Does Shooting video with a DSLR wear out the shutter? My initial google search turned up differing opinions. The consensus seems to be that the shutter is stuck open and the frames...

fotoman150

My initial google search turned up differing opinions. The consensus seems to be that the shutter is stuck open and the frames taken are electronic so the sensor may heat up but the shutter count will only go up by one actuation each time you put the camera in video mode.

This has not stopped people from advertising DSLRs for sale by saying they have not been used extensively for video, as if this increases the value.

My Canon 5D Mark II manual says not to use it for video for long periods.

I did a search for this on UHH but did not come up with anything valid.

Your thoughts?

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

NO,

In video the camera uses an electronic shutter, in other words there is no shutter used, the processor just scans the sensor at 24 or more times per second.

itsnoelb Loc: Edgewater, FL. Originally: FLINT. MI.

letmedance wrote:

NO,

In video the camera uses an electronic shutter, in other words there is no shutter used, the processor just scans the sensor at 24 or more times per second.

What about the heat? Is their any way to calculate how long a video can be before heat would become an issue?

traderjohn Loc: New York City

fotoman150 wrote:

My initial google search turned up differing opini... (show quote)

Everyone seems to use the owners manual as the go-to reference if you have a problem. Why would you not be guided by the camera manufactures guidance? How can anyone here have the correct answer?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I never use the video feature on my Nikon DX DSLR. I just never had a need to use it. I would imagine it could be beneficial, using it at a Wedding, or graduation. Twenty nine minutes maximum time is the limit. Something to do with it being a primary first video camera, for which it is not. I have read that the Sony a6300 crop sensor mirrorless camera, had a problem with overheating in video mode, and a firmware from Sony was suppose to correct that overheating problem. I am curious to know, if any Nikon or Canon DSLR cameras have an overheating problem in video mode. It has been said by a few on this forum, that the newer versions of the Panasonic DSLRs, are among the best for capturing video images. Micro Four Thirds.

fotoman150

traderjohn wrote:

Everyone seems to use the owners manual as the go-to reference if you have a problem. Why would you not be guided by the camera manufactures guidance? How can anyone here have the correct answer?

Well there’s the Manual and then there’s boots on the ground. I wanted a different perspective and a comment as to what happens to the camera when it’s used for video. There are things that the manual doesn’t explain fully.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

fotoman150 wrote:

Well there’s the Manual and then there’s boots on the ground. I wanted a different perspective and a comment as to what happens to the camera when it’s used for video. There are things that the manual doesn’t explain fully.

Hadn’t really thought about it before but an interesting question. Thanks for raising it.
Let me dance answered it well I thought.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

mas24 wrote:

I never use the video feature on my Nikon DX DSLR.... (show quote)

Video cameras are subject to higher import tariffs than still cameras. Any camera that is capable of recording video segments 30 minutes or longer is defined as a video camera; those that record less than 30 minute segments are considered still cameras by definition and are exempt from the higher rate. It's been this way for quite some time. Not sure how (or if) the new tariff situation might change this.

fotoman150

larryepage wrote:

Video cameras are subject to higher import tariffs than still cameras. Any camera that is capable of recording video segments 30 minutes or longer is defined as a video camera; those that record less than 30 minute segments are considered still cameras by definition and are exempt from the higher rate. It's been this way for quite some time. Not sure how (or if) the new tariff situation might change this.

That’s interesting. I didn’t know that.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If it’s an issue, get a dedicated video camera. There are lots of them at a reasonable price.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

itsnoelb wrote:

What about the heat? Is their any way to calculate how long a video can be before heat would become an issue?

Because of financial/political reasons, video is limited to a few minutes. This applies to camcorders, too, and it has nothing to do with heat or technology. I forget the details, but it is an artificial limit, a stupid decision made for stupid reasons.

This reminds me of car engines made in England decades ago. English engines were tall and narrow, with a long strong and a small bore - not very efficient. Whey did they do this? Taxes! Engines were taxed on the size of the bore. Unfortunately, we are still hobbled by politicians.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

larryepage wrote:

Video cameras are subject to higher import tariffs than still cameras. Any camera that is capable of recording video segments 30 minutes or longer is defined as a video camera; those that record less than 30 minute segments are considered still cameras by definition and are exempt from the higher rate. It's been this way for quite some time. Not sure how (or if) the new tariff situation might change this.

Sad, but true. However, even video cameras record in small chunks and then combine them when they are uploaded to a computer.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

fotoman150 wrote:

My initial google search turned up differing opini... (show quote)

The warning about the 5D II was based upon its inability to dissipate HEAT from the sensor. There is infinitesimal wear on a shutter from video.

There is a Eurozone tariff on still cameras that record video. It limits recording time to 29 minutes, 29 seconds, 29 frames. If the camera quits before that limit, it’s due to heat limitations or a manufacturer engineered safety feature to avoid sensor damage.

The Nikon D5 is another example... It records 4K UHD video, but shuts off in under five minutes to cool down.

Panasonic’s GH series cameras can record as long as there is memory and power. They never stop, but they do save video in 4 GB chunks. That’s not an issue... I just drag them to the editor timeline and they line up in order.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

jerryc41 wrote:

Because of financial/political reasons, video is l... (show quote)

Panasonic GH4 and later GHx models have no time limits. The tariff is built into the purchase price. The sensor is engineered for rapid heat dissipation.

RRS Loc: Not sure

fotoman150 wrote:

My initial google search turned up differing opini... (show quote)

When the 5DMKII first came out you could not find batteries for them. Why, well the movie makers in Hollywood realized that that camera was more then good enough to be used for filming and several "Hollywood" movies were filmed exclusively with the 5DMKII. You can only film continually for 29 minutes and I think 59 seconds and it will shut off automatically. That has to do with it being sold as a still camera with filming ability and not as a video camera. It may get a little warm but if you have the luxury to have two the first will cool down while you film with the second one. I haven't heard of anyone wearing out the shutter as in the movie mode the shutter opens when you start and closes when you finish. If the body feels too warm to your hand then just stop and let it cool down.