Does using video prematurely wear out your camera?
May 19, 2015 15:06:51 #
I have finally bought a camera which has the capability of doing video. Now I have a client who asked me to do some short commercial videos for them. I've seen a few demos on the internet of how good the videos can come out. However I'm not sure I want to use my expensive DSLR for video. I've heard that it puts a lot of stress on the camera's shutter and causes excessive heat. Does anyone really know if I am shortening the useable life of my DSLR by using the video function. I'm also not interested in sending my camera in for repairs or rebuilds more often than is necessary. I could use an old video recorder I have, but the process of transferring the movie from tape to digital would take a little longer. Who Knows?
May 19, 2015 15:17:01 #
Leon S wrote:
I have finally bought a camera which has the capab... (show quote)
When you bought your camera it came with a warranty. If you read that warranty I am quite sure you will find that there is no mention of the terms being different if you were to use it only for photos, only for video, or for both. In short, to the manufacturer it makes no difference, which is a very good indication that none of those uses are of concern. I don't shoot video, but as far as I understand it, the shutter simply stays open during video shooting. It is not in constant motion. As far as heat, if circumstances were to allow that to become a factor the camera would just shut down thanks to thermal protection sensors. At least, all of the newer DSLR's, I believe. What camera are you considering using? If your DSLR was made to take video I wouldn't be the least bit concerned about using it for that purpose.
May 19, 2015 15:33:26 #
May 19, 2015 15:38:54 #
Time lapse video using mechanical shutter settings may run the shutter count up. But, video and time lapse with electronic shutter selected won't.
When shooting video, you won't hear the shutter clacking and if it is a Nikon, Canon or other quality camera brand, the heat dissipation will be built in.
Have fun shooting video!
When shooting video, you won't hear the shutter clacking and if it is a Nikon, Canon or other quality camera brand, the heat dissipation will be built in.
Have fun shooting video!
May 19, 2015 15:40:00 #
May 19, 2015 15:41:51 #
bsprague wrote:
Time lapse video using mechanical shutter settings may run the shutter count up. But, video and time lapse with electronic shutter selected won't.
Have fun shooting video!
Have fun shooting video!
Yeah, that's why I'd never a good DSLR for doing a lot of time lapse videos.
May 19, 2015 15:47:24 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Jerry, my cameras will do time lapse with electronic shutter. There is no wear.Yeah, that's why I'd never a good DSLR for doing a lot of time lapse videos.
May 19, 2015 18:49:57 #
LFingar wrote:
When you bought your camera it came with a warrant... (show quote)
I just got a D810 and I'm sure you know what they cost. I actually thought if I really started to get into pro mos for small business sales presentations, and wanted to use a dslr for that, I'd pick up a referb d7100 and save on the d810. Thanks for the opinion maybe others will have an answer or some negative experience using video to relate that I can learn from. Leon
May 19, 2015 18:56:49 #
LFingar wrote:
When you bought your camera it came with a warrant... (show quote)
The last camera I bought was a D700 and I've been using it since they first came out. I'm not interested in wearing out the shutter in one year even if it is under warranty for the first year. My D700 is original and works as well today as it did the day I got it.
May 20, 2015 05:43:17 #
Leon S wrote:
The last camera I bought was a D700 and I've been using it since they first came out. I'm not interested in wearing out the shutter in one year even if it is under warranty for the first year. My D700 is original and works as well today as it did the day I got it.
You won't wear out your shutter making video. My reference to the warranty was not to say "Don't worry. The manufacturer will fix it". The reference to warranty was to illustrate that there is no increased risk with video, otherwise the warranty would almost certainly be written differently to reflect increased wear in that mode. Since it is not written differently then the manufacturer does not recognize any difference between video and still. You will put more wear on your shutter shooting 100 or 200 photos in 30 minutes then you will making a 30 minute video. Out of curiosity I made a short video. As I figured, the shutter just stays open. No added wear.
May 20, 2015 07:46:43 #
Your shutter just stays open during a video shoot, thats why you can get away with constant lights for video that may not work in photos. The only thing you wear out is your battery, and it's not being worn out, just down.
BTW 20 minutes is the max video time most DSLR can shoot video, so plan accordingly. Your camera may restart shooting again after that 20 minutes automatically, or you may have to start it manually. Either way you get 20 minute video segments.
BTW 20 minutes is the max video time most DSLR can shoot video, so plan accordingly. Your camera may restart shooting again after that 20 minutes automatically, or you may have to start it manually. Either way you get 20 minute video segments.
May 20, 2015 07:50:09 #
May 20, 2015 08:21:09 #
I think you can see the answer to your question is "No!" Now forget about worrying and go have some fun.
May 20, 2015 08:36:36 #
Thanks to all that have answered my question. New tricks for old dogs are sometimes really hard to learn and scary.
May 20, 2015 10:15:51 #
Leon S wrote:
I have finally bought a camera which has the capab... (show quote)
To me, the rule of thumb is the more you use something, the sooner it will wear out. Doesn't matter if it is a hammer driving nails or a camera shooting videos. Use it and enjoy it - that's why you bought it.
From a practical standpoint, the limiting factor is the 20 minute maximum recording time which I believe applies to all DSLRs. What happens if you time out and start again immediately? I don't know - haven't needed to find out.
You will probably also want a remote microphone to eliminate lens noise, and a wireless remote control.
Go for it, you will enjoy the experience.
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