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March 01, 2007
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How can I protect my camcorder from the elements?
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VPC camcorder case (courtesy, EWA-marine)
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I'm looking into a camcorder for snowboarding and worry that the cold weather might freeze
the electronics. Is it true that most camcorders can only tolerate a temperature of 32
degrees? Is there something I can use to insulate or protect it?
— Brandon
Spearfish, South Dakota
Do you have a question of your own?
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 There are times when camcorders and cold weather don’t really mix. The problem is
two-fold. First—and this isn’t solely an issue for camcorders—cold weather cuts
the performance of batteries. So you get less run time than normal, and if it gets REALLY
cold, the battery might simply shut down. So that’s one issue. The other is the cold
weather can have a direct physical impact on the camcorder in several ways. The tape may
actually shrink, distorting the recording. And it can cause moisture to condense and even
freeze inside the camcorder, causing all sorts of problems with the electronics. That can
be pretty serious.
Still, I think you’d generally be OK if you kept the camcorder protected as much as
possible—zipped inside your jacket, for instance, then retrieved for a shot when
you’ve established a position and set up what you want to tape. But riding with the
camcorder out, using it when it’s snowing, or getting that great action shot when somebody
blasts snow at the camera—well, nah. I wouldn’t do that. So, of course, that
precludes all the fun stuff.
Your best solution is some sort of weatherproof case. I like the “soft” cases from EWA
Marine (ewa-marine.com), which are made of reinforced polyethylene bonded to an optically
correct viewing port that attaches to the lens. A waterproof bag, in other words. They’re
available for most camcorders on the market, and, depending on the model, cost anywhere
from $200 to $500. You also can take them snorkeling or scuba diving down to 33 feet.
Ikelite (ikelite.com) makes extremely reliable hard cases that are waterproof to 200 feet.
But they’re pricey—around $600, typically.
The Gear Guy reports from
2007 Winter Outdoor Retailer, the bi-annual gearapalooza in Salt Lake City. Check out
his top picks for gear to watch in 2007.
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