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Daniel Weber December 11th, 2009 08:42 AM

7D overheats in Africa
 
Well I am in Africa shooting with my new 7D and about 2 hours into shooting it overheated. I let it rest for about 15 minutes, shot a 7 minute interview and it did it again.

Let it rest for another 30 minutes, shot some more and again the warning came on.

It is about 85 degrees now and the humidity is at 80 %.

I can't even imagine how the camera will hold up in Senegal when I get there next week.

Has anyone tried faster CF cards to see if that might be the problem?

I talked to the Canon guys at the GV Expo in DC last week and they were positive that the camera wouldn't overheat.

Maybe I should have gone with the 5D, but the ergonomics on the 7D are so much better for video.

On more positive note, the video that I am shooting is just amazing. Blows me away how good it looks. Lots of fun to shoot with. This camera and shooting style really keep you on your toes.

Daniel Weber

Bill Pryor December 11th, 2009 08:56 AM

I shot in similar conditions, over 80 degrees, in the sun, no heating issues at all. I wasn't doing any takes over 2 or 3 minutes.

Khoi Pham December 11th, 2009 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Weber (Post 1458987)
Well I am in Africa shooting with my new 7D and about 2 hours into shooting it overheated. I let it rest for about 15 minutes, shot a 7 minute interview and it did it again.

Let it rest for another 30 minutes, shot some more and again the warning came on.

It is about 85 degrees now and the humidity is at 80 %.

I can't even imagine how the camera will hold up in Senegal when I get there next week.

Has anyone tried faster CF cards to see if that might be the problem?

I talked to the Canon guys at the GV Expo in DC last week and they were positive that the camera wouldn't overheat.

Maybe I should have gone with the 5D, but the ergonomics on the 7D are so much better for video.

On more positive note, the video that I am shooting is just amazing. Blows me away how good it looks. Lots of fun to shoot with. This camera and shooting style really keep you on your toes.

Daniel Weber

Too late now for you to get the 5D so buy some instant ice pack and put them on the right side of the lcd and remove any loop you have after you have focus because it could trap the heat from the lcd and it should help, if it overheat, remote the CF card and battery and let them rest for awhile, that should cool them down quicker and let you shoot a little longer on the next take after the brake. Good luck.

Chuck Spaulding December 11th, 2009 10:06 AM

What CF cards are you currently using?

Does your buffer ever fill up? I'm using the Kingston 32GB 133x, occasionally when I first hit record I get one bar on the buffer meter but it generally goes away quickly. Are you seeing something different than that?

I'm not sure there's a correlation between the buffer and overheating but we will never know until we check it out...

Oh, and never believe a sales guy at a trade show or expo... [just a thought]

Daniel Weber December 11th, 2009 10:30 AM

I had already ordered the 7D and I am happy with it so far except for the overheating.

I am using the Kingston 100x 32 gig cards. I also am using the grip with 2 batteries in it.

I am pretty certain I won't be able to find cold packs in Ghana!!!

Bill, so you don't have overheating? I was surprised that two of the times it happened was when I was in doors and not in direct sun.

I might try using the camera without the grip and see if that helps any.

Daniel Weber

Chuck Spaulding December 11th, 2009 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Weber (Post 1459025)
I was surprised that two of the times it happened was when I was in doors and not in direct sun.

I might try using the camera without the grip and see if that helps any.

Daniel Weber

That might help, I have not experienced this but the warmest its been while shooting is around 80. I suspect that it might have to more with the high humidity than the heat. Not sure what you can do about that though.

What are you shooting in Africa? Hows the trip going? Do you like Africa?

Tony Davies-Patrick December 11th, 2009 11:21 AM

The overheating problems with the 7D really need to be solved by Canon. Has anyone tried tests with the latest EOS 1d Mark IV?

Daniel Weber December 11th, 2009 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Spaulding (Post 1459040)
That might help, I have not experienced this but the warmest its been while shooting is around 80. I suspect that it might have to more with the high humidity than the heat. Not sure what you can do about that though.

What are you shooting in Africa? Hows the trip going? Do you like Africa?

I am in Ghana and have only been here 24 hours. This is not my first trip to Africa, probably around my 4th or 5th time here.

I like Africa, though you have to be prepared for anything to happen!!

I will take off the grip and see if that helps.

Daniel

Dale Baglo December 11th, 2009 01:08 PM

Here in the frozen north, my elder son used the 7D to video a bar band. The 7D overheated after about 40 minutes or so. I'm actually using it right now to augment the oil furnace in my home.

