Sony SupportCompact Cameras

Article ID : 00198179 / Last Modified : 29/03/2019Print

Overheat Warning Icon or Overheating Error Message on Cameras and Camcorders

    Why Does The Camera Overheat and What to do?

    Capturing a video with interchangeable lens cameras and compact cameras is growing in popularity. These cameras are great for recording short movie clips, but are not designed to replace the non-stop video recording capability of camcorders. All manufacturers in the industry have defined a limit of up to 29 minutes, 50 seconds for continuous video recording with these cameras. This limit, however, can often be much shorter depending on the camera.

    Sony interchangeable lens cameras have an upward limit of 29 minutes, 50 seconds for non-stop video recording. This time will be affected by the following factors.

    • Ambient temperature
    • The number of clips being recorded at once
    • The amount of time the camera is allowed to cool between clips

    When using the camera to record long movie clips or shooting many continuous bursts of still pictures, the temperature inside the camera increases. If the temperature becomes too high, a warning icon may appear and the camera shuts down to protect the circuitry. This is not a failure and the camera simply needs to be turned off for several minutes so it can cool down.

    Warning Icon or Error Message When the Camera's Temperature Rises

    Maximize the Available Continuous Recording Time for Movies

    • Turn the power off when the camera is not in use.

      Note: The duration of time available for movie recording varies with the temperature or condition of the camera before you start recording. Anytime the camera is on, the internal temperature will increase.

    • Avoid exposing the camera to direct sunlight as much as possible
    • For interchangeable lens cameras (DSLR and SLT models), the SteadyShot setting to Off.

      Note: When you have the SteadyShot turned off, using a tripod will help reduce the shakiness of your video.

    • Format the memory card in the camera.

      WARNING! There is a risk of data loss. Formatting erases all the data from the memory card. Make sure any pictures or movies you want to keep have been saved to a computer before formatting.

    Related Info