I don’t know what everyone was complaining about, as you say they are made for this. A true testament to Nikons engineering . What scared me more was you didn’t have crampons on those icy rocks!
Nigel my hat is off to you and Rick for going out in such extreme conditions. Rarely do viewers of our images realize the lengths that many of us are willing to go to in order to get the images we do. Thanks for taking us along in the journey and reminding us that what’s most important is to just get out there.
Another great video! I have used my Z 6ii for astrophotography in the -20s C with windchills around -35 C. It has a been on a tripod for up to 2 hours in these conditions shooting intervals for star trails. Use a lens warmer during shooting and put it in my camera bag before bringing into my home overnight and then bring it into the warmth the next day (8-10hrs). No problems with the gear. Just harder to compose and keep your fingers from freezing in these conditions. Before leaving home I put a a hand warmer in each pocket so that if i need to wear thin gloves or take my gloves off briefly to operate the camera I can quickly put them in my pocket to warm up. This is life each winter in western Canada.
This is what these cameras are built for. Besides “bad weather “ in my opinion are the best shooting conditions. The photos I look at the longest are ones that look ominous, moody, or just have something of atmospheric interest. Well done on getting out there Nigel!
Hi Nigel, I had to laugh out loud when you said “It doesn’t get better than this”. It looks like this outing was torture (and I am from Canada 😊). I am so glad you had Rick with you to buddy up with for safety’s sake. Be careful out there and look after yourself. We rely on you and live vicariously through your adventures. Keep up with the wonderful videos!
Great Mads impersonation on Rick's part. Thanks for going out in that weather. I had a weather resistant camera in the rain years ago. $400 later it was running fine again!
Yes!! I took both my Z9 and Z8 out in a snow storm at the beach yesterday to photography and take video of Snowy Owls, Both camera worked as advertised and was never really worried,
Regarding the “chopped up” tree and wall shot, I would agree that the landscape orientation was the better of the two shots, which surprised me. Before seeing the images I was sure the portrait format would be the best. Just goes to show, never dismiss the willingness to be flexible!
I got a message from a mate who was out in that weather & I said for him to keep an eye out for you! Loving the videos as always Nigel. Gotta say my Z7ii is the most robust piece of kit I've had in the digital age.
An amazing Video yet again Nigel, dedication to photography and your Fans. Love your cloths, ordering a couple more for each of my bags and holders so I don't have to keep remembering to transfer them. Highly recommended. Stay safe and warm.
Least I can do for your channel is buy a few towels! Love your content and delivery, and really appreciate all the valuable tips and honesty you provide. Well done sir. Looking forward to getting my towels way down here in Texas👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you for reminding us that these things we hold are tools! I am terrible for wanting expensive things in perfect condition, but as I aim to go more into professional photography I needed that reminder. With the shots: I agree that the first looked better in landscape. Much nicer balance!
You also need a reminder that a workman needs to look after his tools or he can't work.... That is why all my camera gear is as pritine as the day I bought it.. It keeps working and I keep earning... If you have money to burn and can afford risk your gears thats a different matter...
I would recommend Kahtoola microspikes for the treacherous conditions you were facing. Much easier to manage than crampons; keep in bag to use when needed.
Thanks for this publications, they' re all subjects of inspirations and your pleasure is a real joy to follow your vidéos. ( and my english's comprehension is better day after days 😊) Hope you're in better conditions in your home Have a good Sunday! Françoise ( Spa, Belgium)
Great video, I live in Canada and have the Z8. It is nice to know it handles the weather that well. I agree about salt water I live about 50 meters from the ocean.
As ever, great update and rather you than me in that weather. I once had a film camera that was frozen (back in late 1979s) and it never came back to full usefulness. Thank you 👍👏
Another great one. Haven't had ice issues but did think I'd lost 2 cameras to a sand storm on Death Valley dune Had one on tripod and other hand held when it hit. By the time got into bag, all buttons except shutter were jammed by fine sand dust. Took a power blower to clear.
A rocket blower also works well to keep snow and light water droplets out of the front element. I found that does better work than a lens cloth. Depending on how big the drops are and how intense the rain/snow/spray is… Keep on with the superb content!!!
Nikon does well in bad weather. I have through the years done some work in stormy weather at the Danish shores of the North Sea. My old D700 and D800 have almost been under salt water. The only kind of protection has been cleaning in fresh water at home. I have never had problems with corrosion. The tripods have been filled with sand and the Tamron 70-200mm is not doing much better but it still works.
Excellent video! I've never shot in freezing rain. I've my Canons in very cold weather icing up the camera back and requiring numerous battery changes. The rain covers I use when I want to practice my swearing. Microfibers cloths covering a camera work better.
