The Sony A7IV Overheats. Yup.

[@RockyColaFizz]

Hi . I posted this on Chris video as well. Just to add some info for folks. First of course, the Temp is set to High. I recorded in 10bit 4K 4.2.2 H.265 (the XAVC HS mode) on my A74. I put it on a tripod in a 72 degree F room. In 24P it recorded for 1 hour and 53 minutes when the battery died. No overheat warning or shutdown. After a long cooldown. I used the same codec H.265 4.2.2 4k, but at 60fps on a tripod in the same 72 degree F room and recorded for 1 hour and 42 minutes - which is when the battery died. No overheat warnings or overheat shutdown. Maybe the H.265 helped with the longer 60fps record time, or maybe it was because I had it on a tripod. Not sure. I also tried the 10bit H.265 HS 4.2.0 Codec in 24fps and 60fps and got essentially the same times as the 4.2.2 H.265 HS times. I normally record in the HS 4.2.0 mode, as I like the smaller file sizes, it edits easily on almost any computer ( since it's the 4.2.0 Codec, and most Macs and PC's have hardware optimization for that particular H.265 Codec). I always record in Slog 3, and I have yet to be able to discern any color grading flexibility difference between the 4.2.2 codec or the 4.2.0 codec in any footage I have ever shot. I haven't seen any limitation of the 4.2.0 10 bit H.265 HS codec in any color grading pushes, Noise Reduction, or effects. It all grades just as well as the 4.2.2. Hope this is helpful.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Hey! Thanks for sharing these interesting results.

[@RafaelLudwig]

I just ran into my first overheating experience with the fx3 (which surprised me) but with the help of a very knowledgeable YT'er it was resolved with a setting! Thanks Josh!

[@Josh_Sattin]

I was definitely thinking about you with that public service announcement. Glad you called yourself out here! Haha.

[@RafaelLudwig]

@@Josh_Sattin A much needed PSA for sure! I had no idea!

[@RomeoWarden]

Hi! Which setting fixed the issue ? :)

[@Josh_Sattin]

@@RomeoWarden I show it in this video. The "Auto Power OFF Temp." setting.

[@RafaelLudwig]

@@RomeoWarden Josh shows at the 2:07 mark "Auto Power OFF Temp" in the Power Settings Options kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYOcgHdmo6ujfKc

[@samvargasimages7905]

I’m starting to think this is happening with just certain models. Some KZbinrs are reporting zero problems while others are having a horrible experience with it. I myself bought it and used it for podcasting ( two 45 mins episodes no problem) and used 4K 60 4.2.2 10 bit during a nightclub shoot in a very humid environment. Camera felt warm at times but no overheating issues or signals. I hope Sony comes up with a solution because the camera is fantastic

[@petervis1999]

I have the a7iv and it don't overheat!!! Mode is still on standaard. Im really happy🤗

[@themrmanny24]

I was setting up then menus and custom buttons for my friends A7IV…and it overheated! Granted it was on Standard instead of High…but I was just moving around in the menus. Looked into it and it’s happened to other people too. My friend intends to us it mostly for photos and HD video so she’ll be good but still with the adjusted settings and workarounds but still, disappointing to see it overheat like that.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yeah it's one of the weird quirks with Sony cameras, you need to have the setting on high. It happens to every new Sony user.

[@MichelleUretsky]

Alrighty. So… I’ve contacted Sony. Just as they’ve fixed overheating issues with the A1 and many other models with firmware updates, they have been receiving reports and their production team should be working on it. This is not an official statement, but given their history of fixing these issues, I’m sure this will also be taken care of. In the meantime, this was their advice: 1. Change the auto power off temperature setting from “standard” to “high.” This is one we already know. 2. Turn on airplane mode so that it’s not drawing power constantly attempting to search for devices to pair with BT and NFC. 3. Turn the screen brightness down to the lowest setting. 4. Turn off proxy recording. 5. Turn off focus breathing compensation. Other tips I’ve seen around include: 1. Keeping the screen flipped out and away from the body (which we know, also not always ideal depending on your situation). 2. Leaving the battery door open (which we know, but may not be ideal). 3. Attach a lens on the camera instead of the body cap (heat can dissipate through the lens better than through the body cap). 4. Don’t cradle the entire body of the camera in your hands for a significant period of time going through the menus and setting up the camera. 5. Don’t play with it in bed (or any other location where it may be “suffocating” on a blanket, on a pillow, etc., just like you wouldn’t with a laptop). 6. Do not have the camera in video capture mode while going through your settings, as the sensor is currently programmed to pull power at all times in movie mode, creating heat. If you have the body cap on, are cradling it fully with both of your hands coming into contact and covering most of the camera body, sitting in bed resting the camera in your hands on the blanket that’s on your lap, and you’re in video mode; it will probably overheat. Lol However, the Sony representative I spoke to said “As of this time, there is no firmware update that will address it. This has been raised already to our product engineers.” And while he could not give me an official declaration that there is a firmware update coming, the answers to the rest of my questions gave me great confidence that their engineers are working on it, and that we can look forward to a firmware update that should fix these issues, just as they did with the A1, A7SIII, and A7III before this. So. I’d go far enough to say, hang on! The fix should be coming!