Michael Murie December 11th, 2009 01:19 PM

I don't think faster cards would make any difference; if you're card is fast enough to write to without blowing the buffer, then the transfer rate from the camera should be the same no matter how fast the card is.

Are you shooting 1080 or 720?

I wonder if the battery pack has any impact on the issue (either positive or negative.)

Jon Fairhurst December 11th, 2009 01:23 PM

Are you shooting 1080/24(25) or 720/60(50)?

Paul Cascio December 11th, 2009 01:37 PM

What happens when the 7D overheats? Does it shut down or just give a warning?
Does it tell you when it's cooled down?

Michael Murie December 11th, 2009 02:15 PM

The "High internal temperature warning" icon will appear on screen, and -according to the manual - "image quality might degrade." But the camera will continue to work...until the "temperature increases further" at which point it will stop recording, and you have to wait until it cools down.

Daniel Weber December 11th, 2009 02:29 PM

I am shooting 1080p30.

I try to shut off the camera when ever possible now. It helps that the camera starts up so quickly, unlike the EX1 that I usually shoot with.

Tomorrow will be a long hot day. I will post more after the shoot.

Daniel Weber

Mike Dulay December 11th, 2009 03:24 PM

Do you handhold the camera? I was in the tropics shooting under the midday sun at 60p for 30p. It was fine until I held the body to take some stills. As long as air circulates around the body it seems fine.

Keith Moreau December 11th, 2009 05:46 PM

I've gotten the warning twice, once on a tripod, one handheld. Both occurred after nearly continuous shooting for 1-2 hours. I don't think the 7D shut down, nor do i think the image degraded, but I haven't examined the video pre-post warning.

The 2nd time I got the warning, handheld for about 2 hours, I changed to a nice cool, big heatsink, my Canon 70-200 L 2.8 IS, and had that going for about 10 minutes, no heat warning. I switched back to a Canon 17-55 IS zoom and didn't have the warning since.

I think I'm going to market with a 7D icicle lens, when your 7D starts heating, change to this lens, which has been cooling in the freezer. Put it on for 2 minutes, overheating problem solved. :)

Seriously though, though there is a heat warning, do we have evidence that the camera shuts down or the image actually degrades?

Chuck Spaulding December 11th, 2009 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Baglo (Post 1459100)
Here in the frozen north, my elder son used the 7D to video a bar band. The 7D overheated after about 40 minutes or so. I'm actually using it right now to augment the oil furnace in my home.

That's just mean.


Keith, actually even though your joking making a device with a small fan in it to circulate the air in the camera that you put on in place of a lens might be just what the doctor ordered. Of coarse it will have a short shelf life, I'm sure this will be resolved in the next generation.

I wonder if there's anything they can do with a firmware change?

Daniel Weber December 11th, 2009 06:15 PM

camera was mainly handheld. Some tripod. I did use the Zacuto Rapidfire and Z finder. Both of which work like a charm I must say.

Also the 17-55 2.8 IS lens is very nice and the IS is not that noisy. Now the 70-200 4 L IS is a different story when it comes to noisy IS.

Paulo Teixeira December 11th, 2009 07:19 PM

If you started with 1080 30p, it wouldn't be such a good idea to finish off with 24p but if you’re starting a new project than maybe that should be recommended. I’m assuming that because it’s less frames per second that you’ll probably have less heating issues. I don’t have a 7D by the way so I could be wrong. At lesast we know that 720 60p causes the most problems.

Keith Moreau December 12th, 2009 11:48 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Spaulding (Post 1459200)
Keith, actually even though your joking making a device with a small fan in it to circulate the air in the camera that you put on in place of a lens might be just what the doctor ordered.e?

Here's something I just whipped up in my garage, I haven't gotten the heat warning since...

Mike Dulay December 12th, 2009 12:26 PM

Lol Keith! Even with silent bearings the AGC would pick it up. Where's the remote lav in your picture!?

Seriously, what if we make a big heatsink (drill a 1/4-20 screw through a milled block of aluminum!) that screws on to the tripod mount? The contact area is limited but it might help aside from the anecdotal metal lens heatsink. Just in case someone has funny ideas, a cooled down lens would have a secondary problem with condensation. I forgot how humid it could be near the beach my first night stepping out of an air conditioned room. "Why are my pictures so fuzzy?"

Liam Hall December 12th, 2009 12:40 PM

Try it without the Z-Finder, I suspect that may prevent the camera from cooling.