Had my Nikon D3500 beated up with sea water sometime in May 2023. I may not transfer photos to my phone, but still taking photos. Its a miracle the camera still works to be honest after that and couple of hits that the camera has received
A few things for those who read these comments I guess... For the most part, most higher-end cameras these days are pretty well weather sealed against moderate rain and cold/ice/snow (although if you have an older Sony camera you may want to be a bit more careful, or an entry-level camera as these generally are not weather resistant, but can handle the cold, just maybe not rain). Also you need to make sure that your lenses have the rear mount gasket on them to help keep out moisture (and don't wipe, but pat it dry -- wiping can force moisture into small areas and may lead to fungus and mold if it's get into the zoom mechanism or into the lens itself, so pat it dry, and maybe store it in a sealed container with some silica gel/decadent or rice if you have to to frurther dry it out). Also don't change lenses when you go from warm to cold or cold to warm, and let your camera adjust to temperature changes before taking your lens off (this is why having a second body is helpful out in the field so you can avoid doing this, even if the cameras has different resolutions). It it's just cold you can usually get away with it as long as the lenses and cameras are all at the same temperature and have adjusted to the outside air, but obviously I wouldn't change lenses when it's snowing or raining even if you can shelter the lens and camera from the elements to change lenses -- I'd rather carry a second camera if possible, plus that way you also have a backup if you need it. The plastic bag is a good tip (although I've never really run into issues with going from cold to warm / warm to cold necessarily, as I do ensure that moisture is removed from the lens as much as possible before bringing it inside. But people should also consider having some reusable decadent packets around that you can put in the plastic bag with your camera to help trap any moisture. The plastic bag does help but it can also trap moisture that may be present so the decedent is really helpful (I generally save these from things I buy so I can re-use them later, or you can buy reusable ones that you microwave or boil to remove the moisture and then re-use). I don't know if I agree with the radiator thing though, because as any moisture may evaporate, you may be causing some plastics to expand temporarily due to the extra heat and this could let moisture into the body as well, even if you don't remove the lens, so I personally wouldn't recommend that. I would just put it in the plastic bag, use a decdeent and let it warm up on its own which should only take maybe an hour or a few in really bad situations, but I would also patt the camera and lens dry if possible, or let it thaw if it's frozen, and then pat it dry and seal it back up to finish drying. The radiator idea could cause issues.
Winter Photography. Ebay, bought a x10 pack of 'Large' Microfibre Cloths for just £4.99. ●Always carry a 2nd Pair of Gloves & Socks, even Hat ●2nd set of Boot insoles is great for 'Conduction' insulation. ●Mini Umberella is useful if not too windy but light rain.
I take my hat off to you and Rick going out in that weather, as there is no way i would be. Wow I'm surprised the camera was still working throughout the day. I think i preferred the landscape image. Look forward to the next one.
I had the same thing in Finland a few years back, most places we were staying had a sort of snow room between the front entrance and the rest of the warmer house so we could leave our bags by the door to warm up slowly. Or just leaving them there entirely so when we went back out we didn't have super warm cameras going back out into the cold either. I had a weather resistant X-T1 at the time that worked well down to -30F but AF stopped working on my (not sealed) XF 18-55 at the time.
I've got a Nikon DSLR which I mainly use. It's OK in the icy weather we have been having. I find the problem is battery life in the conditions. They just do not last very long. For maybe less than 500 pictures I might have to use three batteries. I keep them in a pouch in a pocket and when really cold put a hand warmer next to the pouch. It helps. The used batteries when back indoors and warm again revive, and I use then for going through the pictures and doing a first edit.
I have used my Z5 and Z7II with various lenses in -25 degrees F while on a January vacation where my only weak point was my fingers! Thanks for the ideas of bringing equipment back inside safely. Always worried about that.
I literally just got back inside from a photowalk in countryside latvia with my good ole D700 with 70-200 vr2. There was snow condition kinda like this video. I was worried I didn't bring a bag but I trust my D700 with my life.
Good weather sealing and taking care of your gear is important. I live in Finland, here we have quite different weather conditions. Your in the video is a mild day here 😅 I was a few times out in - 25 to - 30°C. My Canon(s) just died. Now using an OM-1... this is the craziest piece of rugged camera ever used. -20°C, forgetting the camera on the tripod over the night while it was doing time laps. No problem. Works. I know people who dropped their camera into water and still works. Canon is maybe at the moment the worst when it comes to weather sealing. You can read at the moment a lot of comments where people destroyed their new R5 M2 in mild conditions.
Yes, rain is the biggest threat for camera gear. But I have to say Canon feels really bad at the moment. Only the R1 and R3 feel a bit better. The rest... feels like a plastic toy for kids.
tip, if ever going to a hot country, if you stay in a hotel with aircon (dry, cool) then take the camera outside (warm, more humid) then it will get condensation on.... to prevent this you can keep your camera bag on the balcony so it stays warm (as long as it isn't at risk of being rained on or nicked (if on ground floor)).
I've always thought that my photo gear shouold be able to go wherever I would take myself in whatever conditions I would go, and my Nikons have always been up to it - but I must admit it was never as much of a test as you've given yours! (I'm sitting here in my heated office sipping from a warm mug ...) I do prefer the landscape shots, and also the shot from the past. The new shots do convey the nasty, blustery conditions quite well. Brrr.
Had to laugh at some of the comments on the original video. I remember being caught in a torrential downpour while shooting cross country with a nikon d80. Not a professional camera, and not weather sealed. Perhaps I was lucky but after a good dry out it was fine. Certainly made me realise just how a little light rain isn't going to be a problem, especially now I've joined the z8 club.
I can't imagine those conditions! I took my non-weather-sealed/resistant camera out in a massive downpour and it worked fine for most of the day until the screen died. A bit of fiddling later I realised the screen was fine and it was only the eye sensor that was fogged up and assuming my eye was constantly against the eyepiece. I chose which display to use manually for the rest of the day. The next morning it still didn't work, so on my way home from work I went and bought a tiny Phillips 0000 screwdriver to crack it open and let the moisture out. By the time I got back from the store it had already sorted itself out. And that's without any claims of weather sealing. Ironically, given all the claims about physical buttons and moving parts being the weak link in a world where manufacturers want everything to be a sensor, all the physical buttons, dials, switches and even the flippy screen were completely fine despite being operated continuously in the rain and sweating in my camera bag all day.
