condensation question

[PhotoGirl]

hi everyone,
I was taking pictures today and my last picture I took, I was in my garage with the garage door open and it was a bit windy and cold (typical winter weather!), then I went inside. Once inside, I realized maybe I should've placed my camera in a bag to prevent condensation--my questions are: how cold and long do you have to be in that environment to put your camera in a bag to prevent condensation? (I wasn't in the garage long, maybe a minute); do you think I should be concerned about my photos/camera? thanks.

[mwfanelli]

hi everyone,
I was taking pictures today and my last picture I took, I was in my garage with the garage door open and it was a bit windy and cold (typical winter weather!), then I went inside. Once inside, I realized maybe I should've placed my camera in a bag to prevent condensation--my questions are: how cold and long do you have to be in that environment to put your camera in a bag to prevent condensation? (I wasn't in the garage long, maybe a minute); do you think I should be concerned about my photos/camera? thanks.

Condensation depends upon the humidity, temperature, and dew point. There is no one number or one amount of time.

If you don't see condensation you are pretty much safe. Many times, I'll change temperatures and/or humidities without protection based on 30+ years of a "gut feeling." In general, be careful but not fanatical! A long time in the cold, use a baggie. Some time in an extremely humid environment (like a Butterfly Pavillion, use a baggie). Otherwise, don't sweat it too much.

Not as helpful as you were looking for!

[another view]

I don't think you'll have any problem - I've done things much worse than this and been ok.

[Ronnoco]

I don't think you'll have any problem - I've done things much worse than this and been ok.

Yes, I have never used a baggie and I have gone out into minus 40 and into buildings and then out again with no problems. I have even had condensation frozen on my camera lens and viewfinder with no lasting effects or problems.

Ronnoco

[PhotoGirl]

Yes, I have never used a baggie and I have gone out into minus 40 and into buildings and then out again with no problems. I have even had condensation frozen on my camera lens and viewfinder with no lasting effects or problems.

Ronnoco

Wow, really? That's really interesting. thanks for the insight, Ronnoco.

Thanks for the replies everyone, you've all been very helpful.

[yogestee]

Aren't I lucky living in Australia where we don't have such extremes in temperature (not in my neck of the woods anyway)...
Condensation was a big problem when I was tripping around Indochina in '04 and '05..Sitting in an airconditioned car then stepping outside into 35degC heat with 90% humidity my camera looked like it had spent the last few hours under a shower...My Canon 350D never missed a beat even in these extreme conditions..The trick is to allow your camera to adjust to the condition changes...Don't go wiping the condensation off your camera/lenses...It could take 15 minutes to dry..
Don't be too concerned about condensation damaging your gear,,your gear is tougher than you think..

Jurgen

[PhotoGirl]

Don't be too concerned about condensation damaging your gear,,your gear is tougher than you think..

Jurgen

very good point, Jurgen.