How does filming in really cold conditions affect the camera, batteries, etc? Can it even be done?

I filmed a deer hunt on Anticosti Island last November and it was COLD!!!!! The only affect was the loss of battery life.

Agree - loss of battery. Last year I taped one of those heated handwarmers to the back of my battery. It seemed to last longer, but hard to tell for sure.

Cold kills the batteries in a hurry..........like reelcrazyfish said tape handwarmers over the bat. on the camera and the spares should be kept inside your jacket close to you for body warmth............Video in the cold isn't bad for your equip. just be sure and get some long life batteries and keep them warm............also remember at the end of the day you should not take your camera from the cold directly to a warm house or camp, it will cause condensation inside the camera.

Bingo!! And vice versa, running outof the house and out to film in the cold, I take my camera out the night before and pack the gear in the truck and lock it up, but bring the batteries in to charge and stay warm, this way the camera is already conditioned the climate outside and no fear of condensation on lens, etc. When bringing gear in after a hunt when done, stage the camera out in the garage, or someplace and let it warm up slowly and then bring into the house to prevent condensation. Batteries always come in out the cold.

Thanks for the info. guys.

Depending on what camera you use. Camkote makes a camo, gortex, thinsulated cover that has built in pockets for hand warmers. I have used it for years and it is a life saver on cold or rainy/ snowy days.