[@MichelleUretsky]

and then, of course, there’s the question of whether I should trust Sony’s representative. Lmao. There are two Somy cameras in my home, an A6000 and the A7IV. I have yet to see issues with either, but I haven’t used the A7IV yet (turned it on to play with settings quickly a couple of times). So… hopefully, they’re not just blowing smoke up my ass 🤣.

[@eliasgottschlich]

@@MichelleUretsky I also contacted Sony support and the technician knew nothing about potential firmware fixes for overheating....

[@MichelleUretsky]

@@eliasgottschlich it’s not official yet, but that’s been their answer to past overheating. And they are aware of what’s going on.

[@eliasgottschlich]

@@MichelleUretsky Thank you for your response! Lets all hope that they are working on a fix. Overheating‘s holding me back from buying the a7iv straight away.

[@MichelleUretsky]

Don’t let it. It’s not really an issue. Honestly.

[@smashedlegends]

Would this camera overheat at 1080?

[@matthewshultz24]

Awesome info and video, the lengths was right in the sweet spot, props dude!! I'm still locking down my a7iv settings, so your tests were very helpful. Love the beard btw :)

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video and the beard! Enjoy the A7IV!

[@TVPALOTINA]

need help. i updated my sony a7iv to version 2.0 and now it shuts down in 15 minutes on heating. would it be possible to downgrade?

[@Josh_Sattin]

Make sure you have the Auto Power Off Temp setting set to high.

[@TVPALOTINA]

@@Josh_Sattin this one.

[@tuan056585]

wow, good to hear. My A7IV is on its way to my house (2 more days, very existing) but already got the 1st bad new 😞. Thank for your review. 👍

[@Josh_Sattin]

You’re welcome. It’s an awesome camera. Thanks for watching!

[@ItsTomRich]

So useful man thank you!

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. Hope things are going well with you Tom!

[@Saeeem99]

Which camera? Sony A7R IV or sony A7 IV?? I do only concert photography not into video and also i don't fo prints n stuff... So i should go with new processor or old model? Is Sony A7R iv autofocus is better than a7 iv?? Sony a7IV heating issues? Main reason i am running away from a7iv Need some suggestions?

[@mohantutors]

Since its shoot in 7k sensor i believe no update can fix this overheating issue ryt?

[@MrPurpleOfficial]

I’ve been watching your gardening channel for years! I figured you were very knowledgeable with camera gear 😉. And yea mine is also overheating no matter what I do!

[@Josh_Sattin]

Nice! I love the camera stuff. Sorry to hear about the overheating. Seems like some batches were better than others. It's weird.

[@spirg]

Is it more prevalent with video ? New owner A74 I shoot mostly stills

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yes. The camera shouldn't overheat in stills mode.

[@thebachworld]

What was the temperature reading? In my test, the highest reading was 58C. The room temperature was 26C. I'm not sure how long the camera can last in such a high-temperature recording state before it's ruined. Sony should recall this camera!

[@chuckm482]

I just saw a video where they were using an external battery using the Jupio Powervault which eliminated most overheating and videos could go on for hours. It would be fantastic if you tested with that as an option? Thanks for this video

[@Josh_Sattin]

You’re welcome. I’m sure there are going to be workarounds with external batteries, recorders, etc. I don’t use my mirrorless cameras that way so I probably won’t be testing them. Thanks for watching!

