Sony Camera Overheating? Here's How To Prevent It!

[@whoismatt]

😎 Hope this helps you keep your camera cool! P.S. Like the colors in this video? You can get the same colors in your videos with my presets - whoismatt.com/luts

[@josephfriedman614]

Let me add to an earlier comment re: USB fans. I bought the Sony A6300 six years ago. I shoot long interviews, sometimes back to back. I tested the camera early on and it heated up/stopped at around 33 minutes with 4K. So I looked at all the possibilities and decided on using a 4" USB fan that was supported independently adjacent to the rear of the camera with the camera screen pulled away from the body. I could shoot now indefinitely with absolutely no temperature warning. These fans are absolutely quiet.

[@johnysemedo9862]

What fan you're using for your camera?

[@Tricklarock]

Oh shit, I just left a comment about trying to put a usb fan on a magic arm?! Have you seen the new ones that attach to the back of the body when you pull the screen out?

[@Evengard]

Switch to V90 SD. Ok, guys, I'm posting that comment under every video related to Sony A7IV overheating issue, because it solved the problem for me and I'd be happy if it helps you. I've browsed through dozens of videos on that subject and most of them didn't mention that particular thing. Yes, auto power off temp works. Opening the screen and battery door works too. Eventually it allowed me to record 35 min instead of 15 min in 4K 100M. Better, but not perfect. External recorder, switched off linking, camera grip, etc. probably does its job as well. But V90 SD card instead of V30 allowed me to record a 2-hour take easily. The battery exhausted earlier. Maybe that's dumb, but having been an A7III user, I never thought the card would be such a gamechanger. In fact, yes. Slow cards just don't have enough capacity, being overheated while trying to process the recording, they overheat the camera internally even though it stays cool on the surface. Don't bother with CFExpress, just a regular V90 128G card would do the thing. At least it worked like a charm for me. Thanks for the video, Matt! 🙌

[@JetsetmusicTV]

I work with two 128gb v90 cards.. but it still overheats extremely fast

[@veronicaobrien5019]

Probably the best camera tutorial/help video I have ever watched. Thank you for getting straight to the point and your advice!!

[@edithgonzalez8258]

Thank you for this!! I just shot a wedding this weekend outside in the middle of august in Austin…it was a nightmare. Wish I had watched this before, but now I know!

[@Blck5heep]

Literally just left set dealing with this issue. Wish I would have seen this video before I shut the set down

[@gn1282]

Thank you, so, so much, Matt!! I recently got my A7IV for weddings and events filming, and I haven't experienced overheating, but due to the ton of videos and posts about it on Internet, I don't feel 100% relaxed about it, but you're a referent for me and I really appreciate your advices, I will enjoy more my next filming adventure with the A7IV which btw gives an extraordinary image quality. Kind regards from Uruguay.

[@aenosfox3658]

Thanks Matt ! An other solution to avoid over heating is to change battery if you have the chance during the event, and to have a cage for your camera to spread the heat of your hand. Thanks 👍

[@sean-victoria]

Reducing the frame rate makes a big difference. Recording at 25fps, I've never my A7IV overheat, even whilst filming a 1.5 hour ceremony in the hot sun. Filming at 50fps, I've had the camera overheat a number of times. Never had either of my A7Siii overheat though :)

[@sean-victoria]

@@_Brilliant_ as I’m based in Europe, we use PAL, and if you set the camera to PAL, the frame rates are available. 4k 25 and 4k50 is what I use routinely. I suspect that 4k24 would overheat less than 4k60 as the processor is doing less work

[@michelenardo1221]

i've had my a7iv overheat unfortunately. it was very hot and in direct sunlight it overheated after 40minutes of recording

[@TreasuredVisions]

Can you record sports video 4k and get good edit in 25fps

[@sean-victoria]

@@TreasuredVisions depends on your edit style I guess. Not if you like slomo.We use 25fps for conferences and wedding speeches/ceremonies, 25fps is perfect for that.

