Backup body for extreme environment

[jhpeterson]

Why so much good talk about the 7D?
I don't know if anyone else has had my experience, but I had a run of bad luck with mine. Thought I'd trade in an almost new 5D2 for one, because I thought it might be better sealed.
It may have been, but in the year I owned it I sent it back to Canon four times. Had it not been for my CPS Platinum membership, the repair costs would would have been more than the initial price.

To the OP, if you can afford it, get a 1DS Mark III. Or several. If not, get a 1D III.

 

[jrista]

Why so much good talk about the 7D?

Because...the 7D is a friggin TANK!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT-YMgjm9k&x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404


8)

 

[PatchedUp]

What weight or space restrictions are you going to be dealing with? You're much better off having 3-4 1D bodies (mk2/mk2N/mk3) than a single 7D. There are days you'll want the higher MP or iso ability, but for day in day out rough, using a 1D will be more resilient. 18 months, damn, not sure I could do that length of time.

Fortunately there are no weight restrictions as I will make the entire journey by boat from the UK. Equally space restrictions are more than generous so both are a non-issue.

The more replies I see in this thread the more I think I may be settling for a 1ds3 and will probably bring along a 70-200 f/2.8L IS II, 24-105 f/4 a 2x extender and a samyang 14. Hopefully that should cover me sufficiently without taking too much but any ideas on the lens choice? I'm not too concerned about the lack of the 24-70 f/2.8 II.

 

[Don Haines]

Something else to consider..... 18 months is a lot of pictures. If it were me, I would be bringing along 4 of those 2TB USB hard drives... Two for storage and two for backup.... And several spare memory cards... Can't run out to best buy....

 

[PatchedUp]

I was planning at the very least 4-5TB of storage with double redundancy (one on each side of the base fire partition) with at least 5 cards. With exception of the week long winter trips I wouldn't expect to be away from the base for any real length of time so shouldn't need many cards in terms of capacity rather for redundancy/spare.

 

[Khufu]

Pocket hand warmer packs are great for keeping batteries ready to go and not cold depleted. True it only gets down to about -5F where I shoot but they work fantastically.

Failing that, if you've ever wondered why we have armpits, they're for snuggly storing batteries! Also a good place for reheating smaller lenses... I know. Photographers are disgusting!

 

[mackguyver]

I wouldn't consider the 5D or 5DII as there are numerous reports of their somewhat poor weather sealing. I'd go for a 2nd (refurb) 7D or an older 1D body if you can swing the cost.

 

[privatebydesign]

Already gave my opinion, but just saw this and thought it was interesting and relevant.

http://petapixel.com/2012/12/20/frozen-camera-what-a-dslr-looks-like-when-shooting-in-a-25c-environment/

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi privatebydesign.
Thanks for sharing this link, I'd have been worried about condensation thawing them out in front of an oven! I watched the time lapse video made at the time, very nice work. Really liked the towns lighting up. This fellow seems to be quite talented! ;D

Cheers, Graham.

Already gave my opinion, but just saw this and thought it was interesting and relevant.

http://petapixel.com/2012/12/20/frozen-camera-what-a-dslr-looks-like-when-shooting-in-a-25c-environment/

 

[rfdesigner]

Already gave my opinion, but just saw this and thought it was interesting and relevant.

http://petapixel.com/2012/12/20/frozen-camera-what-a-dslr-looks-like-when-shooting-in-a-25c-environment/

tad chilly.. that guy needs a dew heater: http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dew-prevention/astrozap-dew-heater-tapes.html

(no connection, just a happy customer)

In fact the OP might benefit (note, the idea is not to "cook" the optics, but to keep it just 1C or so above ambient, then no moisture will condense or frost form.

 

[tolusina]

Some copy/pasted specs......
---
Operating Environment

Canon 1Dx and 7DII

Working Temperature Range
32-104°F/0-40°C

Working Humidity Range
85% or less
---
Pentax K-3

Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)

Weather resistant: Yes (92 special sealing parts)
---
I expect such specs to be somewhat conservative in that you can still expect some performance when operating outside those stated envelopes. Exactly how far beyond spec will vary by unit and use/care case.

