Topic: maximum video clip length question

[jnorman]

hi guys - i have a lumix ZS7 which shoots continuous video clips until the memory card is full - it uses AVCHD Lite format.

i am looking for a new camera that has this same capability - i need to be able to set it up and let it video entire sets without stopping.  most cameras seem to have a 29 minute clip length maximum, even in AVCHD mode, except for the panasonics.  i have asked on other forums about the clip length of the sony HX20v - the manual says 29 minutes in default mode - i finally called Sony USA support and asked them, and they said in AVCHD mode, it sould shoot video until the memory card was full.  then i called B&H photo and that guy said it would only shoot 29 minutes.  i am confused...

is there anyone here who can confirm, from personal experience, whehter the sony HX20v or HX9v or HX50v will actually shoot continuous video (longer than 29 minutes) in AVCHD mode? 

thanks.

[shoestringconcerts]

Hx9V has a 29 minute limit

[Chrisedge]

Usually if the camera does 720p max = unlimited, but if it does 1080p max = 30 minutes. You could get a GoPro and it can run until the battery dies, but no zooming (just 3 focal lengths). It can even run off external power. Or get a real camcorder.

[jnorman]

chris - I thought the gopro only had a single fixed UWA focal length.  I don't even see and accessory lenses for it on their website.  are you talking about aftermarket adapters, or am I missing something?

[Chrisedge]

It had 3 settings inside the menu that effect the focal distance. Wide, Medium and Narrow. (Zoomed out - In). It is not a digital zoom however.

[phanophish]

interestingly this is a purely regulatory restriction....

http://www.tested.com/tech/photography/44445-why-digital-cameras-have-a-30-minute-video-recording-limit/

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/05/18/WTO-looking-at-moves-to-remove-30-minute-limit-from-digital-cameras

[rastasean]

interestingly this is a purely regulatory restriction....

That's exactly correct. A US vs EU camera is likely identical with just a different firmware which leads me to believe, if you have enough time you can figure out how to hack it.

[fguidry]

There are other than regulatory issues related to sensor heat and max file size. One of the main points of AVCHD is to support spanning and this is implemented well in many Panasonic cams.

So, OP, why not get another Panasonic? The new G6 is looking like a winner, the FZ200 seems to have a lot going for it. Not all the cams have unlimited shot length, unfortunately, like the LX7 which would be hard to resist except for the 30 minute limit.

Fran

[guitard]

There are other than regulatory issues related to sensor heat and max file size. One of the main points of AVCHD is to support spanning and this is implemented well in many Panasonic cams.

So, OP, why not get another Panasonic? The new G6 is looking like a winner, the FZ200 seems to have a lot going for it. Not all the cams have unlimited shot length, unfortunately, like the LX7 which would be hard to resist except for the 30 minute limit.

A had a couple of Panasonics (ZS7 and one other - can't remember the model #).  Both went out of focus for a few seconds every time I zoomed in/out.  It was really annoying.  I got a Sony HX9V and have never had that problem since.

Do these newer model Panasonics have a problem with the focus going out during zoom in/out?

[fguidry]

I almost exclusively shoot myself, so I don't have any experience with auto-focus during zooming. Reviews of the latest generation of G series Panasonics describe the autofocus as fast and solid. This review of the FZ200 does a bit of video with autofocus and gives it a thumbs-up: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_FZ200/

Fran