This is what you get for when you buy the better end. Cameras with great weather sealing. I used to use the Nikon D850 and that weather sealing was fantastic in that camera.. I now use a GFX camera and that is virtually indestructible. In any sort of weather. It's been hit with waves torrential downpours and it has not stopped working. Well done I'm braving the weather. However, that said I do have a rain cover for my bag.... And a simple rain cover for my camera as well and those two things are actually quite cheap off eBay. You can even just use a plastic bag so long as it keeps the moisture off the camera. They are sealed, but they are not waterproof the cover that I have is completely clear so you can see all the dials on it. I also invested in the best camera bag on the planet and it's waterproof as well. The German-made Campagnon you might pay for it but guess what? It's fantastic. It's the best pack you will find. I'm absolutely surprised more professionals aren't using it. It is that good. I even put a small camera in the bag and sprayed it with a high-pressure hose and no water got in there. I use my GFX near saltwater no problems and with all due respect the GFX is much better sealing than the Nikon Z8 way way better and I did a lot of research before I decided which camera I would vote because I do shoot seascapes. My GFX has been hit with a number of waves and it's got no problems
Hi Nigel, pls can I ask you a question? - How do you clean your micro fibre cloth? Just wash them with other clothes? Do you discard the clothes after few uses/washes? Thanks!
Nice Nigel, Yes, cameras nowadays are weather sealed. Still for instance Sony has some moisture problems with the hotshoe connection and the lenses need to be weathersealed as well (rubber gasket on the mount). If the lens zooms externally, conditions like this might also be a reason to have some external protection. Why not put the camera back in the bag in a cloth while hiking ? I do recommend keeping a spare battery close to your body (inside pocket of jacket) to keep it warm
Rick didn't seem that anxious to get out of the car in the beginning. 😰Can't say that I blame him. 😲 He does do a nice Mads impersonation. Snow and cold is tolerable, but windy freezing rain is very testing. 🥶 A good day for an office video. Carry on. 👍🥂
Take it from someone who lives in sub-tropical, south east Queensland, warm doesn't necessarily mean dry. That said, my camera isn't likely to get covered in ice here and we don't have radiators. I never throw out those silica gel packs that come with electronic equipment, because of the humidity.
So very true. I live in a very humid environment (SE Texas) and when you bring your camera indoors after a shoot in summer, the cooler home with the AC blasting will cause condensation of the gear. It can also promote fungi in the lens elements. It's best to caver the camera/lens with a microfiber cloth or something similar until the temperature of of gear can lower slowly to room temperature.
Hi Nigel thanks for sharing nice video and images. I would be scared to do that with my camera especially when coming home with all that condensation then. You got a thumbs up and I ordered 2 fibre cloths. Oh yeah, wish you a happy and successful new year 2025. Greetings from Germany Michael
Looks just like Mads. Ha! I can’t decide if this is inspiring me to go out today in the snow and cold or if it’s convincing me that sitting by the fire is a better idea.
Brilliant Mate Great to make the effort in those conditions. I like the portrait of the tree. Great impression of Mads there by Rick..😂 Never seen a camera has froze as that.. 😆 Nikon are just the best.. 👌 was you vloging with your Z8 too? Or did you use another?
Thank you for the recommendatioins, was looking for a video with proper info on camera care with "extreme" conditions for a while :) I've just ordered the micro fibre cloths :) Just a QQ, how to care for the cloths, e.g. how should we wash the cloths/care for them once they get dirty :) Thank you!
Between you and Morton Hilmer, you guys test our Nikon gear so we don’t have to 😆 A good reminder that it’s built for these environments. Helpful defrosting tips as well! 🥶
I noticed that you did not use a lens hood. I guess it would be a balance between shielding the glass from rain/snow and the hood acting like a sail in the wind. Glad you got to enjoy some weather. I got cold just watching.. ;-)
Does weather sealing work in dusty conditions? Those conditions you were in remind me of Wyoming. Except the windchill would have been about -30F. Glad you guys made it home safely!
A good reminder to just get out, as long as you are aware of your personal safety too. Use your tools, maintain them well, and maybe a nick or two, a little wear on the body paint is ok.
I Brit saying “a little bit windy… a little chilly” … translation for the rest of the world (particularly Americans) is “it’s blowing a gale and my arse is frozen!”
Even nikons mid range cameras like the zf and z6iii are said to have the same level of sealing as the bigger brothers just a little more carbon fiber reinforced thermal plastic being used on the body which is better than metal at extreme temperature variations
The only camera that might be built better than Nikon is Olympus, and this is the biggest reason I don't shoot Sony. The 2nd shot with the tree and cluttered foreground, try and xpan crop. It's hard shooting when it is that cold and windy. You got some nice shots.
I can't believe people go out in this weather just to take pictures for a youtube channel, Benidorm would have been a better option! I do admire your courage though for trying to prove something to your viewers. You should have put a health warning out with this shoot....take care and I hope you got back home safe!
