I just thought I would share my experiences with you, and maybe save you some money.

I've gone through a number of digital cams now..and I have some advice for those looking for a cam to take snowmobiling. I recently sold my Canon S70. It took great shots, and I especially liked the wide lens, but it had one big problem for snowmobiling. Battery life sucked in the cold, big time. DO NOT GET a cam that uses a Lithium-ion battery and expect it to do well in the cold. Sure, it will work, but it goes flat fast, will take fewer pictures, and will not work at all if carried in an outside pocket in sub-zero weather. You won't read that anywhere but here. On the other hand, if you buy a camera that uses four AA size NiMH cells you will be able to carry it in an outside pocket and take many pictures in sub zero weather with no problem. Make battery type the most important consideration if you are buying a cam for snowmobiling.

I just bought a new model from Canon, the A610. It is 5MP (there is a 7MP version also called the A620), and it uses four AA size batteries. It is priced reasonably at about $270. First purchase is a new set of NiMH cells, and I will be much happier this winter. :div20:

Good info. I look forward to seeing your trip pics.
Did you sell your Renegade?

Good info thanks. I'm in the market for a new camera so i'll do some research on the 610 . I use a dps-5000 digipower charger with1.2v ni-mh batteries good price and excellent in the cold. :beerchug:

thanks rob........my cam has the the lithium ion battery but i can also use a disposable ''duracell cp1 battery'' ...............are these any better in the cold?
i keep my cam in an inside pocket of my jacket to keep it warm.......thanks for the info.....................

Don't know for sure as I never tried the cp1 battery..but my feeling is they still won't be as good as NiMH in the cold.

Ya I also use Ni-MH Sony rechargeables in my Sony5.1

I got them with my Camera

I was going to get the 4.1mp but for $30 the 5.1mp Sony came with Ni-MH bateries

I love my Sony Cybershot 5.1 as it is quite compact(fit inside pocket) and takes great pics

I paid roughly $400ca for it with a 128meg memory card(came standard with a 32meg)

i've upgraded from a fuji finepix to a Canon S2 IS. 4 AA's NiMH for the cold and if you have to buy 4 in an emergency you can at any store, even somethimes along the trail, 12X optical zoom with image stabilization, 5 MPs, full video mode with 30 fps 640 X 480 and stereo sound to boot. best money i've ever spent!

Thanks Rob, I've had the same experience you have with AA batteries. When my friends can't take a picture with their fancy Sony I pull out the 2 MP Olympic and snap the shot. Problem is that I'm the one burning pictures for everyone after a ride. :banghead: Anyway, the cheapo I've been using finally died this past weekend and was in the market for a new one. I will make a point at looking at the Canon when it's time to buy. :div20:

i think the secret is to keep any camera in your inside pocket where it will be warm. i been using a fujifilm f7 for the last few yrs without any problems...steve

the point of this post was if you use a cam with NiMH batteries you can carry it in an outside pocket without a problem.

I have a FujiFilm Fine Pix A205. It seems to be a good entry level 2.0mp camera. It will suck batteries dry fast if they are not good quality. So far on my trips I have gone out and purchased a multi-pac of Duracell. I will try to find the NiMH for this winter to compare. The Duracell would last for 1.5-2 days on a sled trip.

My cam has Ni-Mh AAs. Most cameras use AA size batteries so you will still have plenty of options.

I'm using a Canon Power Shot A85 with those batteries, zero issues even when stored in my windshield bag.

Rick
:div20:

What is the "close up" distance of this camera? I'm looking for an all around camera that I will probably use mostly for snowmobiling. I want one that can get in pretty close for when I'm working on my sled and I need to take a picture of say the APVs before/after cleaning.

this is what the camera i want says for batteries, im good to go right?


"2 AA alkaline (included); rechargeable NIMH NH-AA-2DB (not included)"

never had a problem with my canon s400 powershot elph. cant beat the size, about the size of a pack of smokes.

yes, that is the type of batteries I'm recommending in this thread. However cameras which use 4 of them are even better.

i thought hands down i found the camera for sleddin...


Olympus Stylus 500...Weatherproof, non-fade 2.5" screen they say wont crack or distort in the cold, metal housing so i cant break it, lol It takes vids as long as the memory card will allow, which is cool because were planning on having some wicked vids for you guys this winter...

But it's got a Li-Ion battery...
OH well, i love it..

I agree with Rob on this post. We switched form a Nikon last year that used a Li-Ion battery, it sucked in the cold, to a new Nikon that uses two AA NiMH cells. We did an entire week long trip last year around Lac-StJean on one set of batteries!!!! I was impressed. The new 2300MA NiMH batteries rock and are the cheapest way to go.

The problem with the super compact cameras is they all use Li-Ions to shrink the camera size. Not ideal for outdoor winter use…

Thanks for the info, my Nikon just died and I think I'll get a Canon this time. I still have a hard time just having a digi, I still use the old SLR a lot.

i got a canon A610 for Christmas... looks like the parents made a good choice . now to update this avatar...

i recommend CANON A650 to you