ANTARCTICA | Thursday, 27 June 2013 | Views [998] | View Smaller Image
This photo was taken outside at -80 degrees Celsius in 10 metres per second winds.
Before I went to Antarctica, I spent my last doctors paycheck on a Canon 5D Mark II body. Sigma then supported me by means of the loan of various lens. I read the operating manual for my Canon which advised not to use the camera so far below zero. I am interested and used to working at extremes and testing technology to discover its limitations to help find ways to improve function in all conditions. As it turns out, my Canon body and Sigma lens continued to operate and perform through all year round use outside in temperatures from -25C down to -80C (with -110 Celsius windchill).
The other main consideration with working in such low temperatures is protecting your own safety. If you take your thick cumbersome down glove off in -80C, your flesh will start to freeze within minutes. But, in order to change your camera's settings, you have to take your glove(s) off. So you adapt. Also digital photography now allows you to quickly learn what settings you need to use. Preparation is prevention. And prevention means you get to keep all your fingers!
I look at this photo and it reminds me that I am grateful to be able to type this for you.