Peter Mykusz December 12th, 2009 02:48 PM

Overheating 7Ds
 
I was covering a social event about a month ago with 2 cameras. One of the cameras overheated after about 45 minutes of continuous use and the other did it after about an hour. Later tests showed that one camera would bring up the overheating warning at about 50 minutes. The temperature was normal room temperature in a hall.
This means that you can't shoot continuously at long events. You can keep the camera on but when recording, you must stop after 30 minutes to give the camera time to cool. Maybe each camera has its own characteristics but I would do a test before an important event. Try ro record an hour continuously and see if your camera overheats.
The 7D has 2 CPUs while the 5D has 1 and the 7D also has better sealing against dust etc. This probably contributes to a heat builup.
I will use the cameras for "B" roll and use my XDCAM for regular long form videos.
I'm just waiting for Canon to put those chips in a regular video camera body and revolutionize the entire industry.

Zsolt Gordos December 12th, 2009 04:08 PM

I was hesitating about buying a 7D or not. I think I wont buy it.

Daniel Weber December 12th, 2009 08:11 PM

The images are amazing though!! They really are, but I see that you are already shooting with a 5D so I don't need to tell you that. The ergonomics on the 7D are so much better than on the 5D when it comes to shooting video.

If they can solve the overheating issue, then the camera is a winner. I think I need to learn to adapt my style of shooting to overcome the overheating issue.

Daniel

Keith Moreau December 12th, 2009 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liam Hall (Post 1459484)
Try it without the Z-Finder, I suspect that may prevent the camera from cooling.

I've had the 'heat warning' come up even before I got the Z-Finder (which, by the way, is excellent and highly recommended, Zacuto really thought this thing through, and I guess that's what you're paying for...)

Even with the heat warning (which has never resulted in anything bad for me, other than concern) I love the 7D. It's kind of the first realization for me of what I've been hoping would happen since the early days of video, something that wasn't film, but looked like film (that was halfway affordable).

Just today, I was shooting a family Christmas party, I had my Z-Finder on, my 17-55mm f2.8 Canon EF-S, and I went handheld and got close to the action without being imposing, and got an amazing organic look, really impossible with a traditional camcorder. Imagine trying to do this with even a smallish EX1 rig, you'd still need rails, some 4-pound DOF adapter, and then some nice lens on the front of that, and a lot more. Possible, but improbable, and it wouldn't be a party anymore, it would be a studio shoot, with extra lighting, etc and a 3 foot long rig sticking in people's faces.

There is something about the 7D, using manual focus and the Z-Finder, that just 'flows.' I think it's because of the gorgeous images that are giving you feedback right away, and your ability to direct your eye, with focus to what you want.

BTW, no overheating today. Though I noticed at some point, without shooting, but in standby, the camera got a bit warm, not sure why. But then again, I had my rig (see my above post) just in case:)

So, just to ask again, has anybody experienced anything significantly bad happened after getting the warning? Last time I got it I just ignored it. Will my 7D burst into flames?

Jon Fairhurst December 12th, 2009 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Weber (Post 1459606)
...The ergonomics on the 7D are so much better than on the 5D when it comes to shooting video...

Why do you say that? To me the advantages of the 7D are 24p (for now), longer shots (but not wides), cheaper lenses, and the similarity to S35. The ergonomics of the two cameras look to be nearly identical. Oh, and the 1080p HDMI output is certainly better for focusing.

[just a quick detour, then back to overheating...]

Daniel Weber December 13th, 2009 07:49 AM

Jon,

I have not used the 5D that much, but when I was playing around with it, it felt clunky in the way that you got the video to start recording.

The layout of the 7D is very easy to use and operate.

One of the lenses that I purchased was the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 lens. This lens solves all the wide angle problems that the 1.6 crop factor creates. Also my 70-200mm F4 L IS lens becomes 320mm at the long end of the lens. This is very useful.

I should clarify that my statement that the 7D is better for shooting video is a personal one based on a very limited use of the 5D. The images that the 5D produces are just amazing though.

Now back to the over heating.

Liam Hall was on to something when he said to not use the Z Finder unless necessary. I did about a 10 minute shoot this morning and the camera started overheating again. I had left the Z Finder on the camera during the interview. I then let the camera rest for about 5 minutes and started shooting again without the viewfinder. I would only put it on to double check focus or when I was doing a panning or follow shot. The it would go back in the pocket of my cargo pants. Two hours later I was done shooting and the camera didn't overheat. Not once.

I think that using a viewfinder that covers the LCD is trapping heat inside the camera.

The temp today was only around 80-85 degrees, but the humidity was high.

One tip on focusing without the Z finder. I love using the focus box that you can move around the screen to pick your focus point, I then zoom in with the magnification button and check focus. This works very well on my Canon 17-55 2.8 IS lens. Very sharp lens that has become my go to lens.