[@chuckm482]

@@Josh_Sattin OK I guess. The external battery is inexpensive ($125) and does not take up much room at all and could be the fix to your "Yup"

[@sebastianjcano3052]

Hello Josh, 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.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Not that I know of. I believe Sony shuts down the camera before any damage can occur. Atleast that's what I've heard and what makes sense.

[@sebastianjcano3052]

@@Josh_Sattin even when we turned the high temperature option ON ?

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yes. The high temp option is pretty much a user acknowledgement that the camera will get physically warmer and that you should be careful handling it. There is a disclaimer when you select it. I don't think it would logical for a camera company to allow you to physically harm their own camera sensor.

[@sebastianjcano3052]

@@Josh_Sattin You're right. Appreciate it! Great news.

[@ExploringWorldYouTube]

Waooo, thanks to share this interesting video. I have a question please: I'd like to vuy Sony A7 IV with basic zoom and I need a suggestion from you. I make documentaries around the world and travel alone. So the 2 most important options for me are the low weight and stability of the camera. I only shoot handheld and unfortunately this camera is not very stable like a Panasonic. What could I buy to slightly improve stability? I don't need a gimbal. I had it and sold it. I need something much simpler, smaller and lighter. What exactly do you recommend to buy? Do you advise me to swap Sony for another camera? I don't create panoramas. I only film the traditions of indigenous peoples in remote areas. Please, recommend a trick or something small to be able to better balance the shots so as not to get the blur. Thanks

[@Josh_Sattin]

I find the active stabilization to be pretty good in the newer Sony cameras. The A7IV is a really solid all-around hybrid camera. If you are looking for more stabilization maybe try pairing it with the Sony 24-105 F4 since it has OSS.

[@mpactdesignmedia]

So, if I shoot in 10bit 4.2.0 in 4K XAVCS, with the screen open - i have nothing to worry about. Cool! Thanks!

[@radovanrosic3653]

battery grip?

[@esmpmedia8586]

Call it out as it is, folks. This camera OVER HEATS! Even after all those adjustments I found on youtube, from setting high temp to flip out screen. The only setting left, was to NEVER TURN IT ON! Just leave it OFF and sitting on a desk like a paper weight! It should not be up to us to try to work around this problem. Reject this crap and hold Sony accountable!!!

[@Noveleffect]

Beautifully explained--thank you!

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@videocity_pl]

I wonder if recording on two cards at the same time will make the camera overheat earlier

[@Josh_Sattin]

I didn't get a chance to test that.

[@RomeoWarden]

Hey! Don't you think that the High temperature mode will break the camera at one point ? Do you remember if the camera was hot to touch after those tests ? I currently use an A7IV but I've only done photo with it for the moment. I used to work with a GH5 and now with an A7SIII (which is not mine). Both cameras have never shut off because of overheating. The A7SIII was in standard temperature mode shooting in a relatively hot environnement one time (in the kitchen of a restaurant) for at least 3 hours and everything was fine.

[@Josh_Sattin]

I don't think so because I have not heard of that being the case with previous Sony cameras. The warning the camera gives you when you switch it to high is in case you touch the camera and it is hot. Yes, the camera gets hot but I didn't think it was going to burn me or anything.

[@RomeoWarden]

@@Josh_Sattin Okok. I'm more worried about the longevity of the camera, not my hands being burnt x)

[@Josh_Sattin]

I think it's fine. I have not heard of anyone having previous Sony cameras damage themselves.

[@Alexrocks1253]

@@RomeoWarden Sony would be sued if they added a setting that reduced camera longevity. Nobody has ever mentioned the high temp setting reducing longevity and from experience with my A7RIV, it doesn’t reduce the longevity at all.

[@RomeoWarden]

@@Alexrocks1253 Hi, thanks for your answer :) It is fine, I set it to high !

[@digitalclips]

Mine doesn't overheat at all.

[@ExploringWorldYouTube]

Hey, I'd like to buy A7 IV, but I know it overheats easily and I have to take it to hot countries like Africa and I will use it every day for many hours a day. What is your thinking? Thank you

[@Josh_Sattin]

As I mentioned in this video, I could only test it in my office since it’s winter here. I have no idea how it’ll work in warmer environments. If you need a Sony camera that won’t overheat, I’d look at the FX3 since it has active cooling.

