The Best Cameras For Cold Weather + Winter Photography Tips For 2025

Cold Weather Camera Care Tips

❄️ How to prevent condensation

First, you’ll need to think about preventing condensation on your camera. When you go from warmer to colder (even just from a tent in really cold locations to the outside), condensation can form and damage your camera if it forms on the inner electronic parts or the glass.

When you warm up again, you’ll need to be slow as well to prevent damage.

• Place your camera into a polypropylene freezer bag and make sure it’s semi-sealed by twisting or making a knot in the bag.

• Place the bag with your camera inside your insulated camera bag.

• When warming back up, let your camera come to room temperature before taking it out of the bag, and avoid breathing on your lens (use a camera cloth instead) so ice doesn’t end up forming.

• The second tip for cold weather photography is helping your batteries last longer, because the cold can make them slower.

• In addition, make sure to shield your camera from precipitation, wind or other elements when you’re outside. Don’t change lenses outside, or make sure to have as much protection as possible if you must.

❄️ Cold weather battery tips

• Make sure to bring more extra batteries than usual, about 3x the amount to be safe.

• Keep extra batteries close to your skin (like in an inside pocket) to keep them warm – you may need to rotate batteries to warm up the one that’s been in your camera, depending on the temperature and how long you’re using your camera.

• Let your batteries warm up before charging to avoid additional wear and tear

• Reduce the power your camera is using by changing settings like turning off the after shot preview, turning off image stabilization and flash, and more.

• You can also reduce the time spent looking at your photos on the camera, and pre-focusing.

Cold Weather Photography Tips & Camera Settings

• Use flash sparingly to take close-up photos of snowflakes
• Don’t use your flash otherwise in the snow
• Use fast shutter speed to capture snow fall in photos
• Make sure any and all lens are also weather-sealed!

Lighting Features

Cold weather, especially with snow or rain, can mean cloudy conditions and low lighting – not to mention sunset, sunrise and night photography in the cold!

✅ Full Frame Sensors are better than cropped:

• Full frame sensors allow more light to enter so you can capture a more complete range of color and mood.
• If you’re using a wide angle lens, full frame sensors also help your photos have more realistic (less warped) angles.
• Your camera sensor determines the type of lens you can buy, so if you get a full-frame camera, you’ll usually only be able to fit full-frame lenses. This makes your camera an investment.

✅ F-stop and Aperture

The Aperture is the opening in the lens that determines how much light comes into the sensor. The aperture’s blades (or diaphragm) opens and closes when you take the photo.

Low aperture means the opening is smaller, and high aperture means the opening is wider. This makes your photos lighter or darker and determines the depth of field, which is how much of your photo appears in focus versus blurry.

The F-stop (or F-number) is the ratio of lens focal length to diameter of the entrance pupil – this is the number you see when you adjust the aperture size. For example, f/2 is larger than f/16, which is smaller.

People will pay much more for cameras that allow for a larger maximum aperture, particularly for low-light photography and for allowing for more depth of field. The minimum f-stop isn’t as important.

To make snow look white in your photos, you can use +.3, or 1/3 of an f stop, or set to +7 (2/3) or even +1 for f-stop.

✅ ISO

You can increase ISO to brighten photos when the weather conditions aren’t light enough. Cameras with a range of around 400-200 are needed for low-light photography. You will only need ISO when the aperture and shutter speed don’t do enough for your photos.

✅ Snow/Beach Mode

Check to see if your camera has a beach or snow scene mode, which will help capture snow. You can also use “Matrix Metering Mode”.

The Right Camera Features for Cold Weather Sports & Action Shots

If you’re shooting sports like snowboarding, skiing, surfing or more cold weather action shots – including waves – here are the features to look for in a camera:

✅ 12 or higher Frames Per Second (FPS)

This shows how many photos you can take per second continuously. This is absolutely important for action photos. 12 or higher is best, and no lower than 5.

✅ Shutter Speed for Fast Burst Shooting

If shutter speed too low then photos will turn out blurry with fast action sports photography.

In contrast, you want slow shutter speed for night photography, but everything has to be still because of the long exposure. Fast shutter speed means shorter exposure time.

