, although I expect it should manage to work down to that temperature. The LCD display inparticular may suffer though" and from my second answer

"As I suspected, the camera has performed OK at -20 degrees centigrade - we haven't gone as low as -25. However, we can offer no guarantees beyond 0 degrees."
I don't really like this, a PRO Camera should work under 0*C guaranteed.

I really wanna thank the people in Canon who have ansvered my qustions even the boring one.

The temp range is the onleything wich worry me ( I dont think that this Camera will have poorer picture quality then any of the other Dige SLR's- I think it will be better - but will onley the time and test tell us)
Regards
O.Olsson

Wm. L. said:

I've held off getting a digital SLR because I guess they have the
same temperature limitations as my non-SLR digicams, but am already
committed to EOS & EF lenses so would choose Canon if I take the
plunge. I'm curious to know if the D30 and 1D can't shoot below
freezing, but am more curious to know about the quality of
non-Canon lenses. In the days of my old Canon SLRs my Canon lenses
were clearly superior to others and wonder if that still holds
true. I'm also happy with the results of my 2 digicams that are
much less $ than the D30 and D.

Comments on the digital SLR s in frigid and rough use as well as
non-Canon lenses would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Canon's L lenses are among the best lenses in the world. Their Image Stablized lenses are still unmatched for breadth of product line and speed.

The D30 will operate fine at low temperatures. I keep mine under by jacket to keep its temperature a few degrees higher than ambient and to protect it from the elements.

Remember to bring along a zip lock bag to seal the camera in before you head indoors. This will keep condensation from forming all over the camera. Water and electronics don't mix.

Danny

Wm. L. said:

I've held off getting a digital SLR because I guess they have the
same temperature limitations as my non-SLR digicams, but am already
committed to EOS & EF lenses so would choose Canon if I take the
plunge. I'm curious to know if the D30 and 1D can't shoot below
freezing, but am more curious to know about the quality of
non-Canon lenses. In the days of my old Canon SLRs my Canon lenses
were clearly superior to others and wonder if that still holds
true. I'm also happy with the results of my 2 digicams that are
much less $ than the D30 and D.

Comments on the digital SLR s in frigid and rough use as well as
non-Canon lenses would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

I never had any problems at minus 10 to 15, although last winter wasn't particularly cold and I wasn't using an MD.

As I use a chest harness in cold conditions I can't keep the camera inside my jacket... has anyone ever tried using hand warmer stuff anywhere near a camera bag?

I can see that there may be some potential condensation problems, but I guess a sealed handwarmer in the bag would not be much different from keeping the camera under my jacket.

I used to work for a firm that did large scale servicing of laptop computers, and saw screens ruined by spending time in cars during freezing weather, so thought the warnings about temp (at least in manuals of my current Canon and Nikon digicams) was because the LCDs would be wrecked and the obvious potential for condensation. My solution for the past year has been my S100 in its AW case, but it has obvious shortcomings in terms of photographic control and performance.

I was thinking about picking up a second EOS-type film body and not worrying if I wreck one as my interim solution, and going forward with more EF lens purchases. Especially considering the price of the digital SLRs and good results I get with my current Canon and Nikon digicams. I’m seeing nice used EOS bodies for $200-500. Maybe I’m a retrogrouch in terms of high tech features because I still use a camera from 1950 and did well for years with my old FTB and F bodies. Right now I have a 28-80 f1.3-5 something USM and 100-300. I’m wondering if I should consider the Sigma, Tokina, Tamron offerings I see for a wider angle solution, and also have an understanding that there’s different focal length with the digital SLRs making my current lenses essentially longer. Should I consider these lens makers or keep down the Canon path?

Again, thanks for any input.