Can dSLR withstand heat?

[Taylor510ce]

This may be a dumb question, but I have been meaning to ask it for a while. I live in Arizona so it gets pretty darn hot in the summer. I want to start taking my camera with me everywhere I go, but am worried about leaving it in the car for extended periods. Like if I go in to see a movie, or eat at a restaurant. Typically I would leave the windows cracked just to let SOME of the heat out, but it would still be an oven in the car. I have a T1i. Aside from fogging issues, would the heat pose a threat to the camera? Could it melt something inside like the sensor or some solder or something? What about on typical lenses?

 

[Leo4]

My E500 has done well with the heat in Mexico and the humity in El Salvador so you are fine if you keep it in a case out of the direct sunlight, maybe wouldnt hurt to keep a window or sunroof cracked

 

[tirediron]

I've toted DSLRs all around the Middle East - I think the record I experienced was about 54C or 130F. Other than the fogging issues which I solved by leaving the gear outside whenever possible, I had no heat related issues. One thing to be careful of though is dust, as the hotter the climate the dustier it will often be. Changing lenses should be minimized and if you need try and find a sheltered spot to do it.

 

[PerfectlyFlawed]

I live in Arizona myself, and I've left many things in my car just for hours at a time-came back and they were all mishapen, melted or damaged of somesort. With ur camera...I wouldn't even RISK it. There's always that "what if", not to mention (especially down here in az's cities) crap gettin stolen.

I'm sure if u left it in the case out of direct sun light it *may* survive....but is it really worth the risk????!

 

[MattxMosh]

The only true test is to set it on fire.

 

[Josh66]

^^^ :lmao:

 

[Taylor510ce]

I live in Arizona myself, and I've left many things in my car just for hours at a time-came back and they were all mishapen, melted or damaged of somesort. With ur camera...I wouldn't even RISK it. There's always that "what if", not to mention (especially down here in az's cities) crap gettin stolen.

I'm sure if u left it in the case out of direct sun light it *may* survive....but is it really worth the risk????!

If it got stolen I would just have an excuse to buy a more expensive one

Yeah I am not sure if I will risk it or not. Summer is almost over anyway. I think if it stood up in the middle east, it would be ok here. BUT its not a pro level body either which is sealed with a magnesium alloy body ( I am pretty sure my EOS model is mostly plastic. ) Thanks for the input guys. Maybe I will email Canon and see if they have any advice or specific ratings.

 

[Josh66]

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS Rebel T1i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit

Scroll all the way to the bottom.

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

Working Humidity Range
85% or less

Sounds like Canon would not advise leaving that body in a car in the AZ sun...

 

[Morpheuss]

I know reading the manual for my DSLR it says the best temp for the camera is between 32 F and 104 F

 

[Taylor510ce]

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : EOS Rebel T1i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit

Scroll all the way to the bottom.

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

Working Humidity Range
85% or less

Sounds like Canon would not advise leaving that body in a car in the AZ sun...

HMMM, but I assume that means it would overheat if trying to shoot at that temp. I am talking strictly temporary storage. Of course I have shot in 110 degees here. SO not so sure that is accurate. haha. Thanks though.

 

[Taylor510ce]

I live in Arizona myself, and I've left many things in my car just for hours at a time-came back and they were all mishapen, melted or damaged of somesort. With ur camera...I wouldn't even RISK it. There's always that "what if", not to mention (especially down here in az's cities) crap gettin stolen.

I'm sure if u left it in the case out of direct sun light it *may* survive....but is it really worth the risk????!

What part of AZ? I am near South Mountain.

 

[Juice]

Insulate it (as in keep it in a case or put it under something) and it will be fine. I have a T1i and a black car, and as long as I keep the camera in the bag and on the floor somewhere, the camera itself never actually gets exceedingly hot.

 

[Vinny]

I agree with this but if you want to step it up a little buy a small cooler and a "blue ice" pack and put the camera in there. I wouldn't put the ice pack in the freezer but refrigerate it. It should keep the camera cool, it may not last 8-10 hours but a few should not be a problem.

Insulate it (as in keep it in a case or put it under something) and it will be fine. I have a T1i and a black car, and as long as I keep the camera in the bag and on the floor somewhere, the camera itself never actually gets exceedingly hot.

 

[Taylor510ce]

Thanks, I had wondered how well insulating it would work. I have left it in the car in around 100 degree temps but usually early daytime or evening with not alot of direct sunlight and it was inside of my Tamrac backpack. I did notice that the camera wasn't too bad when I took it out, but I did not test it to the extreme midday for 1-2 hours.

 

[burstintoflame81]

I am in AZ also, and I never leave my camera in the car in the summer. I letf a point and shoot in the car once andit stopped working. Could have just been apiece of sh*t though...haha