In the cold of winter, photographers may not want to take their gloves off to operate their cameras’ external controls or touch-operated LCDs. Let’s elminate that excuse.
It’s the dead of winter. It’s snowing, and the scene is beautiful. You’d love to take a picture of it, but it’s not worth the effort: Your camera has a touch-operated LCD screen which you can’t operate with gloves on, and you don’t want to risk frostbite (or just numb digits) for the sake of a photo.
Now several companies have introduced gloves that are designed to let you operate touch-sensitive screen-based electronics with your gloves on. In most cases, these gloves also allow the user’s fingers enough nimbleness to press buttons, turn knobs and adjust controls on most cameras.
So, don’t let the cold weather prevent you from taking pictures. Here’s a quick round-up of available gloves for photographers and consumer electronics users:
AquaTech Sensory Gloves
These heavy-duty $50 gloves have thumb and forefinger tips that flip back so you can operate cameras and touch screens. The outer shell is waterproof, and the entire glove is made of a double layer of breathable insulation that is said to dry quickly while providing warmth. A silicon palm pad assures a sure grip.
Flashpoint Finger Shooting Glove
These $20 gloves don’t have any fancy conductors—the fingers simply can be opened up temporarily so you can operate the camera or gadget directly while keeping the rest of your hand warm. The gloves have a slip-resistant palm pad and an adjustable strap so you can wear the gloves around your wrist without losing them. Well-suited for moderately cold weather.
Isotoner Smartouch Gloves
These $25 gloves feature conductive thread on the index finger and thumb which conveys electrical impulses from your fingers to the touchscreen. Made of Isotoner’s signature stretch Lycra fabric and fleece inside, they are said to be flexible and warm. A non-slip textured palm gives you a sure grip, which important when operating your valuable electronics.
SetWear Cold Weather Gloves
While these gloves are not designed for operating touch screens, they are said to give you sufficient nimbleness for the thumb and index fingers so you can handle delecate tasks such as turning a camera knob. The index finger has a seamless design and extra padding for better sensitivity and durability. With a Thinsulate lining, these $40 gloves are designed for the coldest climates.
Tavo Gloves with Playpoint Technology
For under $30, Tavo Gloves let you use iPhones, BlackBerries, and digital cameras with touch-screen operation. An electrically conductive overlay on the index finger and thumb engage touchpand sensors while wind-resistant keeps you warm. A silicon grip on the fingers and palm make them good for general use and especially for biking or snowboarding.
