Freeze your camera to get better high ISO

[hoodlum]

http://photorumors.com/2010/01/22/cr...tter-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/...isefigure2.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?

[jvincent]

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.

[hoodlum]

Here is a Canon XSI with a Peltier cooler.

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

[jvincent]

That's some serious Macguyvering.

[hoodlum]

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

[JamesK]

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, which used liquid helium for cooling.

[Smoothfonzo]

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

[ScanMan]

^^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.

[talljak]

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.