Caberfeidh wrote:X
I'm not sure which camera you use and whether there actually might be a contraction problem with this particular model, but in general I'm afraid that your explanation is wrong. As a new member I cannot post links, but if you google "Chemistry about cold battery' you'll get a nice explanation.
Batteries are essentially just galvanic cells - a chemical redox reaction provides electrons that generate a current. Chemical reactions usually proceed more slowly in low temperatures, so the current generated is weaker.
You can google the relation to photographing in cold weather, there are tons of articles on the net from people and organisations who ought to know (National Geographic, Nikon etc.).
The best way to proceed is to carry extra batteries close to your body and swap them around with the one in your camera to keep them warm.
Hope I could shed some light