Simple way to cool your SLR

cataclysm · Post by **cataclysm** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:23 pm

Here is a simple but effective way to cool your typical digital slr for long exposure photography. I fashioned a cold jacket that house the camera and will keep the cold in and the dew out. The jacket is lined with cells of chilled ice packs that can be reused over and over again. The initial test is promising. Its able to hold the tempreture for over an hour, starting with 2 degree above freezing, it had only gained 6 degree centigrade after an hour! Here is the "prototype", with better insulation the peformance should improve.

cataclysm · Post by **cataclysm** » Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:32 pm

Here are the photos of noise signatures with 10 minutes of exposures at ISO1600.

Post by **zong** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:51 am

That's quite good! Do continue on your work and tell us if you have any improvements on how to be able to use this overnight. An hour might not be enough to do some serious astrophotography, if we're gonna be doing long exposures.

How heavy is the whole thing total, compared to just the camera? Weight is also a factor if you're going to put the camera to the back of your scope...

Clifford60 · Post by **Clifford60** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:56 am

Cold condition can shorten the battery performance, so how long can a fully charge battery last in this condition?

Btw, what is the very light "white" mark on the right bottom corner? Is my eye playing trick when looking at a black picture? A brighter screen will be able easier to see it.

Weight may not be a big concern bcos there is counter-weight to balance it.

Post by **weixing** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:56 am

Hi,
Hmm... I think this is more useful for those who use the camera with a computer as they don't need the viewer finder and LCD for focusing and framing. Also, will cause any condensation in the camera as the lens mount are not isolate with the outside air??

Btw, what is the very light "white" mark on the right bottom corner? Is my eye playing trick when looking at a black picture? A brighter screen will be able easier to see it.

I think that's the amp glow.

Have a nice day.

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:42 am

The Canon 300D Specs say the minimum operating temperature for the camera is 0 deg C. Will cooling the entire camera damage the other parts?

Meng Lee · Post by **Meng Lee** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:52 am

In the book by Robert Reeves, he mentioned that, cooling in this way is at your own risk, so I think I don't dare to do this. Hehe. :roll:

cataclysm · Post by **cataclysm** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:02 am

How heavy is the whole thing total

Hi Zong, the camera gained another 400g, not an issue at all.

Quote:Btw, what is the very light "white" mark on the right bottom corner? Is my eye playing trick when looking at a black picture? A brighter screen will be able easier to see it.

I think that's the amp glow.

Yes that's the electronic read noise/ amp. glow. Very obvious at long exposure. If i am not wrong, the new Cannon 400D is not prone to this.

Cold condition can shorten the battery performance, so how long can a fully charge battery last in this condition?

I had tested with internal battery, and its good for more than an hour. Power from external source will be ideal, and it will generate lesser heat signatures.

raychan · Post by **raychan** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:48 pm

You might also want to consider applying lots gaffer tape all over your Canon DSLR. If you don't the formation of water condensation will seep into the joints of the camera and damage it.

MCYM · Post by **MCYM** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 11:25 am

Hi Kelvin

Keep up the innovation and relentless pursuit for excellent images.

This mod shows that you have a good understanding imaging system' limitation as demonstrated with exemplary cooling prototype.

Absolutely impressed!

Matthew