✅ Autofocus

I always like to experiment with both to make sure I get non-blurry shots (if I happen to not see the image clearly enough on the viewfinder).

✅ FPS

FPS is the frame rate, or number of frames recorded, per second when capturing video. The higher your frame rate, the smoother your videos will be, which is especially important for fast-moving cold weather sports like snowboarding.

✅ Continuous Drive (Burst) Mode

Continuous Drive, or Burst Drive Mode is when you hold down the shutter button and your camera continues to take photos. It’s great for sports, snow and wildlife photography, so you can ensure that you’ll get the shot, or even to capture a series. The higher the burst mode, the more shots you’ll be able to capture!

Durability for The Best Cameras For Cold Weather

When considering a camera for cold weather photography, it’s essential to pay attention to its durability specifications.

The level of durability you need may depend on the type of camera you choose, but it’s also influenced significantly by how diligently you maintain and protect your equipment (for tips on extending your camera’s lifespan, keep reading).

The crucial aspects to look for in a camera suitable for cold weather photography are:

✅ Weather-Sealing:

Weather-sealing is a critical factor in ensuring your camera can withstand the challenging weather conditions often encountered during cold weather photography.

This feature helps protect your camera’s internal components from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors.

✅ Construction Materials:

High-quality cameras designed for durability are often crafted from a single piece of metal. However, it’s worth noting that many lower-priced cameras are constructed with durable plastics, which can still offer a good level of durability.

The choice between metal and plastic may depend on your budget and specific needs.

✅ Shutter Actuations:

Keep in mind that the number of shutter actuations a DSLR camera can endure varies by model. Manufacturers typically provide estimations for the expected shutter life of each model.

However, with proper care and maintenance, your camera is likely to outlast its shutter’s expected lifespan. Ultimately, you may find it necessary to upgrade your camera due to technological advancements rather than wear and tear if you take good care of it.

Additional Needs for Best Cameras For Cold Weather

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind when selecting the ideal camera for cold weather photography:

✅ Video Capability:

Video recording capability is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you plan to capture videos alongside your still shots.

A high frames-per-second (fps) rate is essential for capturing smooth and high-quality footage.

Also be sure to consider the camera’s video recording duration, as some cameras may have limitations, typically not exceeding 30 minutes at a time.

✅ WiFi Connectivity:

WiFi functionality can greatly enhance your photography experience. It enables you to effortlessly transfer photos from your camera to your mobile device or laptop.

Moreover, it allows for remote control of your camera through dedicated apps, helping take selfies or remotely triggering the shutter. This wireless convenience streamlines the process of backing up photos, ensuring you can quickly transfer images to your computer or share them with others while on the move, without the hassle of manual memory card downloads.

✅ RAW Image Format:

Opting for a camera that supports the RAW image format is essential for most photographers. Shooting in RAW captures a wealth of image data, providing greater flexibility for post-processing and editing, which can help a lot with things like making snow look white, fixing lighting and color, and more.

Whether you plan to edit your photos extensively, print large-format images, or aim for the utmost in professional-quality photographs, shooting in RAW ensures you have the highest-quality source material to work with, resulting in stunning and customizable final images for sharing and printing.

Making your camera last longer for cold weather photography & video

✅ Don’t leave batteries or memory cards in for long periods of time

✅ Don’t charge your battery or camera on the wrong kind of charger (you could ruin it)

✅ Keep your camera out of extreme heat or cold, or high moisture for long periods of time. Also don’t take your camera from one extreme temperature into another right away. You can use a bag to prevent damage for this (as discussed earlier).

✅ Use a high-quality camera strap or clip and avoid letting your camera bump or bounce around too much when hiking and with other outdoor activities

✅ Use a protective bag specific for cameras when traveling

✅ Know how to use your tripod and always make sure everything is secured and leveled correctly.

✅ Always turn the power off immediately when you’re not using the camera

✅ Bring a soft cloth, bag of rice and cleaning kit to make sure it’s dry at all times

✅ Keep your lenses clean and dry

✅ Let the professionals take care of anything more major

Cold Weather Tips for Human Photographers

👉 Set all the presets you’ll need in really cold weather before going outside, because it’s hard to work camera settings with gloves on, and without gloves your hands will be cold which will still make it difficult.