[@137dylan]

This is the best video I've seen in ref to Sony's cams overheating. If you see this, I hope you can give me some quick advice: I was very close to buying the new Sony ZV-E10 II having already been familiar with its predecessor. However, I was also aware overheating was a big issue with these cameras. My big problem being I will almost exclusively be using it outside in a tropical climate (Thailand). And I wanted to record at 4k (24 or 30). My understanding is, even with making the setting change you mentioned, opening up the screen/memory card slot, and attaching an aftermarket fan, I will likely still have overheating issues. So I considered either getting the FX30 (which has a fan), or staying with the ZV-E10 II but dropping the resolution down to 1080. I'd really like to record in 4k, but as my only usage is YT videos, and knowing something like 65% of viewers watch on on smartphones, dropping the res down to 1080 seemed acceptable. I'm kinda confused as I won't know if the II will work outside in that heat at 4k until I try (and I'm also prepared to make the sun shield as you demonstrated in this video). Knowing my luck, even if I paid the extra and went for the FX30 (with its fan), it'd still overheat!

[@lldd11]

Im sitting in air conditioned room and I just turned on for the first time new Sony a7 iv, and start to setup settings. But 10 minutes later (before I was able to complete setup and before fire a single shot) I got message about internal heat and camera shut down before I was even able to complete a setup. Is this normal? This is my 5th Sony camera and I've never seen anything like this before..

[@Tricklarock]

S A M E !!!

[@dianachristine8438]

Same..😩

[@checkeredflagfilms]

Have possessed an A7iii since the beginning of the Sony revolution and never have I experienced over-heating issues.

[@cassijoanna]

It doesn't record in high Fram rates or bit rates though but it is beast

[@Tricklarock]

For all of those who didn't know... this is a masterclass in common sense! Great job Matt!!! Oh, have you tried those new fans that attach to where the screen lives after you flip it out (A7iv, etc)? I think this summer, I'm going to try to attach a small USB/battery powered fan to a magic arm and aim it next to my rig? One more thing. Have you ever tried to use any type of ice pack underneath your camera??? I haven't tried it yet due to moisture concerns, but I know there are some that don't sweat, with a kind of furry exterior? I'm in the mid-Atlantic area, so summers are already 1000% humidity! That's the main reason that I haven't tried the ice pack yet! ... Dry Ice maybe?!?!?!

[@fallenryan]

I'm currently using a Sony a6000 but I can't seem to find the "Auto Power OFF Temp." setting anywhere. Am I unable to change that setting on this camera? Thanks!

[@lg.studio]

My other solution was, when I started doing wedding with my a6000 and a6500, to put small silver heat-sinks over the camera body. 2 on top, 2 under the monitor. It did help a lot. Not in the summer sunshine, but at least indoors I had no problems with them. Later I also added a dummy battery, and that solved the issue even on warm summer days outside.

[@1bertoimagemaker]

how did you attach the heat sink in camera? Has tutorial on youtube?

[@Dreamcardriving]

I've had the temp sensor warning come up on my sony a7iv during a wedding on a hot day outdoor ceremony. Once the warning came on I switched to 1080p and it recorded with no issue. I upgraded to the a7siii because of the overheating of the sony a7iv

[@whoismatt]

Good upgrade choice!

[@87redcoupe]

Have been using my new Sony 7rV for video for a while and last night was the first time I had heating and power issues, and it was also the first time I left the screen against the camera base and not pulled out from the body. Thank you!

[@andrewsaraceni]

Definitely a camera-dependent thing based on a few factors (e.g. my a7S III vs. a7 IV vs. a7 III, it's really never been a concern with my a7S III), but great tips here.

[@johnbrunedigital1]

Great info. What about faster cards? Does that help control heat? I shoot in HD most of the time and rarely shoot in 4K and I've gotten heat warnings on my a6700 but your info helped me find that setting to control the heat. Thanks!

[@aerialphoto]

do you ever have people try to grab an orderve from your sunshade thinking your carrying a plate?

[@Tricklarock]

Hors d' vors

[@yash1one556]

I was about to order this camera but I’m not, can you suggest any alternatives for this camera ?

[@Tricklarock]

Panny S5iix

[@harshcmane]

@whoismatt I have A7ii and whenever I connect my Godox TT685ii I face internal Temp high issue.

