do digital cameras function at very low temperatures?

Question

at about -20 degrees Celsius

Answer 1

Yes, most will, depending on the quality of the camera.
My digital SLR has served me well through below-freezing temperatures. From the research I have done on it, it is not the cold which may damage the camera, it is the condensation. Be sure not to move it from hot to cold (or vise versa) quickly, but gradually warm it up when you go back inside and do not use it until it has adjusted to the room temperature, or any possible condensation inside may harm it. If condensation does form, take off the lens and let it dry out before using it.
Some digital point-and-shoots may shut themselves off in low temperatures -- I have not researched that; maybe someone else can help there.

Also, another thing to make note of: cold temperatures will cause your battery to deplete more quickly, so be sure to bring an extra battery and keep it somewhere warm (tucked into an inside pocket or something) so that your batteries last.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Well it was -15 the other day and I left mine in the car overnight and it worked fine although the manual says the operating temperature is between 0 and 40. All I noticed was the display was a bit slow in refreshing images.

Answer 3

they do but depending on the battery type also will make a difference. alky's die like my ford pinto. the lithium, and lithium ion rechargables seem to last the longest in cold weather. NiMh...not that great.

Answer 4

You may have to keep it inside your coat next to your body between shots to keep it operating. -20C is freaking cold!

Answer 5

probably...