HP Store Online

What are the temperature limits for digital cameras?

I just got a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W360 and it says in the manual that the recommended temperatures for use are between 0C-40C (32F-104F). But since I am living in a quite cold climate where snowy weather and temperatures between -15C and 0C are common then can't I do any winter pictures at all? Or are these just general recommendations and lower temperatures don't really do any harm to digital cameras?

Public Comments

1. What better way to find out than to try it now? My guess is the camera can withstand -15. The battery won't.
2. Those specifications are for ideal operating conditions. If you use the camera outside on the manufacturer-recommended conditions, you may experience some uncommon problems. The manufacturer is simply protecting itself from unnecessary/unusual/excess liability. Cold will most commonly cause a temporary decrease in battery levels and in extreme cases (I mean like Siberian winter or arctic night extremes), it may cause the camera to lock up or shut down. To lower the chances of experiencing these issues, keep your camera or the battery in a pocket or inside your jacket until you need to use it and turn it off and put it away when you don't.