I faced a problem that my digital camera wouldn't work in cold weather on my last trip in China. It was around 1-5°C and whenever I wanted to take pictures, the camera would just turn off immediately.

Is there any good cameras at affordable price that can resist the cold? Or is there any ways to prevent such thing from happening? I did ask some camera sellers but they weren't helpful.

1 to 5 deg C is not cold

Whats your definition of affordable. My camera can go much lower than that, still functioning. Though its not me who tested it but someone that i know. We use same model.

what brand/model is it? u can check the recommended operating temperature

battery dead? batteries go flat faster in cold weather...

this looks to be ok in the snow and ice.or you can even try to pour water on it and it would still be ok.

Keep the batteries warm, they die quickly in cold weather.

If K-5 is expensive, the Pentax WG series may be another option too.

Went to Japan last winter with my 7D, i think it still work sub-zero. But not sure how far can it go thou.. I was on a snowboarding trip.

it's the batteries that are not working. Just keep them warm while travelling. If emergency need to warm them, put them under your ketiak... i do it all the time in Harbin.

Harbin is one damn cold place.. I think even my ketiak won't be working there..

5°C is warm bro... I've shot at -15 or so...

If your camera uses AA batteries, get good ones (eneloop), and get enough of them. And keep them close to your body... As soon as they get cold they may not have enough power anymore... then they have to warm up again...