 

[PatchedUp]

Just a wee update, decided to throw caution to the wind and upgraded to a 1DX and use both as equals depending on what requirements I would like at the time. In reality though will probably just use the 7D for the extra reach.

At least the glass decision was much less costly...!

 

[privatebydesign]

Just a wee update, decided to throw caution to the wind and upgraded to a 1DX and use both as equals depending on what requirements I would like at the time. In reality though will probably just use the 7D for the extra reach.

At least the glass decision was much less costly...!

Just make sure you run a few thousand images through it and give it a real shakedown and get to know it. The return policy is a lengthy process from Antarctica addresses I'd take three batteries at least too.

 

[PatchedUp]

Definitely, I'm not heading off for another 6 months so I thought that should be more than plenty of time to discover any issues and get them resolved in time.

3 was the number of batteries I was planning, so glad to hear that its a reasonable number to take.

Can't wait to start playing!

 

[PatchedUp]

For anyone who is interested in an update, the camera is doing well down in Antarctica. The 7D hardly sees any action at all now.

The other week the camera took a bit of a punishing in mid -35 Celsius (~-31F) for about 3 days - needless to say the zooming action was pretty stiff on the lenses and the screens/viewfinder were pretty slow to respond but the camera itself worked great albeit with atrocious battery life. I got about 30 shots out of a battery before it needed to be warmed up again! Rotating the batteries meant I could keep shooting all day without issue however.

Holding the camera at those temperatures even with big thick gloves was a bit uncomfortable, it just zapped all the heat out of my hands!

Will have to see how it copes in colder temperatures now that we are getting deeper into winter.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Strangely enough, Li-On batteries are extremely poor in the cold, but Ni-MH holdup fine, so a grip for the 7D with Ni-MH batteries might have given a longer battery life, or not degrade as much. Lack of effective weather sealing would be the big concern

Since you must wear thick mittens, the larger camera is easier to use.

 

[David the street guy]

For anyone who is interested in an update, the camera is doing well down in Antarctica. The 7D hardly sees any action at all now.

The other week the camera took a bit of a punishing in mid -35 Celsius (~-31F) for about 3 days - needless to say the zooming action was pretty stiff on the lenses and the screens/viewfinder were pretty slow to respond but the camera itself worked great albeit with atrocious battery life. I got about 30 shots out of a battery before it needed to be warmed up again! Rotating the batteries meant I could keep shooting all day without issue however.

Holding the camera at those temperatures even with big thick gloves was a bit uncomfortable, it just zapped all the heat out of my hands!

Will have to see how it copes in colder temperatures now that we are getting deeper into winter.

Thanks for the update, it's very nice of you to take the time to make us dream about your icy paradise! I understand perfectly what you mean by "zapping all the heat", I experienced a similar feeling with my bulky 1D ii this winter. It was not on a very cold day, but it seems that under -25°C or so, the mass of the camera is enough for that effect to be produced.

As winter is upon you way down south, the last patches of snow are slowly melting, here in Québec: let us both enjoy the magic and the beauty of the seasons!

Thanks again!

 

[rfdesigner]

For anyone who is interested in an update, the camera is doing well down in Antarctica. The 7D hardly sees any action at all now.

The other week the camera took a bit of a punishing in mid -35 Celsius (~-31F) for about 3 days - needless to say the zooming action was pretty stiff on the lenses and the screens/viewfinder were pretty slow to respond but the camera itself worked great albeit with atrocious battery life. I got about 30 shots out of a battery before it needed to be warmed up again! Rotating the batteries meant I could keep shooting all day without issue however.

Holding the camera at those temperatures even with big thick gloves was a bit uncomfortable, it just zapped all the heat out of my hands!

Will have to see how it copes in colder temperatures now that we are getting deeper into winter.

Thanks for getting back. As a result I followed the link to your site (little globe under your avatar).

You've got some some lovely images in there.

 

[pwp]

I worked in the Antarctica with a pair of Nikons but was extremely glad I made the decision to also pack a high quality pocket camera. It got used far more than I could have predicted.

-pw

 

[Mikehit]

As a result I followed the link to your site (little globe under your avatar).

You've got some some lovely images in there.

+1
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