HI

We are looking to purchase a new digital camcorder. The sales rep at HN told us that the harddrive in a camcorder does not work below and above a certain temperature e.g. it does not work in the snow. He advised that we needed to purchase a camcorder without a harddrive that uses cards only if we wished to use it in the desert or in the snow. Is this correct?? Have read heaps of reviews and there is no mention of any problem with temperature.

Thanks in advance. Barb and Glenn

Hi Barb and Glenn. Most hard drive-based camcorders will continue to function in the snow and the desert (indeed, some come with a dedicated 'Snow' mode - this would be pretty pointless if the camcorder didn't work!) However, the 'temperature-limit' will vary from camera to camera, so the sales rep may have a point.

Check the manufacturer's website of the camcorder you plan to purchase -- see if there's any information about recommended temperatures during operation. If not, contact their customer help line and get a definite answer from them.

(Incidentally, the reason you don't see this mentioned in reviews is because we rarely get a chance to test camcorders in the snow!)

Thanks Chris. We will make sure we get a guarantee from the manufacturer before we purchase. Really appreciate your help.

Barb and Glenn