[@hashimmahmood2031]

I want to get this camera too but the overheating issue worries me. I only shoot for a few seconds per take also, ill never leaving it filming for more than 5 minutes. My biggest worry is that i am expanding my services to the Middle east where its absolutely boiling hot. Will this be a big issue? Its either the A7IV or FX30...

[@jcml2015]

funny that the KZbinrs bought from Sony didn't report anything about it at first, I'll wait for the next news with my lumix s5

[@Josh_Sattin]

Yeah I didn't hear very much about overheating with the original round of reviews that came out.

[@jasonlindquistmedia]

better yyet, put a cage on it, the screws going into the bottom of the camera can act as a heatsink kinda allowing the cage to absorb some of that heat. Do some tests like that???

[@Josh_Sattin]

There are so many possible combinations of cages, power sources, external recorders, etc. to test. I just wanted to share my findings with the camera. As stated in the video, my general take is that 4K24 is fine and you will get some overheating with long clips in 4K60, better with the screen open. Hope this was helpful for you.

[@motebike]

Much appreciated.

[@Josh_Sattin]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@Time.Space.Heal.]

I haven’t got mine to do this yet…

[@MarianMoisii]

I hope Sony will fix overheating issues on the next firmware update.

[@hermanoteixeiramachado]

Very good.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Thank you!

[@ΗΗΗΗΗΗ0000]

Mine overheat in 16 mins 4k60 slog3 with screen open…

[@Alexrocks1253]

Auto power off temp at high?

[@Josh_Sattin]

Was the auto power off temp set to high? Was it on a tripod or just on a table? I have heard a variety of results out there.

[@ΗΗΗΗΗΗ0000]

@@Josh_Sattin yep power off temp is at high its on a tripod and this has happened in my studio 3times with 4k60 Maybe i got a defect one?

[@Josh_Sattin]

Damn. I assume you are letting it fully cool down too. Where did you get the camera from? I did hear some batches were overheating more. I just shared my results from the camera that I got.

[@CLIFFLIX]

I'm using a battery grip and USB-C PD power plugged in. I recorded five straight 256 gig cards at 4k 30p h.264 with no overheating. Running with no battery grip and USB-C I overheat in 20-45 min. This is all with screen open and power temp setting on high. Yes...getting that battery out of that camera is a huge factor. Use the battery grip or dummy battery for event shooting

[@javadezzati9]

Yes, friends, Sony has ripped this camera a lot, unfortunately, I was able to buy this camera after years of work, but with this hot problem, I recommend that you never buy this camera, Canon and Nikon are the best, they say update or card. Change the memory, it's all bad, didn't Sony test them during production? It's nonsense...😪

[@HoomanBhr]

جواد جان الان سونی از لحاظ کیفیت تصویر و تنوع لنز حرف اولو میزنه . دو تا از دوستام هم دارن این دوربینو و اونقد مشکلی خاصی نبوده ک اذیتشون کنه . اگه شصت فریم زیاد طولانی نمیگیری این دوربین از هر لحاظ عالیه و خودمم قضد خریدشو دارم

[@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 4:2:2. 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, Josh! 🙌

[@jiajianhou426]

R5 users: first time?

[@revelmediatt]

1. Screen away from the body 2. Use a cage (it dissipates the heat) 3. Use a dummy battery (no battery heat) 3. go on Airplane mode 4. Set temp threshold to high 5 Why on earth would anyone want to recod in 60fps for that long?? Use 24/30fps

[@leonberger9558]

I am up in Canada and have overheating issues with my Song A7Iv. Very important to do the following! Please contact Sony directly using the phone numbers in your box. Long story short I spoke to a Sony engineer in Florida who is tracking this problem and dealing directly with the Sony Engineers in Japan. The Sony Rep told me their in office copy of the A7IV was not overheating and therefore they were having a hard time replicating the problem. Please contact Sony, report the issue and provide them with the required information they need. They may ask you to provide footage of overheating to better assist them. If Sony is to fix anything we as the customers are going to have to help them with useful information on what may be causing this.

[@Josh_Sattin]

Feel free to pass along a link to this video. My overheating results are well documented here.

[@Aesahaetr]

If you get a battery grip. The over heating will stop.

[@MensHealthMedia]

I’m your 200th like 👍 I win anything?? 😊🎉