Continuous recording on DSLR cameras
 

What is the maximum continuous recording of HDV or AVCHD on DSLR cameras? Is there a limit to the time you can record continuous in these type of cameras being Canon or Nikon? If I remember correctly I read that the pick up sensor of these cameras might burn if you use them for video work for a long time.

Stelios

None of the DSLRs I am aware of shoot in HDV (tape based format) or AVCHD. The Canon's shoot h.264 video at ~40-48 Mbps. The Nikons shoot some h.264 variant or MJpeg, and the GH1 shoots an h.264 variant as well.

The GH1 in US specification will record as long as you like. The Canon's seem to be limited to around 12 minutes, and the Nikons seem to be limited to 5-6 minutes if memory serves.

The US version of the Panasonic GH1 (which is AVCHD) is limited only by the size of the SDHC card. The EU version is limited to 29 minutes because if it could record longer it would be classified as a camcorder and subject to higher taxes.

For some reason, I forget the GH1 actually records at the AVCHD rates. Thanks for clarifying.

It's frustrating that the 5D stops after approx. 12 minutes. Does anyone know, is that only because of the file size/CF card formatting, or is that also because of overheating issues? Because if it's only the latter, that seems pretty lame. At this point it seems clear we need bigger files on CF cards...I wonder if there are plans to update that soon?

Actually, has nothing to do with the CF card sizes. Or overheating. It's a political issue. But I don't find the recording time to be much of an issue. It closely replicates shooting on film. And that's somewhat the point of these cameras.

Not card sizes, but limitations of the FAT32 format, which limits file sizes to 4GB. Please elaborate on the political issues, and let me know how to overcome the CF file size limit with a 5DMII. Replicating the look of film is swell, but since we're in the digital realm it would be great to shoot takes of longer duration. For example, I've been shooting live jazz sets where a tune can last well past the 5D limit.

It's not a FAT32 issue. My EX1 is also FAT32 and will continue to create new files and seamless record data for as long as you have card space. As do the consumer cameras that record onto SDHC and Compact Flash.

The issue is the EU restriction that says anything that can record more than 30 minutes gets imposed an extra tariff. Panasonic got around this by having a version for the EU that records just under 30 minutes, while everyone else gets one that records as long as you like. I guess Canon just decided to hobble everyone so they didn't have to deal with creating two versions.

And as of this point, there is no way around the issue. Sorry. But this has been a known issue since the camera was released. It's nothing new. Did you not know it only recorded 12 minutes at a time when you purchased it?

Hi Stelios,

take a good look at the GH1 - I've got 2 now for weddings and loving them! While I mostly shoot short clips I can fire it up and capture an entire ceremony or speeches if need be.