[@Kenjidarou]

Unfotunately there is no menu option in the Sony A6000 to Auto Power OFF Temp. My A6000 overheats and the image freezes every time I stream with it, and it only fixes when I turn it off and reset the camera and the OBS source, at which point it fixes for a moment until the picture freezes again. Firmware is at version 3.2. Any suggestions on what to do?

[@ptime5612]

I'm buying the sony ZV-E1 and have heard about its overheating but still am happy to buy it as it looks like an amazing camera. Your video gave me the idea of buying the white Sony ZV-E1 as it'll keep much cooler in thew sun. Good idea what you think?

[@4shvin239]

Did you get the cam? What’s your opinion about it

[@PIXELvoiz]

I have a Sony a7iv and Sigma 85mm lens can I come there and work with you on wedding photography? Thanks for the video.

[@Cristobal_productions.]

Your videos have made my work flow easier!! Thank you so much!

[@Marco__Photo]

hello , this camera you show at the Third heat section. Is it a a7s iii or the a7 iv?

[@ShashankShekhar-]

Thanks a lot for the tips...i was in the middle of shooting a KZbin video (my first with a professional camera), and this saved me :p

[@winterkat8693]

hey! do you know how long does it take a sony a 7siii to overheat in its standard auto power off temp while recording in 4k24 and 60 fps.

[@whoismatt]

It would depend on the ambient temperature.

[@andrewsaraceni]

I would set it to High for Auto Power Off Temp (there's really no reason not to). With that set, I've never had even a temperature warning come up for 4K 24 or 60 fps on the a7S III, let alone fully overheat or shut down.

[@winterkat8693]

@@andrewsaraceni No I understand that but I recently got a a7siii and have been shooting on standard overheating mode and it has not over heat even once. my line of work might be different from yous and do not require countinus recording for more than like 5-10 mins max 2 mins avrage but the cameras stays on for the whole day just for battery changes with external power supplied. I shoot ads and music videos mostly. and I am concerned cause my camera did get pretty hot few times, was shooting 4k 24 all day for an ads and it never turned off or showed the over heating icon(stayed on stand by). and still no over heating warning and is till on standard. so i have concerns if there might be problems in the camera heat sensors or something. If there is then I might as well use it till I lose it. got like 2 years or warrenty and stuff😂😂

[@natecain8884]

Ugh. Had a 2 camera shoot yesterday in a dark air conditioned room. Unmanned camera shut off and I had to constantly blow on the other one. Shooting 4k 30p. Cameras are both set to high for the temp setting. I did forget to open the screen on the unmanned. But even with the screen open on the manned I had to keep blowing to get the temp icon to go away. Seems silly to have to keep the card and battery doors open in a normal shooting environment. Would having a high ISO make a difference in temperature? Do you think I have faulty cameras? Maybe I try doing the battery grip thing? (not sure how much that would actually help since heat rises but at least it wouldn't be inside the camera.)

[@FitnessMarketingMastery]

Matt you are a LIFESAVER! In the middle of a video shoot and this solve my issue - at least for now!!

[@MichelHoogervorst]

My a5000 shuts down regularly because of overheating, while not feeling warm to the touch. I can't find the auto power off temperature. Do you know if it's there on this apparently ancient device? 😅 This is while using a dummy batt by the way, with the screen flipped up.

[@Goxilla]

I bought an umbrella for a stroller which you can clip on your tripod. Costs less than the umbrellas for cameras and it also protects from the rain

[@Alexrocks1253]

I wish Sony used more metallic bodies to prevent overheating like Panasonic. Also, I'm surprised no camera maker makes professional (not the Canon SL3 lol) white colored cameras to prevent overheating! Big money idea laying right on the table right here! Luckily for me, my Sony A7RIV never has overheated on me. Power off temp to high and I can record hour long interviews in the summer heat no problem. Shame with these hotter processors they didn't have a heat sink behind the screen or something.

[@jer3006]

Fantastic suggestions and bkgd info on camera overheating- thank you! Love the shade tip!