Weather sealed - true, and Nikon specify for the Z 8: Operating temperature: -10C..40C (+14F..104F). I've seen photographers with Nikons shooting at -20C daytime temperature and they left the camera in the snow at that temperature (to prevent condensation and evaporation issues, as well as thermals that could distort images) or even colder as this was overnight. The question is then what operating temperatures the memory card supports. Prosumer cameras in general have their operating temperature start at 0C and most memory cards start their guaranteed operating range at 0C too. Cards will probably work below, but data integrity can become an issue (spontaneous bit flips can happen). I would not be afraid of "condensation" on the camera's outside, but I would worry about that happening inside the camera or lens. As the "S" class lenses are weather sealed, I woud not worry too much about "gas breathing" of a lens in focusing or zooming. Most have internal focusing and internal spaces that will get larger/smaller during focusing or zooming have internal breathing connections that shift air internally when elements move. I would allow a frozen over device to warm up slowly, though.
Kudos to you for getting out in such harsh conditions. And for coming away with some decent images. Quite amazing actually. But why did you abuse your gear like that? A simple shower cap would have protected your camera and lens. I would never submit my Z8 and 24-120 to such abuse.
I was out for about 5 hours the other day in about minus 2 temperature...found that in the last hour the card was slowing down after a second or 2 from 20fps to about 8....is this normal
Turn 3min54 into a letterbox format cropping the bottom through the stone wall left, leaving a bit of soil this side of that wall at this side of the view. It becomes a thinnish strip, but the clutter is gone and still ness is regained. That lifts it 1.5 level in a grading system, I'd argue. While (A) you think in "composition" as proven by your videos, that thinking maybe got slowed down in the cold. ;) It's clear (B) from the perspective that you tilted the camera down. This exaggerates the foreground even more than the 24mm angle would (perspective follow from distance, not focal length, not angle, in fact) It also messes with perception of height in the image because of the altered perspective. If we combine (A) with (B) keeping the camera level, then the crop moves from the bottom to the top. You still get the letterbox but better perspective inside the "same" crop. Of course all at the artist's discretion. These are all choices. People reading this - taking a "perspective drawing class" in an art program really helps becoming aware of all this and it speeds up your "learning to see" process. We're not born to "see" (in the brain) this. People who are functionally blind in one eye since early childhood (and maybe people on the autism spectrum) should be able to see perspective as they have to rely ion perspective to learn clues about speed and direction of e.g. cars or balls, rather than sticking to the inborn non-photographic way of seeing, but using e.g. the position and movement of eyeballs as clues.
Icy cold hands - I don't think a decent solution exists for working photographers in the icy cold you were in, here. I'd have to leave the gear's "touch" UI aside. And would put on woollen gloves. I would try to source oversized thin rubber gloves like those used for hygiene and put those over the wollen layer. In absence of those, just plain thin plastic bag material gloves with sealed edges. Just to retain the insulating layer of air near the hands. For years, I have warned my entourage ;) about the Warm Gulf Stream getting stopped by global heating and two months or so ago read it is already slowing down a lot. So we better prepare for an ice age :(
What have you done wrong to be the only landscape photographer without a pair or two of Vallerret gloves? 😊. Also, I think the lens has to be weather sealed as well as the camera.
Let’s all go out and test our cameras in the rain and ice! 😂🤔 …ooh - don’t forget to order a cloth! 😂 Getting out to use your camera is good but not if it means you’ll be laid up for weeks with a broken leg or shattered hip after going over on ice as in this video…. At least you got a comment out of me to help your UA-cam KPI’s 👍🏻
Not sure the images were worth the pain or the potential danger of a fall which would create lots of problems for the emergency services, even if they could get to you.
Nigel selling his camera: “Gently used” LOL
@@mere_mort4l 👍
I don’t know what everyone was complaining about, as you say they are made for this. A true testament to Nikons engineering . What scared me more was you didn’t have crampons on those icy rocks!
Nigel my hat is off to you and Rick for going out in such extreme conditions. Rarely do viewers of our images realize the lengths that many of us are willing to go to in order to get the images we do. Thanks for taking us along in the journey and reminding us that what’s most important is to just get out there.
Another great video! I have used my Z 6ii for astrophotography in the -20s C with windchills around -35 C. It has a been on a tripod for up to 2 hours in these conditions shooting intervals for star trails. Use a lens warmer during shooting and put it in my camera bag before bringing into my home overnight and then bring it into the warmth the next day (8-10hrs). No problems with the gear. Just harder to compose and keep your fingers from freezing in these conditions. Before leaving home I put a a hand warmer in each pocket so that if i need to wear thin gloves or take my gloves off briefly to operate the camera I can quickly put them in my pocket to warm up. This is life each winter in western Canada.
This is what these cameras are built for.
Besides “bad weather “ in my opinion are the best shooting conditions.
The photos I look at the longest are ones that look ominous, moody, or just have something of atmospheric interest.
Well done on getting out there Nigel!
I love nikon . They are so rugged in all conditions
Hi Nigel, I had to laugh out loud when you said “It doesn’t get better than this”. It looks like this outing was torture (and I am from Canada 😊). I am so glad you had Rick with you to buddy up with for safety’s sake. Be careful out there and look after yourself. We rely on you and live vicariously through your adventures. Keep up with the wonderful videos!
Great Mads impersonation on Rick's part. Thanks for going out in that weather. I had a weather resistant camera in the rain years ago. $400 later it was running fine again!