The other thing that is essential is a Fader ND filter. I set the camera at 60th at 2.8 and shoot away using the filter to adjust my exposure. Very cool option that lets you control your depth of field and exposure in a simple way.

Daniel Weber

Bob Hart December 13th, 2009 08:44 AM

Has anyone thought of trying a finned heatsink with conductive paste in between it and the camera body as used in electronic audio and radiofrequency ampliers, attached to the tripod mount to conduct a bit of heat away from the camera body when handholding. It would mean also having to attach a dummy tripod mount beneath.

Keith Moreau December 13th, 2009 04:58 PM

If it is really a problem, there will probably be a number of solutions but you could do the same 'thermal paste' thing by just removing the rubber pad on your quick release plate (I use Manfrotto gear so I have either RC2 or 501 style) and putting some conductive grease there but...

Look at the bottom of the 7D, it's mostly coated, and all around the 1/4" hole is rubberized. Don't think the paste is going to help. I don't know if much heat is going to get out of the 1/4" hole to the tripod, but if it did just the metal-to-metal of the 1/4 screw down into the tripod would be a good heat sink.

I think the EOS lens mount is a better heat sink. If we poll, how many Canon L Glass uses are getting the heat warning? The L series lenses are mostly metal all the way to the mounts. The cheaper glass has more plastic, therefore less heat conductive.

As I said before, though the Z-Finder might trap some heat, I've had pretty much the same heat warnings with it on or off. I think with a Z-Finder you might tend to have your non-heatsinking and heat-producing hands on the 7D body more, since the z-finder is more of a handheld device and that might lead to overheating. However, the LEDs backlights and the LEDs themselves to generate a little heat, so it may contribute some.

I'm also wondering if various functions of the camera cause heating, such as any computations going on, like HTP and the other auto correcting exposure functions. Also wondering if complex imagery will drive the processors harder, thus producing more heat. It is possible that a firmware update could help. Software can be optimized to 'sleep' more when possible, so we could get some update that helps with this issue.

Wayne Avanson December 14th, 2009 11:48 AM

I got over heating on my 7D last week for the first time.

Shooting a performance constantly in a warm theatre (not hot or anything) with the 70-200 L 2.8 on one end and a Zacuto Z finder on the other end. I was shooting for about an hour and a quarter before the icon showed. There could be something in the theory of a loup causing a lack of heat dissipation as it's the first time I've experienced the overheat problem and first time I'd used the Z-Finder in anger so to speak. Easy to tie the two phenomena together I guess.

There was some zooming and some focus pulling and I was shooting at 1080p 30 (to match to the other two cams being used which were 5D2s

I didn't push it too much, just let it cool for a few mins and then carried on. The symbol kept reappearing though. Images were fine although I did notice a glowing pixel in the dark areas in later footage.

Avey

TheActionHouse.com

Bruno Demeocq December 14th, 2009 01:05 PM

Hello from Dakar
 
Hi Daniel,

Good news for your 7D, the temperature is getting down in Sénégal ! I am an Ex-1 (and Nikon) user living in Sénégal considering 5D/7D, If you 'r coming in Dakar before 26 th of December, I'll be happy to met you for a drink.

One of my last " documentary style " work in Saint-Louis Sénégal with the EX1 :
Barnen som lever på gatan, Senegal - Radiohjälpen | SVT Play


A+
Bruno Deméocq
221 77 568 31 87

Daniel Weber December 15th, 2009 02:34 PM

Bruno,

I am in Dakar right now. I arrived early this morning from Accra.

Yes the camera had no problems today, but I also didn't record much as well.

I am staying at the Auberge Marie-Lucienne hotel in Dakar. I don't drink but I would love to sit down with you and talk shop!!! You could also check out the 7D system that I have brought.

I will have some free time on Sunday afternoon, since my host will be at a wedding service.

Daniel Weber

Daniel Weber December 16th, 2009 02:42 PM

Update from Dakar,

Well I really think that the humidity is a real problem. The weather here in Dakar has been much better than of that in Accra. Very dry and not as hot. Thus the camera has not overheated at all. I have also been careful to turn the camera off when ever i am done shooting. I spent the morning walking around Goree Island and filmed with no problems.

I also take the Z Finder off the camera when not in use and put it in my vest pocket.

This seems to be the best way to battle the overheating on the camera.

By the way I love this forum!!! I was able to meet up with Bruno, who responded a few posts up from mine, and we met for tea tonight and I was able to show him the camera. He is also kind enough to help me try to arrange a shoot in a mosque for Friday. Thanks Bruno!!

This really shows the power of the internet!!

Daniel Weber


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