[@whoismatt]

Glad to help! :)

[@sebastianjcano3052]

Hello Matt, I have a question: I just bought the Sony a7iv to make documentaries. Overall I think it is a great camera. However, I did some warm-up tests and it turned off several times after some 60fps tests in 4k. My question is this: Does the camera sensor suffer in the long term when it is turned off due to overheating? Thank you.

[@noeltensilofficial]

Thank you very much for your great advice. Love from India.

[@LaLaLady]

Some said that using CF Express Cards prevent overheating. Does anybody test it?

[@martinwoodfilms]

Yeah I'm wondering about this myself. They actually get HOTTER when transferring on a high speed hub, but the speed in camera is a lot less

[@kevinsticht]

I have a sony a7r ii and I was wondering about the auto shut off. I thought it was an overheating problem as I use a dummy battery and it still gets hot. I tried to change the auto shut off, well off, but the max amount of time was 30 minutes. As a streamer, I'll be using it for 2+ hours so that wasn't gonna work. It turns out, if you turn the setting "Remote Control" to "On", it won't auto turn off. It's not necessarily the same as overheating but I did find out this was the reason for my own problem. Hopefully this helps someone else that came here with the same problem I had! And thank you Matt for your help! Great video.

[@Lizerator]

Important information well presented. I don't have the sony a7 iv yet because I was very worried about this issue.

[@MuhammadMundir]

how about sony a6000 ?

[@VoyageurMotionPictures]

you're a lifesaver Matt! Thanks for this!

[@romantruba8790]

Thanks for the tip #1, I didn't know there's a setting for that. My camera is just stationary, like a stream recording camera

[@beardedphotographer6287]

I filmed at our Capitol the other day (with A74) and it quit about 30 minutes in. I had the temp set to high, battery door and memory door open the entire time. I was filming at 24fps in 10-bit. I wonder if a battery grip would do the trick. Do memory cards have any effect to the heat if you are running dual backups?

[@charliebrownn6622]

Nothing will do the trick, it’s just very bad design, skip the a7IV and go for other brand

[@Tricklarock]

One comment said that using V90 cards helped them. I would assume it would be due to faster and more efficient data transfer? After all, efficient running electronics are cooler running electronics, that's why M3 MacBooks fans' hardly ever kick on, unless you're really pushing it?!

[@StevenSmith-nq5xe]

Terrific and extremely helpful video! (I live in the SoCal desert.)

[@raulpicon8163]

I use a smallrig cage for the a6500 and through the screws it transmits the heat, dissipating it much better. Just one thing, if you are in the sun you should cover it so that the smallrig does not heat up because it has the opposite effect.

[@TheHarrisTerry]

I accidentally left my A7RIII on in my car. It was also in the case. When I got home, I noticed the case was hot and realized that the camera was on. The whole time span from placing it in the case and retrieving it from the case lasted an hour. Is there a high probability or any indicator that it could be damaged? For context, the outside temperature today was about 90°F.

[@gwm-btdbattlesagar.ioandmo9988]

Using a dummy battery and cage allowed me to remove overheating on my a6300, recorded a whole theater performance yesterday and haven't shut down once.

[@teebone4]

Sorry if someone already posted but I guess turning off the LED screen and using the viewfinder (if possible) would reduce temperature?

[@DanielOchoaCampos]

Thank you so much! Very useful 👌👌

[@oncedust]

How about powering the camera with a power bank battery via USB-C that has PD, which isn't draining the battery...how does that rate compared with using the hollow plastic dummy battery?

[@whoismatt]

I haven’t tested this, but it may actually generate more heat because power would still be passing through the battery.

[@ryanhamstra49]

It will still overheat eventually. I did a live stream a while back with a Sony aiii and we had it plugged in via USB, and it still overheated in about a 1:15

[@Tricklarock]

Like they were saying, the external power is actually charging the internal battery while being used

[@Lucasbean]

love this video, it helped me a ton. Thanks Matt.

[@snapshot8d570]

Thanks for this info. Genuine question - why do you hide the brand/model in some places but not others?