Yes!! I took both my Z9 and Z8 out in a snow storm at the beach yesterday to photography and take video of Snowy Owls, Both camera worked as advertised and was never really worried,
Regarding the “chopped up” tree and wall shot, I would agree that the landscape orientation was the better of the two shots, which surprised me. Before seeing the images I was sure the portrait format would be the best. Just goes to show, never dismiss the willingness to be flexible!
I got a message from a mate who was out in that weather & I said for him to keep an eye out for you! Loving the videos as always Nigel. Gotta say my Z7ii is the most robust piece of kit I've had in the digital age.
You mean moreso than previous Nikon Dslrs?...Really?
Agree on Z7ii and so much better than my earlier DSLRs. 👍
An amazing Video yet again Nigel, dedication to photography and your Fans. Love your cloths, ordering a couple more for each of my bags and holders so I don't have to keep remembering to transfer them. Highly recommended. Stay safe and warm.
Great video Nigel. Better than me out in that big Freeze!
Least I can do for your channel is buy a few towels! Love your content and delivery, and really appreciate all the valuable tips and honesty you provide. Well done sir. Looking forward to getting my towels way down here in Texas👍🏻👍🏻
I stay home in the warmth, but I just ordered a set of cloths since your effort was AWESOME !
Thank you for reminding us that these things we hold are tools! I am terrible for wanting expensive things in perfect condition, but as I aim to go more into professional photography I needed that reminder. With the shots: I agree that the first looked better in landscape. Much nicer balance!
You also need a reminder that a workman needs to look after his tools or he can't work.... That is why all my camera gear is as pritine as the day I bought it.. It keeps working and I keep earning... If you have money to burn and can afford risk your gears thats a different matter...
I'm very happily watching this from Hawaii. Aloha!
I would recommend Kahtoola microspikes for the treacherous conditions you were facing. Much easier to manage than crampons; keep in bag to use when needed.
Great stuff as always. A very reasoned and diplomatic response to some of the comments around the original post. 😊
Thanks for this publications, they' re all subjects of inspirations and your pleasure is a real joy to follow your vidéos.
( and my english's comprehension is better day after days 😊)
Hope you're in better conditions in your home
Have a good Sunday!
Françoise ( Spa, Belgium)
Great video, I live in Canada and have the Z8. It is nice to know it handles the weather that well. I agree about salt water I live about 50 meters from the ocean.
As ever, great update and rather you than me in that weather. I once had a film camera that was frozen (back in late 1979s) and it never came back to full usefulness. Thank you 👍👏
Just ordered the cloths and pleasantly syprised by the price. Very fair price
Beautiful images in such harsh conditions. Thanks for reminding me that I need to get out more no matter what the conditions are 📷🙏
Another great one. Haven't had ice issues but did think I'd lost 2 cameras to a sand storm on Death Valley dune Had one on tripod and other hand held when it hit. By the time got into bag, all buttons except shutter were jammed by fine sand dust. Took a power blower to clear.
I think Rick’s impersonation of Alan Partridge is brilliant. I loved the first photograph even more than the more colourful previously taken one.
A rocket blower also works well to keep snow and light water droplets out of the front element. I found that does better work than a lens cloth. Depending on how big the drops are and how intense the rain/snow/spray is…
Keep on with the superb content!!!
Love the video gives me more confidence to get my Z8 out in poor weather…. It’s a bit pampered currently…. Clothes ordered 😊
Gee could Rick be doing his best "Mads" impression? :P Gotta love those durable Nikon's!
Nikon does well in bad weather. I have through the years done some work in stormy weather at the Danish shores of the North Sea. My old D700 and D800 have almost been under salt water. The only kind of protection has been cleaning in fresh water at home. I have never had problems with corrosion. The tripods have been filled with sand and the Tamron 70-200mm is not doing much better but it still works.
Excellent video! I've never shot in freezing rain. I've my Canons in very cold weather icing up the camera back and requiring numerous battery changes. The rain covers I use when I want to practice my swearing. Microfibers cloths covering a camera work better.
If that really was Mads he would be in the final image 🤣
Extra points for both of you guys for going out in those conditions.
Mads Mikkelsen?
Had my Nikon D3500 beated up with sea water sometime in May 2023. I may not transfer photos to my phone, but still taking photos. Its a miracle the camera still works to be honest after that and couple of hits that the camera has received
A few things for those who read these comments I guess... For the most part, most higher-end cameras these days are pretty well weather sealed against moderate rain and cold/ice/snow (although if you have an older Sony camera you may want to be a bit more careful, or an entry-level camera as these generally are not weather resistant, but can handle the cold, just maybe not rain). Also you need to make sure that your lenses have the rear mount gasket on them to help keep out moisture (and don't wipe, but pat it dry -- wiping can force moisture into small areas and may lead to fungus and mold if it's get into the zoom mechanism or into the lens itself, so pat it dry, and maybe store it in a sealed container with some silica gel/decadent or rice if you have to to frurther dry it out). Also don't change lenses when you go from warm to cold or cold to warm, and let your camera adjust to temperature changes before taking your lens off (this is why having a second body is helpful out in the field so you can avoid doing this, even if the cameras has different resolutions). It it's just cold you can usually get away with it as long as the lenses and cameras are all at the same temperature and have adjusted to the outside air, but obviously I wouldn't change lenses when it's snowing or raining even if you can shelter the lens and camera from the elements to change lenses -- I'd rather carry a second camera if possible, plus that way you also have a backup if you need it.
