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Scarlet in Antartica

johannperry

johannperry

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Any thoughts on taking Scarlet to Antartica? I've got a month there next year and with a published operating temp of 0 - 40degrees C can it handle temps down to between -30 and -40 degrees C ? Has anyone taken their Epic to these extremes and survived?
 
I was doubting it would be an issue if you take the usual precautions. Is it your first trip? Johnny?
 
I spent about 40 days in Antarctica once shooting film and what impressed me was that it is not really that cold most of the time. It's cold in their summer, but not like Chicago in a cold winter, for instance. More important is expedition and logistical planning, battery and charging planning redundant parts and that kind of thing. Not to say that the weather can't come up and it can get nasty, but most of the time it is reasonably comfortable in expedition clothes.
 
Johnny Friday said:
yes, first trip and crossing of the drake. Hell, maybe we are on same trip in Jan?
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Well maybe not the same trip but I should be there by the end of Jan so perhaps our paths will cross. Deep respect to you if you are going to be spending your time underwater in those temperatures. I'm planning on staying on the surface trying to stay as cosy as possible.
 
Rob Gardner said:
I spent about 40 days in Antarctica once shooting film and what impressed me was that it is not really that cold most of the time. It's cold in their summer, but not like Chicago in a cold winter, for instance. More important is expedition and logistical planning, battery and charging planning redundant parts and that kind of thing. Not to say that the weather can't come up and it can get nasty, but most of the time it is reasonably comfortable in expedition clothes.
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That's useful to know Rob, I've been in 30 below quit a bit shooting so ready for it but know that it can bite you pretty bad if you are not prepared. Hope you had a few good single malts to see you through the 40 days.
 
Ironically I'm purchasing a Scarlet X instead of going to Antarctica. Both were on my "list of things to do before I grow up" :)
 
Phil Holland said:
Ironically I'm purchasing a Scarlet X instead of going to Antarctica. Both were on my "list of things to do before I grow up" :)
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I'd love to stay at home but someone has to put bread on the table ;)
 
I worked in the arctic during the winter (-45C with up to 100km/h winds) and batteries keeping their charge in the bitter cold was my main issue, whether shooting video or photo. Keep spares (even the main, when not filming) inside your parka at all time. Oh and ALWAYS keep your fly up. :)
 
not sure if they've been developed specifically for epic yet, but some heat packs wouldn't hurt your battery life.
 
this might help

Jarred Land said:
Heh heh... Scarlet Extreme Testing... From +50C to below -20C and then back again... without skipping a beat.

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1320455427.jpg
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I went to Atarctica as a stills photographer (so I'm not comenting on reability). My advice would instead be to carefully concider how to protect your hands. Glows easily become clumsy and using bare hands on cold metal is dangerous and stupid when cold. Another issue of importance for your equipment is not to swap between warm and cold more than nessecary. Moist will likely build up and this can become a problem (like seen in the images above), the least beeing a misty viewer. Batteries should be kept warm though. Remember: ones you have been there you will allways want to go back. Good luck
Andi
 
Holy shit!

Although I'd recommend putting your stuff into a large ziploc bag before coming back in (a large garbage bag will do, as long as it's air tight), so condensation will form outside the bag instead of on/inside the camera itself. You just wait until the camera comes back to room temperature before you take it out of the bag.

Unless you have an infinite supply of cameras available. ;-)
 
Just read Andi's post, totally agree with hand protection. I got frostbitten three years ago on my right hand that's still painful when cold. Not to mention the permanent skin discoloration.
 
Another Tip for cold weather, when you go inside wait until the camera is room temperature or your lenses/sensors will fog up and your going to be up a creek without a paddle until they thermally equalize with the air, and if you go outside with a fogged sensor, it will freeze (unless your lucky and the heat from the sensor keeps the water crystals off).

Did that once with a DSLR and it messed up shooting for over 2 hours while I tried to heat up the camera on-set enough to get the lens/sensors to stop fogging.
 
LCD will likely fail in those temps or at the very least become glacially unresponsive, esp if depended on for camera adjustments via menu. Never mind gloved fingers likely being clumsy, and pulling gloves to make adjustments is unwise...
EVF BOMB, esp since its heated would seem the safest method of viewing in uber-cold.

And as said, condensation of bringing in chilled gear a problem so prep and bagging prior to going in critical. Also assume lube in lens gears will freeze and make adjusting more difficult. Assume battery life will be cut in have and stock accordingly, tho rewarming under coat may bring them back (tho doing YOU no favors! :)

Stu Aull
25 yrs Arcitc shooting
Alaska
 
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