record time confusion of 16gb vs 32 gb cf card
 

Hi,

I'm new to the 7D and getting ready to do my first shoot. When I put a 16gb card in and format the card, the INFO screen shows I've got 29:59 recording time. And when I put in a 32gb card and format it, the INFO screen shows I've got 29:59 recording time. Can someone enlighten me on this please. The camera is set to 1920x1080/30p.

Thanks,
Herb Forsberg

That's the maximum segment length time. Recording will stop at 29:59 (if you haven't reached the 4GB individual file limit already.) Unfortunately, in 1920x1080 the maximum length of a clip will be about 12 minutes (the 4GB file file limit.) In SD 640 x 480, you can reach the 29:59 limit.

You can record multiple segments on the same card. You should be able to get about 96 minutes (in 12 minutes bursts) on a 32 GB card

It's unfortunate that it doesn't tell you the actual amount of time left, but it just doesn't.

confusion of 16gb vs 32 gb cf card
 

Thanks very much!

At 1080/24p, I get about 47 minutes on a 16 gig card. 3 shots that are 12 minutes and change, and one that's 9 minutes and change. I wouldn't be surprised if you had less time with 30p though. Might have to do a test.