The plastic bag is a good tip (although I've never really run into issues with going from cold to warm / warm to cold necessarily, as I do ensure that moisture is removed from the lens as much as possible before bringing it inside. But people should also consider having some reusable decadent packets around that you can put in the plastic bag with your camera to help trap any moisture. The plastic bag does help but it can also trap moisture that may be present so the decedent is really helpful (I generally save these from things I buy so I can re-use them later, or you can buy reusable ones that you microwave or boil to remove the moisture and then re-use).
I don't know if I agree with the radiator thing though, because as any moisture may evaporate, you may be causing some plastics to expand temporarily due to the extra heat and this could let moisture into the body as well, even if you don't remove the lens, so I personally wouldn't recommend that. I would just put it in the plastic bag, use a decdeent and let it warm up on its own which should only take maybe an hour or a few in really bad situations, but I would also patt the camera and lens dry if possible, or let it thaw if it's frozen, and then pat it dry and seal it back up to finish drying. The radiator idea could cause issues.
Winter Photography.
Ebay, bought a x10 pack of 'Large' Microfibre Cloths for just £4.99.
●Always carry a 2nd Pair of Gloves & Socks, even Hat
●2nd set of Boot insoles is great for 'Conduction' insulation.
●Mini Umberella is useful if not too windy but light rain.
I take my hat off to you and Rick going out in that weather, as there is no way i would be.
Wow I'm surprised the camera was still working throughout the day.
I think i preferred the landscape image.
Look forward to the next one.
I had the same thing in Finland a few years back, most places we were staying had a sort of snow room between the front entrance and the rest of the warmer house so we could leave our bags by the door to warm up slowly. Or just leaving them there entirely so when we went back out we didn't have super warm cameras going back out into the cold either. I had a weather resistant X-T1 at the time that worked well down to -30F but AF stopped working on my (not sealed) XF 18-55 at the time.
I've got a Nikon DSLR which I mainly use. It's OK in the icy weather we have been having. I find the problem is battery life in the conditions. They just do not last very long. For maybe less than 500 pictures I might have to use three batteries. I keep them in a pouch in a pocket and when really cold put a hand warmer next to the pouch. It helps. The used batteries when back indoors and warm again revive, and I use then for going through the pictures and doing a first edit.
I have used my Z5 and Z7II with various lenses in -25 degrees F while on a January vacation where my only weak point was my fingers! Thanks for the ideas of bringing equipment back inside safely. Always worried about that.
I literally just got back inside from a photowalk in countryside latvia with my good ole D700 with 70-200 vr2. There was snow condition kinda like this video. I was worried I didn't bring a bag but I trust my D700 with my life.
Interesting video Nigel and yes, cameras at this level are built like tanks. Shame the cloths have sold out already - will there be more?
Sgt, Simpsom was telling people not to travel that day. You are brave.
Good weather sealing and taking care of your gear is important.
I live in Finland, here we have quite different weather conditions. Your in the video is a mild day here 😅 I was a few times out in - 25 to - 30°C. My Canon(s) just died. Now using an OM-1... this is the craziest piece of rugged camera ever used. -20°C, forgetting the camera on the tripod over the night while it was doing time laps. No problem. Works.
I know people who dropped their camera into water and still works.
Canon is maybe at the moment the worst when it comes to weather sealing. You can read at the moment a lot of comments where people destroyed their new R5 M2 in mild conditions.
I'll take a dry -30 over wet -5 any day! 🥶🙂
Yes, rain is the biggest threat for camera gear. But I have to say Canon feels really bad at the moment. Only the R1 and R3 feel a bit better. The rest... feels like a plastic toy for kids.
@08-15-dude unfortunately, as a Canon user I have to agree. I (a)buse the R6 but always bring a rain cover.
tip, if ever going to a hot country, if you stay in a hotel with aircon (dry, cool) then take the camera outside (warm, more humid) then it will get condensation on.... to prevent this you can keep your camera bag on the balcony so it stays warm (as long as it isn't at risk of being rained on or nicked (if on ground floor)).
I really thought you were going to say "This is at 24mm because it's stuck at 24mm"
It's so hard for me to go out in the winter. I can't stand the cold and snow. Summer is my favorite season.
I've always thought that my photo gear shouold be able to go wherever I would take myself in whatever conditions I would go, and my Nikons have always been up to it - but I must admit it was never as much of a test as you've given yours! (I'm sitting here in my heated office sipping from a warm mug ...) I do prefer the landscape shots, and also the shot from the past. The new shots do convey the nasty, blustery conditions quite well. Brrr.
Had to laugh at some of the comments on the original video.
I remember being caught in a torrential downpour while shooting cross country with a nikon d80. Not a professional camera, and not weather sealed. Perhaps I was lucky but after a good dry out it was fine.
Certainly made me realise just how a little light rain isn't going to be a problem, especially now I've joined the z8 club.
I can't imagine those conditions!
I took my non-weather-sealed/resistant camera out in a massive downpour and it worked fine for most of the day until the screen died. A bit of fiddling later I realised the screen was fine and it was only the eye sensor that was fogged up and assuming my eye was constantly against the eyepiece. I chose which display to use manually for the rest of the day.
The next morning it still didn't work, so on my way home from work I went and bought a tiny Phillips 0000 screwdriver to crack it open and let the moisture out. By the time I got back from the store it had already sorted itself out. And that's without any claims of weather sealing.
