Compact flash card operating temperatures?

Hey, I just ordered a Canon S70 to replace the crappy and old DSC-P1 which is dying at home (can't charge batteries anymore).

I am going to get a 1 Gb Compact Flash card. Lexar makes a fast one for $75, and Sandisk makes a similarly fast one for $100, but whose operating temperatures go as low a -13 F (-25 C) versus the regular 32 F (0 C) of other cards.

Does anybody have trouble using regular flash in low temperatures? I mean, the camera's rated to 32 F too, and I know it will work below that. I'd expect the same for the compact flash, no? Is the 32 F rating simply because the card or the camera are not moisture-proof (and moisture could then freeze inside at these temperatures)?

Mtbakerskier?


YA

Buy a Sandisk Extreme card! 40X Fast, durable, made for extreme temps, etc.

Other cards should work fine but don't fuck around with something as invaluable as an image you can only capture once. Pay once for security.

I was looking for a technical argument, not one based on FUD ;) The sentimental argument kind of works though (losing the opportunity), though I have a feeling the camera battery will be dead more often than the compact flash won't work, at low temps.

drC

I have a Canon digital that I've used a lot for ski pics on super cold days, and had no problems with my flash cards. I have 2 normal 128mb cards, 1 lexar and 1 sandisk.

I have no problem with my Kodak MMC/SD card at low temps. I just make sure that I have Lithium batteries in the camera and keep it where it gets warmed by body heat the least so I don't have a problem with condensation when I take it out.

I haven't had any troubles with my CF card on super cold mornings either - like close to zero F. Mine's a Sandisk Ultra 128.
The batteries die in about 5 minutes, but that's another issue.

Typical electronics are designed and tested for a 0C to +40C operating range. Industrial gear is a little more (-20 to +60C). Military gear is a little more. Automotive has it's own range. So your electronics may work at lower temperatures; it's just not tested. Your camera is made up of resistors, capacitors, inductors, and semiconductors and their values depend, in part, on the temperature. Their values may change enough that the electrical circuit no longer works. Electrical components usually specify a temperature range on the data sheet with wider range components costing more.

I would guess that while the higher end range of most electronics is valid, the lower rating is BS.

For example, most consumer computers (dell, hp, etc) will list 0c as the minimum operating temp or something like that. However, there are computer nuts that purposley chill their computers to as low at -100c in order to run them faster.