Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Dear Bill

In the real world there are all types of people who shoot quality video, but don,t make a dime doing it. Thus finding acamera for $750. that take incredible video might be important

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I absolutely LOVE the NEX system for stills and it´s what I do 90% of time, so it´s really not worth it getting a dedicated video camera...specially when the potential on the NEX5N and NEX7 is there but it´s just crippled by overheating.

BTW, I just got the NEX7 and I´ve realized the way the LCD tilts will not allow you to stick the fan there :( So long for an easy fix :(

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

found this info...

More Is Said Than Done: NEX Overheating: More Surprises Revealed

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

If a camera shoots good video in 29 minute chunks (max advertised time), it'll do quite a lot as a video acquisition device, though you still might want or need a "dedicated" video camera...

The obstacle is that these super compact bodies generate HEAT and don't allow it to dissipate "fast enough", sot the recording times are limited IF you want the highest resolution video (and apparently video at higher ISO's?), Thus the discussion to try to figure out whether this can be somehow overcome... I passed on the NEX cameras (more a "I don't want to invest in a new lens system" than anything) because of the heat issues, but am using the larger "SLT" Alpha cameras, same tech, bigger bodies, so far heat seems to be better handled...

These cameras are of course "sold" on their STILLS feature set, the video is "bonus" for most folks. It's only a relatively small part of the market that is going to be trippin' over "shallow filmic DoF" and lots of lens options... most people will buy 'em to have a "really good" vacation camera for stills, and that it can shoot a few videos too is "cool".

To actually shoot smooth video takes work that most users won't bother with (like they did with "video cameras"?!?).

These little cameras offer intriguing "possibilities", but also serve up a bunch of "limitations", so it's a matter of learning what those limits are, so they don't bite you in the rear mid-shoot, presuming the image qualites grab yer eyeballs and make you WANT to shoot with them (and sadly, they do, at least what I've shot with an A65 makes me WANT to use it to shoot video...). I regard it as a "bonus" to have a pile of "small" point and shoots that can shoot "pretty good" 60p video, and still SLT cameras that can "double up" on video too. More image acquisition devices and options are ALWAYS good...

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Hmmm, not sure quite what to say about that blog post... removing a cover that most likely helps to spread/dissipate generated heat and then hanging the camera upside down? Looks like somehow it keeps heat from reaching the sensor - might have a "brick" coming soon... as big a fan of "hacking" and taking stuff apart to find out how it works, this blog post is more than a little "scary", IMO.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

The Panasonic GF series is more or the less the same size as the NEX series and they don´t have any overheat issues. So this has to do with some sort of bad implementation.

The thing about the NEX system is that you never know if it will record 5 minutes or 30. If it was always 30, or always 20, or always 10...one could live with it and plan for these limitations. But the tension of being surprised is not good at all.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Has anyone tested thermal gel/compound?

I´ve also found the worlds smallest fans. It´s Sunon's Mighty Mini Fan: Mighty Mini Fans & Blowers - Suunon | DigiKey
Sunon's smallest fan blows us away - Cooling - News - HEXUS.net

But I cannot find it for sale on ebay or here in Brazil :(

A fan for the NEX7 would have to have more or less 2cm (height), 1,5cm (depth), 6cm (width).

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

The flaw in your logic is the phrase "more or less"... compare apples to oranges and you won't have a valid rusult beyond they are both "fruit"... m43 vs. APS-C?

The more electronics packed into a small space, the more difficult the heat issues you have to deal with. And the Sony manuals outline the ADDITIONAL variable of ambient temps. You can't dissipate heat as efficiently (or perhaps at all) when the ambient temps are high. Quite literally, this "issue" is as predictable as the weather.

Taking off a piece of the camera that may well be designed to channel heat away from a particularly hot part and allow it to dissipate may make matters WORSE... thus my comments on the blog posting.

Since I don't have a NEX (but am familiar with the Alphas, which share SOME of the potential heat issues), I can't say where the "hot spots" are - from postings I've read, some spots are hotter than others... it's likely that specific chips are the source of the heat, and that may vary depending on what those chips are being asked to do. And there is a cumulative effect (Aplha manuals say to turn off the active image stabilization, whch generates heat, for improved clip times - obviously not an issue in the NEX series).

It appears that the higher the ISO, the more heat is and issue - that's "interesting" and useful information if it can be confirmed.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I, for one, am hoping Sony delivers a the plusses of the NEX 7 in a video camera package with the VG30 to be announced next week... (or the similar-but-full-frame VG900) and not a half baked package like the VG20. I even put my NX5U up for sale on EBay, so I'll be on the market for a new primary camera system and I like NEX enough to possibly even downgrade the camera chassis a bit with an upgrade in picture quality (a VG30 and some nice glass for the office, and I'll rent a FS100/700 for the bigger gigs.)

