Camera Covers

The Camera Parka has been tested over the past 3 years. Prototypes went through modifications and redesign, and different materials were evaluated. We were looking at protection against frost, protection against cold for electronic parts (such as the LCD screen), and mechanical parts (such as the shutter). Wind is a major factor in sub-zero temperatures and protection from wind was also a priority.

Tests were performed one last time on the latest prototype before starting production. Results showed improved battery life, protection from wind, complete protection against frost and moisture, as well as protection from extreme cold affecting the shutter.

For all tests, we used Nikon D800 cameras and newly purchased batteries from the same batch.

The test below was performed in March 2015, at night, at temperatures ranging from -15°C (5°F) to -25°C (-13°F). Two Nikon D800 cameras with fully charged batteries were set up on tripods. All cameras were set to F2.8, 3 second exposure, 24mm. Using the interval timer, a picture was taken every 10 seconds. The battery charge on each camera was measured every 10 minutes. One camera had no protection, one camera was fitted with a Camera Parka.

Results

1. Complete protection from frost
Frost developed within the first half hour on the camera without a cover. No frost was observed on the camera fitted with the Camera Parka. Of note, the protected camera was also used after the 3 hour test for another 3 hours, without any frost developing.

2. Improved battery life and protection from wind
The graph below shows the Battery Charge Test results. Results are expressed in percentage of battery charge left for readings taken every 10 minutes.

There was an initial effect on battery charge when taking the cameras out and setting up for the test, so the first battery charge readings at 0 min are not 100%. The camera fitted with the Camera Parka was taken out and set up first, then the camera without protection to minimize effects from cold before starting the test.

With the Camera Parka, there was a linear decrease of battery charge of 5% observed every 10 minutes, independently of external factors, until the battery charge reached 40%. Then the linear decrease changed to 6% every 10 minutes. With protection from the Camera Parka, the battery lasted for a total of 3h10.

Without protection, the battery lasted for 2h20. The decrease in battery life was not linear and quickly dropped when the charge reached 50%. The variations can be attributed to external factors such as a very light wind and colder temperatures. When a light wind picked up an hour into the test, the temperature dropped from -15°C (5°F) to -21°C (-6°F). At 2 hours, the temperature was -25°C (-13°F).