Should I bring one camera body or two to Antarctica?
One is enough for most travellers. Two bodies suit experienced photographers because they remove lens changes and provide a backup if one fails, usually a wide lens on one and a telephoto on the other. The cost is weight, expense, more batteries, more cards and more to protect, and two large cameras
Do I need an expensive camera for Antarctica photography?
No. Expensive equipment produces excellent images in experienced hands, and it is not a requirement for good Antarctica photography. Antarctica is naturally dramatic, with bright ice, reflective water, unusual light and wildlife that is often much closer than people expect. Someone who knows how to
How many memory cards should I bring to Antarctica?
More than you expect to use, and several moderate cards rather than one enormous one. Antarctica produces far more photographs than people anticipate once burst shooting, video and RAW files get involved, and a card is effectively impossible to replace mid-voyage. Spreading the trip across several c
What is the light like for photography in Antarctica?
It changes a lot across the season, and none of it can be promised. November into early December gives a lower sun with more accessible sunrise, sunset and warm low-angle light. Mid December through January brings extremely long days, with true 24 hour daylight south of the Antarctic Circle around t
Can you fly a drone in Antarctica?
Assume no. Recreational drones are generally not permitted on standard IAATO coastal Antarctica voyages, and recreational use is prohibited in South Georgia without an authorisation most travellers will not qualify for. Drones are subject to strict rules in Antarctica and they are not a normal passe
How do I stop condensation when bringing a camera in from the cold?
Seal the camera in a dry bag or plastic bag while you’re still outside, then leave it sealed until it has warmed gradually. Condensation forms when warm moist cabin air meets cold camera and lens surfaces, and it can appear inside the equipment as well as on it. Depending on the temperature differen
Should I change lenses outside in Antarctica?
Avoid it wherever you can. Wind, snow, rain and sea spray all reach the sensor and the internal surfaces the moment the lens comes off, and doing it on a moving Zodiac adds a real chance of dropping something. You’ll also miss the wildlife while you’re fumbling.
Should I buy a new camera for my Antarctica trip?
Usually not, unless you have enough time to learn it properly before you go. A new camera brings unfamiliar menus, focus controls, batteries, card formats and custom settings, and Antarctica is a poor place to meet all of that for the first time. Wildlife encounters are brief and operating a complic
How many camera batteries do I need for Antarctica?
At least two or three usable batteries for your main camera, and more if you shoot a lot of video or run a power-hungry mirrorless system. Cold reduces battery performance temporarily, so keep spares in a warm inside pocket and rotate them through the day. Start every excursion with a full battery,
Should I bring a backup drive or laptop to Antarctica?
A backup drive is worth it if the photographs matter to you. A laptop is optional. The system that works: keep the originals on your cards, copy to a primary external drive, make a second copy on another drive if you can, store the two drives separately, and don’t erase any card until the files are