[@aldolega]

I can't answer for Matt, but some wedding shooters tape off their camera logos just to prevent Uncle Larry Who Has A 5D from trying to start a gear debate or discussion when you're in the middle of shooting. I've had this happen and it is super annoying and can cause you to miss shots. I'm as big of a gearhead as the next guy, but there's a time and place for that, and at the wedding/shoot ain't it.

[@mattpangman5661]

Hey Matt! What kind of adapter mount do you use with your canon 70-200 lens?

[@whoismatt]

Fotodiox ef to e mount

[@rjcaubalejo]

All tips made sense Will try the diy shade You earned sub

[@g.danielvelazquez7494]

Is there no battery grip for the A7s2?

[@matiaslado2539]

I use a Sony A1 for filming underwater, and one time happened to me that the temperature sign appear and turned off. After that, I never had any problem again, but still didn’t try to go into the water with the camera in video mode. How can I do?

[@michaelamadeit]

This is super helpful! Thanks for sharing!

[@DJPRAGYAN]

Why not use silver foil sticker backside of camera , which can reflect outer temp.

[@whoismatt]

Haven't tried that

[@Tricklarock]

Because the sticker will probably hold in more heat than it would reflect?

[@jasonguido9057]

I plan to switch to Sony because I want to upgrade to 4k 60p for wedding videos. I come from filming Full HD with a Canon EOS R, a T7i and an XA11 camcorder. I discarded Canon R5 & R6 because of the overheating drama in 4k 60p, and R5C and 1DX are too expensive. I have not used cinema cameras, so the FX3, FX30 and the C70 scare me a bit. I was planning on using an A7siii, but if Sony also overheats, what's the point of changing? Or should I wait for a new Sony Mirrorless to come out, a7s4 maybe?

[@AbhiJithpyd]

You have a really nice channel. Great Content. Well Sorted Playlists.

[@kadarlevente2799]

Did all of them but my A7IV still overheated after 10/12/15 min during ceremony. :-( 10bit 4K 25fps, Zeiss Batis eye AF on. External Atomos Shinobi, powered with dummy battery.)

[@rolandszadai1522]

Köszi az infót pedig reménykedtem benne hogy működhet a gép :(

[@3186173752]

If I film on my Sony a7iii at 1080p rather than the 4K will that help with preventing overheating??

[@rasmuskarlman]

I have the sony rx100 iv and it keeps overheating, I can't find the setting for auto power off temp and I believe it doesn't exist. Anyone know anything about this? I've looked through all the settings and searched online :/

[@theabirus]

Thank you for your video!

[@bradena.1194]

Cool video - thanks. Does a cage hold heat within the camera or act as a heatsink and draw it out.? Cages are usually black - maybe painting them white might help.

[@whoismatt]

I would think it would help with cooling but not sure

[@sagedrummer]

I’ve had my A7Siii overheat 3 times while in a Smallrug cage. I figured it was heating the camera up.

[@olleriefilms]

is turn on the 'Soft Skin Effect' makes overheat easier?

[@benjaminwesercreative]

wow - crazy good life saver video dude. love it

[@martinskreilis8078]

Additional tip is to turn airplane mode on. When wireless connections is off even older sony cameras can keep on recording longer time.

[@Bearcali888]

So helpful, thank you 🙏🏼

[@veesoho93]

Amazing video amazing info and Amazing energy ! Thank you!

[@leonardoleis6659]

Excelente!! Muchas gracias!! Saludos cordiales desde Uruguay

[@taylorkitchenpersonal]

I do sports videography. Lots of summer heat. I am nervous about purchasing the Sony A7 iv even though the quality is what I’m looking for. With the overheating, is it easier to just ditch some quality and go for the a7iii?

[@whoismatt]

I would buy the FX30 then for sure

[@Tricklarock]

unless you're wanting full frame?@@whoismatt

[@subtextualarchives]

Invaluable information. Much Thanks!