👉 Be careful pressing your nose to the back of your camera – you can get frostbite!

👉 Don’t get too close to wildlife if you’re practicing wildlife photography. Use a telephoto lens instead (make sure it’s weather-sealed).

👉 Always keep your head, neck, hands and feet warm. Use hand warmers for yourself first!

👉 Don’t go out in really extreme temperatures, and don’t stay out too long in extreme cold. Take photos from inside a window if needed!

👉 Dress in layers and wear proper gear for things like hiking or snow, rain and ice.

👉 Just because i’ts cold doesn’t mean the sun isn’t working. Use sunscreen on your face, and stay hydrated with water and electrolytes.

👉 Start your day with a warm shower, hot breakfast, and hot water bottle. You can even pre-warm your clothes!

👉 Bring a thermal bottle with hot coffee or other beverage to keep warm for 12 hours. Also bring snacks and make sure to eat enough protein and carbs (you can eat more than usual when you’re spending time in the cold).

👉 Try not to get sweaty, but keep moving to stay warm. Thermal underwear that wicks sweat is best for this.

👉 Wear an extra pair of socks and boots that have an inner lining to keep moisture away from your feet. You can also tuck thermals or pants into socks.

👉 If you’re not by your house, bring an extra change of clothes in case you get wet.

👉 Get out of the cold when you need to and warm back up!

Drone Tips for Cold Weather

Flying a drone in cold weather requires careful planning and consideration of various factors to ensure a safe and successful flight. Here are some tips and best practices for flying a drone in cold weather:

• Monitor Battery Life: Cold temperatures have a significant impact on drone batteries, causing them to lose power faster. Ensure your batteries are fully charged before flying and keep a close eye on their status during the flight. In extreme cold conditions, batteries may deplete up to 50% faster. Carry extra, fully charged batteries to avoid a mid-flight shutdown.

• Warm-Up Your Drone: Allow your drone to warm up for a few minutes before taking off. This helps mitigate the adverse effects of cold on the battery and other components.

• Be Aware of Lighting Conditions: Snow and overcast skies can affect your drone camera’s settings, resulting in underexposed photos. Adjust camera settings such as shutter speed and white balance to compensate for reduced natural light.

• Time Your Flights: Plan your flights during daylight hours when the sun is directly overhead to minimize shadows and enhance image quality. Avoid flying your drone before sunrise or after sunset, as FAA regulations prohibit this.

• Wind Considerations: Avoid flying in windy conditions, especially if you’re not an experienced pilot. High winds can jeopardize flight safety and battery life. Check weather forecasts and use tools like UAV Forecast to assess wind speeds at your intended flight altitude.

• Fly Upwind First: If you must fly in windy conditions, start by flying upwind and then return downwind. This approach helps maintain control and stability during flight.

• Takeoff and Landing Caution: Be cautious during takeoffs and landings in windy conditions, as drones are more vulnerable to veering off course during these phases.

• Moisture and Condensation: Cold weather often brings increased condensation. Moisture can damage your drone’s motors, camera, and internal systems. Avoid flying in rainy, snowy, or foggy weather conditions. Choose a drone with high-visibility lights for better tracking.

• Avoid Snow Contact: After snowfall, avoid launching or landing your drone directly on snow-covered surfaces. Use a pad or elevated platform to protect your drone’s motors from moisture.

• Pre-Flight Planning: Plan your drone mission before heading to the site to minimize the time spent in the cold.

• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to reschedule your flight if conditions become too challenging.

FAQs for The Best Cameras For Cold Weather

👉 What temperature is too cold for cameras?

While the exact temperature threshold can vary depending on the camera model and manufacturer, a general guideline is to avoid exposing your camera to temperatures below freezing (0°C / 32°F) for extended time periods, especially if it’s not designed for extreme cold.

👉 How do I keep my camera working in cold weather?

To keep your camera working in cold weather, use fully charged batteries and keep spares warm, minimize exposure to extreme cold, use a weather-resistant camera bag, and avoid rapid temperature changes to prevent condensation.

👉 Can it be too cold for a camera?

