http://photorumors.com/2010/01/22/crazy-rumor-freeze-your-camera-to-get-better-high-iso/

I saw the above link and thought it was joke. But after further investigating I found another link with a chart showing noise vs temperature for CCD sensors.

http://learn.hamamatsu.com/articles/ccdsnr.html

"In general, high-performance CCD sensors exhibit a one-half reduction in dark current for every 5 to 9 degrees Celsius as they are cooled below room temperature, a specification referred to as the doubling temperature. This rate of improvement typically continues to a temperature of approximately 5 to 10 degrees below zero, beyond which the reduction in dark current diminishes quickly."

http://learn.hamamatsu.com/articles/images/signaltonoisefigure2.jpg

Maybe I should leave my camera in the car during the winter and take it out only when needed. What are the chances of someone coming up with a way to cool sensors below room temperature. What does everyone think?

They already have ways to cool chips. The device used is called a peltier cooler.

Unfortunately the cost is high and they are not small so they are only used in specialized applications like telescopes, high speed lasers, etc.

Here is a Canon XSI with a Peltier cooler.

http://ghonis2.ho8.com/rebelmod450d16c.html

That's some serious Macguyvering.

He even provides a service to replace the filter for the XSi, XS or T1i for Astro or Infrared Imaging. Amazing stuff.

http://ghonis2.ho8.com/rebelmod450d17.html

What are the chances of someone coming up with a way to cool sensors below room temperature.

You could always carry a tank of liquid helium around. That stuff's pretty cool. ;-)

Incidentally, such cooling is often used with sensitive electronic sensors to reduce thermal noise. It's been used for years in astronomy, including on some orbiting instruments, such as COBE (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Background_Explorer), which used liquid helium for cooling.

If you're out doing astrophotography out in the cold winter, that would do it :)

^^HA! Saw your shots over at ehMac, then followed them to flickr. Interesting stuff, and it looks like quite a commitment. We cottaged at Manitoulin for decades and the night skies were breathtaking. Yes, shooting during a Sudbury winter, would certainly keep ALL your equipment pretty cool.

I wonder if you spend all that money on all that freezing gear if one would be better off just buying a low noise camera such as the 5D MK II or something similar? Also do not risk any problems with moisture.