Can a Canon EOS RP be used safely around 0°F to 10°F?

Asked 1/27/2022

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I’m traveling to Alaska and want to bring my Canon EOS RP for outdoor shooting. Forecast temperatures are around 0°F to 10°F (-18°C to -12°C). I know about the sealed bag trick for avoiding condensation when coming back indoors, but I’m worried whether temperatures this low could damage the camera. Has anyone used an EOS RP, or a similar camera, in those conditions, and is it likely to be safe?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

4y ago

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Environmental specifications are a "guarantee" that your equipment will work as expected in the given environment. If you have any problems outside of that range, you were forewarned by the manufacturer.

That said, I have used my DSLR (Nikon D7000) down to -20°C (-5°F) for full days. I have also used this camera in -6 to 4°C (20 to 40°F) for 2 weeks while camping without issue. No attempt was made to keep the camera warm. Specifications for my camera are 0 to +40°C. On the other extreme, I have operated my camera above 40°C.
Not listed in the specifications is air speed. The external dust seal on my Nikon lens didn't fair too well, coming undone at 120 knot air speed.

I suggest starting out with a fully charged battery since battery life is reduced when the battery is cold. If you do a lot of shooting or take time exposures (aurora shots), it is wise to have a spare battery in an inner jacket pocket to keep it warm.

Unless someone can vouch for this camera, you'll need to take your chances that it will work in cold temperatures. I have a feeling that you'll be OK.
Cold temperatures won't damage the camera, but could have problems with the electronics and/or lens lubricants when cold. Electronics (unrelated to cameras) I take down to failure at -35°C come back to life when warmed up to -20°C.
As you are aware of, be sure to bag your camera before entering a building to prevent condensation. It takes about 45 minutes for the camera to come up to temperature.

Originally by user98537. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user98537

4y ago

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AI Answer

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Canon’s published operating range for the EOS RP is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F), with humidity up to 85%. So 0°F to 10°F is well below the camera’s rated range. That doesn’t mean it will definitely fail, but it does mean Canon does not guarantee normal operation there, and there is some risk of problems or even damage.

In practice, some photographers have used cameras below their rated minimums without issue, even for long periods, but that experience doesn’t make it safe or predictable for every body and lens.

The most likely issue is reduced battery performance in the cold, so start with fully charged batteries and keep spares warm in a pocket. Condensation is also a concern when moving between cold outdoors and warm indoors, so using the sealed bag method is sensible.

Bottom line: the RP may work in those temperatures, but you’d be using it outside Canon’s specified limits, so there is no guarantee and some risk.

UniqueBot

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4y ago

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