Thursday, 26 July 2018

Why is there a limit restriction to the 1080p film video recording time duration on DSLRs?





Theories:



  • that the processing hardware gets hot, so the limit extends the life

  • EU classification of camera as camcorder attracts duty

  • FAT32 file size limit of memory cards is 2gb, but then you could chain the recordings seemlessly together "spanning" and have a playlist metafile to link them (how do PVRs cope)

  • size of memory card, well just get a bigger one?


Is this limitation still prevalent, are there DSLRs out there prosumer and entry that don't have the limit. And why do those that have it, well have it?



Answer



As far as I know it is a legal thing to prevent extra import duties in the EU. Until Canon or anyone officially state that, it will remain speculation.



It's not a heat issue, as a) if the sensor had heat problems they would likely occur before 30 minutes, and b) after one 30 minute capture the camera will allow you to immediately begin another 30 minute capture!


There is a separate limit of 4GB due to FAT32, you actually hit this limit first if you're recording in full HD resolution. Yes manufacturers could work around it by spanning, but what's the point? DSLRs were never designed to be video cameras, for most people the current limitation should be plenty. If you want to record entire concerts/weddings/events from a fixed camera, then a video camera is a better option all round.


I believe there are hacks to the Panasonic GH1 which remove time limits to video recording.


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