Canon EOS Rebel XS doesn't like the cold?

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I was shooting a Sniper Competition today in 17*F weather. Unfortunately I was not shooting the competition with my rifle since I was not able to register in time for this event. Instead I took the Canon and went as a spectator so I could at least get a writeup for my website.

My camera is a Rebel XS, and for the 2.5 hour drive to the match it was sitting up front with me in my truck. When I got there all was well for the first couple of hours. Then I began to notice that about once in every four to five shots the shutter would fire, but no image was recorded.

I realize that the minimum operating temp for the Rebel XS is listed as 32*F. Was this really the issue? The battery was fine, all other functions were fine. I would expect the shutter or battery to have problems before the sensor or electronics.

Another photographer there was shooting with a 5D and had no problems at all.

 

[John Mc]

The Xs isnt weather sealed,which may be why you had the issues, Whilst the 5D is.

It could also be the age of your camera. If its old,and coupled with the cold,it might need a service,or it might just be issues with the Circuit's. If ice crystals form on the circuits they can prevent current running through the circuit's.
Because the Sensor heats up during use,it could have formed condensation which would have frozen in colder parts of the camera.it should be fine.

But if the problems persist,take it too get serviced.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

It's relatively new. Working fine now in the warm house.

No problem. Gives me a reason so save for a 7D.

 

[John Mc]

Sounds like ice crystals forming inside the camera. Im fortunate enough to live in a country that doesent experience extremly cold winters! the 7D would probably suit the colder climit and the damp weather which you'll probably experience if your at another shooting comp.Did you get any good photo's though?

 

[Mecal]

I've used mine in the cold - not as cold, maybe 28ºF, for about 2 hours and haven't experience any problems.

 

[Pepperpwni]

I recently spent three hours in times square shooting with a friend with my Rebel XS (he has a 7D, but he was teaching me the basics; it was my first day with the camera) without any issues. The camera spent a good deal of time inside my backpack as well, which isn't very cold but also not very warm. Ive used it in various cold-weather situations over the past two weeks with no issues as well.

Thats just my personal experience thus far; obviously youve had yours a bit longer than I have, so maybe thats a factor.

 

[altitude604]

I've done a fair bit of cold weather shooting with my XSi but only in about the -15C range. Had no issues at all.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

fair enough.

if it exhibits the issue again, then back to Canon it will go.

The next shoot is in Vegas, so cold weather should not be problem.

 

[Big Mike]

17 F isn't cold. Try shooting in -40F (-40C). That's cold.

You said the battery was fine, but I'd still guess that the battery was the problem. When the temps drop, the battery looses power surprisingly quickly.
The usual advice is to have multiple batteries with you, and keep the spares inside your jacket, close to your body. Then just switch them out when it starts to fail.

Of course, I'm just guessing. It could be that your shutter freezes up or maybe the lubrication gets stiff etc.

Remember to be careful for condensation when you bring the camera back into a warm space. Put the camera in a bag and let it warm up before exposing it to the warm air.