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

It'll be interesting to see what they announce - I'm intrigued by the "900" designation, which seems to ring of the old TRV900 - a classic camera... we shall see.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I shot a music video last weekend with a NEX7 and the camera turned off 3 or 4 times during shooting (within less than 3 minutes shooting time). And it was only like 22º celsius! This camera is an amazing still camera and it´s able to produce incredible results video wise too, but this overheating issue really ruins it´s full potential. I used to have a NEX5N and I saw a video of an easy fix using a computer fan hooked up to a small battery, but the NEX7's LCD is positioned differently from the NEX5N in a way that you cannot stick the fan between the camera and the LCD...this sucks.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I fixed my issue with the NEX 7... I bought an A77. The ability to go hand-held with IBIS when I need to, is a bonus.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I just bought a used VG-10 without any lens...so now I can shoot whatever long videos I want and just use the Nex-7 lenses...
BTW....I've shot videos up to 6 or 7 min. with the Nex-7 without shutting down...but it does get a bit hot....I really rarely need to shoot any scene much longer than a minute or two anyway....

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

The main problem is that you never know when it´s going to happen. I´ve shot 29min without any issues and I´ve shot 2 minutes and had the camera shut down. 90% of what I do is still photography, so having a camera that also can do video is the best options for me...who knows...maybe Sony will fix things with the NEX9...I doubt it because I´m sure they´ve implemented this overheat issue on purpose so people would have to buy their VG series.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I guess the point of all this is that we still haven't reached the point where one device works great for every application....If you want to shoot video, get a video cam, if you want to do stills, get a still cam....and I'm not even going where the cell phone can have everything incorporated in a top notch manner<G>

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I agree, Chris. I am one of those people. That's why I recommend that anyone who wants to spend less than $800 for a large sensor interchangeable lens camera that doesn't overheat and can shoot essentially unlimited length video clips get a :)

"incredible video" here:
Cheers,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I don´t want to start peeing contest, but I´ve tried out the GH1 and the GH2 for some time but IMO it cannot really compare to the NEX system when it comes to photography...which is what I do most of the time. So, if I need to sacrifice one thing in a hybrid camera it will be video...which is too bad because the NEX system has really great video...who knows, maybe the NEX9 with a full frame sensor will have a better cooling system.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Well, it's a physics problem - too much heat generated in too small a space, with no where to go... so I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope for a small NEX without the potential heat issues.

I think the answer is "A77" as noted (or A65, or A57). While admittedly not as small and sexy as the NEX7 (less $$ though!), you avoid the overheat problems for the most part (although the manual still warns of the possibility...), and you get access to a lot of nice old used A mount glass for pretty cheap. So far the bigger Alpha body seems to be working out, I actually am getting used to shooting short clips on the fly, and no sign of heat problems yet (fingers crossed). Sony's Alphas are overlooked, but really are pretty nice cameras. I'm grabbing one over a video camera most of the time now, and the more I shoot with one, the more I like it.

Sony may eventually figure out how to dissipate the heat better, but the NEX are STILL cameras, with a neat additional video function, not necessarily designed for dedicated video use. The new A99 actually looks like a killer VIDEO camera in addition to the stills, so the "hybrid" still/video camera is coming closer...

I've found even the litte TX100 to be surprisingly good for casual and "extra angle" video (1080 60p no less, for around $200!), so one has to consider what a camera CAN do in addition to what it can't. I think we'd all want a pro video camera with ful manual controls on buttons that would fit in our pocket... but there are limits!

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

No contest here, Rafael. You might be surprised to hear that I agree with you. But I am willing to give up some still image quality for a non-overheating, event-length video function on my still camera while paying less than $700 (body only). But to each his or her own. :)

Cheers,

Bill

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

This heating issue is very saddening......worst part is that it seems to happen erratically with some users reaching 29 mins and some reaching 4......sort of a gamble to use it as a video camera.....very saddening flaw in an otherwise great camera.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I have absolutely no idea if this makes any sense or not but I´ve found a video on youtube of a guy saying he sort of stopped having problems with overheating with his NEX7 by using 95mbs sd cards. I remember having read a while ago that different sd cards have different temperatures, but I have no idea how hot these cards get.

I cannot post the video here because I´m firewalled but you can find it on this google search
https://www.google.com/#q=nex7+overh...w=1280&bih=709

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Go for the Nex 6...

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Sure, I just have to find a way to hack the NEX6 to have 24mp and and drill a mic input into it.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Drill baby Drill
:-)

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

just use a usb fan with external USB battery, and point the fan to the back when the screen lifted up, you can have non-stop recording

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Just use a Sony Memory Stick 32 or 64 GB HS Duo Pro card- no more overheating (must use MS-HX series -non B type!)......do a Google search and you'll see it's a fix that has worked for many users.....I use them and have NO heating issues at all!