Yes, it can be too cold for a camera. Extremely low temperatures can affect battery life, freeze mechanical parts, and cause condensation, potentially leading to camera malfunctions or damage.

👉 Do DSLR cameras work in cold weather?

DSLR cameras can work in cold weather, but their performance may be affected by low temperatures. Battery life may decrease, and some moving parts could slow down, so it’s essential to take precautions like keeping batteries warm and protecting the camera from moisture and extreme cold.

👉 How do you take pictures in cold weather?

To take pictures in cold weather, ensure your camera is adequately protected from the cold, use fully charged batteries and keep spares warm, dress warmly yourself, and be mindful of potential issues like condensation when transitioning between temperature extremes.

👉 Does cold ruin photos?

Cold temperatures typically don’t ruin photos directly, but they can impact camera performance, leading to reduced battery life, slower operation, and potential condensation issues when transitioning between extreme cold and warmth. Proper precautions and camera care can help lessen these effects and ensure your photos remain unaffected by the cold.

👉 Can you leave a Canon camera in a cold car?

Leaving a Canon camera in a cold car for a short period, such as during a brief stop, is generally fine as long as you take precautions when bringing it back into a warmer environment to prevent condensation.

However, for extended periods of extreme cold, it’s advisable to store the camera in a warmer place indoors to protect it from potential damage or performance issues associated with very low temperatures. Cold can affect battery life and camera operation.

👉 How do I keep my outdoor camera from freezing?

To prevent your outdoor camera from freezing in cold weather, here are things you can do:

• Use weatherproof housing or enclosures
• Consider heated locations to shoot in for extremely cold climates
• Perform regular maintenance on your camera and gear
• Use battery warmers
• Optimize camera settings
• Enable remote monitoring
• Have backup power sources
• Conduct regular checkups to address any cold-related issues promptly

Smartphone Photography Tips for Cold Weather

Here are the best smartphones for cold weather photography:

• Google Pixel 7 Pro (or 7)
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (or S22)
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro (or 13 pro)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Sony Xperia 1 III

Top Tips for Taking Smartphone Pictures & Video in Cold Weather:

• Keep your smartphone warm in a pocket close to your body when not in use.
• Use touchscreen-compatible gloves or stylus to operate the phone’s screen without exposing your hands to the cold.
• Be cautious of condensation when transitioning between cold outdoor environments and warmer indoor spaces.
• Keep spare batteries or a portable charger warm to maintain smartphone battery life.
• Protect the phone from moisture, snow, and frost using a waterproof case, like this one, or plastic bag.
• Adjust camera settings for lower light conditions and consider using a mobile photography app for additional control.
• Use natural light to your advantage during daylight hours for better cold-weather photography.
• Wipe the phone’s lens regularly to prevent snow or frost buildup, which can affect image quality.
• Be mindful of potential touch sensitivity issues in extreme cold, and ensure your phone’s software is up to date for optimal performance.

Tip: Download my guide via email on how to take the best photos on your smartphone at the end of this post – You’ll get a choice of downloading a guide for Android or iPhone!

All In All: The Best Cameras For Cold Weather

I hope this helps you decide which camera(s) to use in cold weather, and how to care for your camera to prevent problems that can happen in the cold!

If you skipped to the end, here’s the list of the best cameras for cold weather:

• The best camera overall (Mirrorless) is Leica SL2 47MP Mirrorless Full-Frame Camera
• The best DSLR for cold weather is the Olympus OM-D E-M1X
• The Insta360 X3 is the best action camera for cold weather
• The best camera for cold weather for vacation photographer enthusiasts is the Nikon Z 30 Mirrorless Camera
• The best camera for cold weather for Winter travel beginners on a budget (under $500) is the Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with case
• The best point-and-shoot camera for cold weather for best quality photography is the Leica Q2 Monochrom Full Frame (or the The Leica Q2 Digital Camera Black for color photos)
• The best point-and-shoot camera for cold weather for Winter travel beginners on a budget (under $500) is the Olympus Tough TG-7
• Best Drone For Cold Weather is the DJI Mavic Air 2

For alternatives (if you’re looking for a certain brand or other price options), just go through this post to the type of camera you’re looking for, and there are alternatives listed on some of them, too!

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