Ironically, given all the claims about physical buttons and moving parts being the weak link in a world where manufacturers want everything to be a sensor, all the physical buttons, dials, switches and even the flippy screen were completely fine despite being operated continuously in the rain and sweating in my camera bag all day.
This is what you get for when you buy the better end. Cameras with great weather sealing. I used to use the Nikon D850 and that weather sealing was fantastic in that camera.. I now use a GFX camera and that is virtually indestructible. In any sort of weather. It's been hit with waves torrential downpours and it has not stopped working. Well done I'm braving the weather. However, that said I do have a rain cover for my bag.... And a simple rain cover for my camera as well and those two things are actually quite cheap off eBay. You can even just use a plastic bag so long as it keeps the moisture off the camera. They are sealed, but they are not waterproof the cover that I have is completely clear so you can see all the dials on it. I also invested in the best camera bag on the planet and it's waterproof as well. The German-made Campagnon you might pay for it but guess what? It's fantastic. It's the best pack you will find. I'm absolutely surprised more professionals aren't using it. It is that good. I even put a small camera in the bag and sprayed it with a high-pressure hose and no water got in there. I use my GFX near saltwater no problems and with all due respect the GFX is much better sealing than the Nikon Z8 way way better and I did a lot of research before I decided which camera I would vote because I do shoot seascapes. My GFX has been hit with a number of waves and it's got no problems
Always use the Nikon BS-3 hot shoe cover.
Hi Nigel, pls can I ask you a question? - How do you clean your micro fibre cloth? Just wash them with other clothes? Do you discard the clothes after few uses/washes? Thanks!
Nice Nigel, Yes, cameras nowadays are weather sealed. Still for instance Sony has some moisture problems with the hotshoe connection and the lenses need to be weathersealed as well (rubber gasket on the mount). If the lens zooms externally, conditions like this might also be a reason to have some external protection. Why not put the camera back in the bag in a cloth while hiking ? I do recommend keeping a spare battery close to your body (inside pocket of jacket) to keep it warm
Rick didn't seem that anxious to get out of the car in the beginning. 😰Can't say that I blame him. 😲 He does do a nice Mads impersonation. Snow and cold is tolerable, but windy freezing rain is very testing. 🥶 A good day for an office video. Carry on. 👍🥂
Awesome boots, what make are they?
Great video
Landscape version of the mono cropped tree and stones 👌
Take it from someone who lives in sub-tropical, south east Queensland, warm doesn't necessarily mean dry. That said, my camera isn't likely to get covered in ice here and we don't have radiators. I never throw out those silica gel packs that come with electronic equipment, because of the humidity.
So very true. I live in a very humid environment (SE Texas) and when you bring your camera indoors after a shoot in summer, the cooler home with the AC blasting will cause condensation of the gear. It can also promote fungi in the lens elements. It's best to caver the camera/lens with a microfiber cloth or something similar until the temperature of of gear can lower slowly to room temperature.
Hi Nigel thanks for sharing nice video and images. I would be scared to do that with my camera especially when coming home with all that condensation then. You got a thumbs up and I ordered 2 fibre cloths. Oh yeah, wish you a happy and successful new year 2025. Greetings from Germany Michael
Looks just like Mads. Ha! I can’t decide if this is inspiring me to go out today in the snow and cold or if it’s convincing me that sitting by the fire is a better idea.
Brilliant Mate
Great to make the effort in those conditions.
I like the portrait of the tree.
Great impression of Mads there by Rick..😂
Never seen a camera has froze as that.. 😆 Nikon are just the best.. 👌 was you vloging with your Z8 too? Or did you use another?
Thank you for the recommendatioins, was looking for a video with proper info on camera care with "extreme" conditions for a while :) I've just ordered the micro fibre cloths :) Just a QQ, how to care for the cloths, e.g. how should we wash the cloths/care for them once they get dirty :) Thank you!
Brilliant - there is no bad weather, just bad clothing (or maybe there is...)
Between you and Morton Hilmer, you guys test our Nikon gear so we don’t have to 😆 A good reminder that it’s built for these environments. Helpful defrosting tips as well! 🥶
I noticed that you did not use a lens hood. I guess it would be a balance between shielding the glass from rain/snow and the hood acting like a sail in the wind. Glad you got to enjoy some weather. I got cold just watching.. ;-)
Not much concern about lens flare in those conditions!
1:08 "it's not great"... that's the most optimistic I have heard you two Englishmen be in a long time 😂
7:08 😅
Does weather sealing work in dusty conditions?
Those conditions you were in remind me of Wyoming. Except the windchill would have been about -30F. Glad you guys made it home safely!
Yes it does
Great video , Nigel. My tripod just broke in the cold weather this morning 😠
Sorry to hear that
A good reminder to just get out, as long as you are aware of your personal safety too. Use your tools, maintain them well, and maybe a nick or two, a little wear on the body paint is ok.
Is 8:40 a record for you saying “It doesn’t get better than this”?
Definitely Mads 😅😅
I give you the utmost respect. But there’s no way I’d be out in that weather taking photos. I guess that’s why I’ll always be an amateur photographer.
I Brit saying “a little bit windy… a little chilly” … translation for the rest of the world (particularly Americans) is “it’s blowing a gale and my arse is frozen!”