This was a concern for me as well until I've come across this fix and have implemented it myself.

Does the NEX6 have a Mic In jack?

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

SONY NEX 6 have the n1 Multi-Interface Interface connector integrated @ Flash Shoe
Maybe it works with 800$ XLR-K1M Phantom XLR Adapter

Some sources says yes others denied it
1:30

Here an adapter for older stuff = SONY Bluetooth Wireless mic?
Sony Multi Interface Shoe Adapter | ADP-MAA | Sony USA


Sony also used a variety of other proprietary hotshoes for other digital cameras and camcorders, including the ISO-based 6-pin Cyber-shot hotshoe, the 16-pin Active Interface Shoe (AIS) and the ISO-based 16-pin Intelligent Accessory Shoe (IAS). Some of their NEX cameras used a proprietary Smart Accessory Terminal (versions 1 and 2). In September 2012, Sony announced a new ISO-based 21+2 pin Multi Interface Shoe for use with their future digital cameras and camcorders of the Alpha, NEX, Handycam, NXCAM and Cyber-shot series. This quick-lock hotshoe is mechanically and electrically compatible with a standard 2-pin ISO-518 hotshoe, but electrically compatible with the previous Auto-lock Accessory Shoe with extensions, so that passive adapters ADP-AMA and ADP-MAA allow to use digital-ready iISO flashes on new cameras and new Multi Interface Shoe equipment on older cameras, while providing compatibility with standard ISO-based equipment as well.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

That adapter WON'T work with the Somy bluetooth mics - those use the AiShoe on the handycams, which is a DIFFERENT proprietary connector from the KM shoe on the Alphas.

It does appear that there is a mic input in the new shoe design, it may or may not have electronic "triggers" that announce that an audio input is there and the camera should expect it. AiSHoe accessories usually have specific electronic configurations to "tell" the camera what is in the shoe.


Interesting that the memory cards are a factor in the heat issue - any comments on whether you can push/exceed the times listed in the manuals if you use the "right" card/MS?

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

Hey everyone. just an update here on the overheating issue with the Nex-7.
It has been a real sore spot with me in regards to this overheating with my Sony Nex-7.

Well, I think I have found a solution! I have tried every thing I could, short of rigging a fan to the back of the camera. This thread, someone recommended trying a Sony HD Pro Duo HX card. IT WORKS!! Mine is a 32 Gig. It would always give a warning after 3-to 5 minutes, and sometimes shut down. Turn it off re-start the video recording, 3 minutes in, shut down. No warning.

Swapped out for the new Sony card, Have now recorded 3 times in a row 29:50 and I'm at 22:53 on the 4th try as I write this reply. I purposely kept the LCD screen not extended out, laying flat against the body.
OK got the overheat warning sign at the 27 minute mark, but it finished at the 29:50 like the others, tried it for the 5th time in a row is now 5 minutes in to recording the Temp warning is on, but still recording pulled the LCD away on this 5th time. The camera is pretty warm. Ok it shut off at the 7 minute mark of the 5th time in a row. If it takes this many 29:50 takes to shut it down, I'm fine with that. At least I can count on it be some what consistent, where before, I could not trust for longer than a 5 minute recording. That I can live with. I will post any possible discrepancies should it go back to it;s old ways. I use this camera a lot for video, so if you don't see a post by me about that it's gone bad again with in 2 weeks from the date of this reply, you'll know that it's good to go!
I recorded at 1080p 60FPS the best quality that the Nex-7 has to record.

I was pretty sceptical of this Sony Memory card working,but it does! So I hope this works for others as it has for me.

Leon

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I can confirm that NEX-7 with 32 GB PRO-HG DUO HX High Speed Memory Stick from Sony (MSHX32B/MN) works! No overheating at all. Just been shooting in +28 deg air temp. No problems.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

For me even the Sony brand cards didn't stop my NEX-5n, NEX-7, or even RX-100 cameras from overheating. Keep recording folks, you'll see the overheating indicator soon enough. Oh well. $100 down the drain on 2 Sony memory cards.

Re: NEX 5N or 7 overheat issues...
 

I tried the Sony card too and it did nothing. My overheating problem doesn't appear to be actual overheating. I think the sensor comes on too soon and the camera thinks it's hot when it's not. Sometimes it will come on after 2-3 minutes and the camera base isn't even warm to the touch. Another time it might run for the full 29 minutes. When I first got it it always ran over 20 minutes and I thought that was fine. But it's gotten totally random recently.

I communicated with a person on the Sony site who gave me a work order to send it in. She said it should run 29 minutes without a problem. It costs $148 (USD) just for them to look at it, probably more to do any real work. I think what will probably happen is they'll run it and it will work fine and they'll say there's nothing wrong and charge me the $148. I will try to communicate that it is random but I'm not too hopeful that will work.