[@chrisdoratproductions8680]

I did try with the door open, the battery didnt seem hot, it was mostly hot from the back of camera

[@winngh]

For me, it's a 50/50 workaround. I have a battery grip and even added thermal pads internally. 🙃

[@ptime5612]

awesome video man

[@ZamoraChristian]

🙏 You know so much small BIG IMPORTANT TIPS. amazing 💚

[@chrisdoratproductions8680]

i havent tried the dual battery grip

[@DanielHodotcom]

Wonderful advice thank you!!

[@davidalangraham]

Hey Matt! Do you recommend a dummy battery brand or type?

[@whoismatt]

There are a ton of brands on Amazon. I bought a "Gonine" brand.

[@tasteofsoul3732]

Thanks .... so helpful and succinct!

[@ozthewizard9683]

Excellent video.

[@ourweddingvideoguy]

I use white painter hats lol .. use the band on back to strap it on

[@Ori_zechria]

When will there be a review on the sony fx30??

[@whoismatt]

Hopefully soon, haven't had a chance to get my hands on one yet.

[@Ori_zechria]

@@whoismatt Thanks really looking forward to it

[@lanuch58]

Fantastic. Thanks Matt!

[@aarontylerbellfilms8486]

My A7sIII just started heating up and rapidly discharging the battery - WHILE TURNED OFF. I already have airplane mode engaged, and the screen/VF sensor disabled. I've tested five separate Sony NP-FZ100 batteries, so I know it's not a battery problem. Has anyone else had this issue or know of any fixes?

[@kifley19]

A7iv heats in 31 minutes in my 68 degree room with the temp set to high and my screen open. I was recording in Xavc-si in 4k 60 to dual v90 sd cards. Cant use this for professional work.

[@jonathandavidfilms]

A7iv: I’ve tried it all, still can’t record longer than 15 minutes in 4K 24fps. Even in an AC cooled room. Selling it and grabbing a couple FX30’s.

[@takoflame4948]

u probably got a bad batch

[@ddespair]

Great vid but you’re wrong about the battery grip. All the battery grip does is prevent your camera from dissipating heat below and the heat from two batteries underneath now travels up. If you want to record longer before overheating, remove the camera battery door or leave it open. The camera will still power on without it. You can get more power through the usb and a regular camera battery. I also only use one card at a time because that’s another area the heat can vent when there’s no card in the second slot If you see the heat light come on, worst case scenario, lean in and blow gently through the open sd card doors. Blow like you’re kissing someone. A few breaths here and there will keep you going indefinitely on 4k 60 settings. If it’s 8k forget it. It’s just gonna have to overheat.

[@pfv3462]

Everywhere on KZbin people talk about overheating and getting extremely hot of the Sony A7IV during 4K recordings and even shutting down! My simple question, if you film in 1440p does this camera also overheat after filming for a long time? Since this A7IV is high on my wish list instead of the FX30 because of more possibilities for photos and better low light possibilities, I want to be able to make beautiful films during a performance! These stages are not fully lit and I wouldn't add extra because of the atmosphere. Unfortunately, there are usually only professionals who judge this camera and who have a computer that can process 4K images without difficulty! While afterwards they will render to 1440p so as not to make the file too large!

[@Tricklarock]

Start using proxies!

[@AA-tb7rg]

I am about to purchase a new camera after 12 years. When I got the GH4, I decided against the A7 because of over heating. 12 (!) years later, Sony still has not solved this issue.

[@Gerald_G]

Brilliant info!

[@mm8276352]

I try to never make fun of other people, but as a Nikon shooter, I don't know if I could suppress the giggle if I ever encounter someone with that sun shield... 😂

[@davidalangraham]

Great advice!

[@pillariscute]

Thank you!

[@konstantinosmanousaridis6057]

Thanks Matt!!

[@eatsimplefood]

Call me crazy but at the price of the a7iv I expect 0 overheating issues. At least in 24p h265. I don’t want to hope it does not overheat when I am filming a 2h interview/presentation.

[@strayday529]

thanx man 👍

[@Polite.Slider]

kenon 650 still overheats and turns off every 30 minutes :(

[@nagual2335]

Hey Matt you forgot to attach the gear list you're talking about

[@whoismatt]

Oops! Added it to the description!

[@nagual2335]

@@whoismatt Thank you 💙✅