Even nikons mid range cameras like the zf and z6iii are said to have the same level of sealing as the bigger brothers just a little more carbon fiber reinforced thermal plastic being used on the body which is better than metal at extreme temperature variations
The only camera that might be built better than Nikon is Olympus, and this is the biggest reason I don't shoot Sony. The 2nd shot with the tree and cluttered foreground, try and xpan crop. It's hard shooting when it is that cold and windy. You got some nice shots.
NIkon just never fails me in extreme conditions. Sony will.
Great video and seems like James Popsys stand in lol
How were you dealing with the snow on the roads in the peaks? I tried the other day and had to abandon due to the ice
I can't believe people go out in this weather just to take pictures for a youtube channel, Benidorm would have been a better option! I do admire your courage though for trying to prove something to your viewers. You should have put a health warning out with this shoot....take care and I hope you got back home safe!
It`s a Nikon, where is the problem ?😉
And Mads is always in the picture 😂
Weather sealed - true, and Nikon specify for the Z 8: Operating temperature: -10C..40C (+14F..104F).
I've seen photographers with Nikons shooting at -20C daytime temperature and they left the camera in the snow at that temperature (to prevent condensation and evaporation issues, as well as thermals that could distort images) or even colder as this was overnight.
The question is then what operating temperatures the memory card supports.
Prosumer cameras in general have their operating temperature start at 0C and most memory cards start their guaranteed operating range at 0C too.
Cards will probably work below, but data integrity can become an issue (spontaneous bit flips can happen).
I would not be afraid of "condensation" on the camera's outside, but I would worry about that happening inside the camera or lens. As the "S" class lenses are weather sealed, I woud not worry too much about "gas breathing" of a lens in focusing or zooming. Most have internal focusing and internal spaces that will get larger/smaller during focusing or zooming have internal breathing connections that shift air internally when elements move.
I would allow a frozen over device to warm up slowly, though.
My bank is blocking international purchases. Very sad for me. I was hoping to try those cloths.
Kudos to you for getting out in such harsh conditions. And for coming away with some decent images. Quite amazing actually. But why did you abuse your gear like that? A simple shower cap would have protected your camera and lens. I would never submit my Z8 and 24-120 to such abuse.
I was out for about 5 hours the other day in about minus 2 temperature...found that in the last hour the card was slowing down after a second or 2 from 20fps to about 8....is this normal
Turn 3min54 into a letterbox format cropping the bottom through the stone wall left, leaving a bit of soil this side of that wall at this side of the view.
It becomes a thinnish strip, but the clutter is gone and still ness is regained.
That lifts it 1.5 level in a grading system, I'd argue.
While (A) you think in "composition" as proven by your videos, that thinking maybe got slowed down in the cold. ;)
It's clear (B) from the perspective that you tilted the camera down. This exaggerates the foreground even more than the 24mm angle would (perspective follow from distance, not focal length, not angle, in fact) It also messes with perception of height in the image because of the altered perspective.
If we combine (A) with (B) keeping the camera level, then the crop moves from the bottom to the top. You still get the letterbox but better perspective inside the "same" crop.
Of course all at the artist's discretion. These are all choices.
People reading this - taking a "perspective drawing class" in an art program really helps becoming aware of all this and it speeds up your "learning to see" process.
We're not born to "see" (in the brain) this. People who are functionally blind in one eye since early childhood (and maybe people on the autism spectrum) should be able to see perspective as they have to rely ion perspective to learn clues about speed and direction of e.g. cars or balls, rather than sticking to the inborn non-photographic way of seeing, but using e.g. the position and movement of eyeballs as clues.
My old D850 and the Z8 I have now are like the Toyota Hilux of cameras. They have taken some abuse and weather and never stopped working.
Never mind the camera , how's the frost bitten cheeks😁
My Sony is sick with 'Sub-zero'itus!
Icy cold hands - I don't think a decent solution exists for working photographers in the icy cold you were in, here. I'd have to leave the gear's "touch" UI aside. And would put on woollen gloves. I would try to source oversized thin rubber gloves like those used for hygiene and put those over the wollen layer. In absence of those, just plain thin plastic bag material gloves with sealed edges. Just to retain the insulating layer of air near the hands.
For years, I have warned my entourage ;) about the Warm Gulf Stream getting stopped by global heating and two months or so ago read it is already slowing down a lot. So we better prepare for an ice age :(
Just ordered a microfibre set, looking forward to using it! Cheers from Canada
Does he impersonate Mads?)
What have you done wrong to be the only landscape photographer without a pair or two of Vallerret gloves? 😊. Also, I think the lens has to be weather sealed as well as the camera.
The Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 is an S-series lens, meaning it is weather sealed
Let’s all go out and test our cameras in the rain and ice! 😂🤔 …ooh - don’t forget to order a cloth! 😂
Getting out to use your camera is good but not if it means you’ll be laid up for weeks with a broken leg or shattered hip after going over on ice as in this video…. At least you got a comment out of me to help your UA-cam KPI’s 👍🏻
“Most extreme conditions” says the man that’s shot in Antarctica. The South Pole has nothing on Staffordshire. Love it.
I could be wrong but I think it's East Cheshire
@ the Roaches is in Staffordshire
Mads
Not sure the images were worth the pain or the potential danger of a fall which would create lots of problems for the emergency services, even if they could get to you.
Sea water and sand not good for cameras and lens.
Great stuff, cutie
Landscape better
Too bad those microfibre cloths are sold out, especially since we have the same initials ND 🥲