Battery life shooting video on 550D

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a 550D, but I have two questions concerning video that I haven't seen addressed. If anyone has had experience in this area, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

1. How long (minutes) a video can you take without changing batteries, and does this change depending on the frame rate and quality?

2. I understand that the max file size is 4gb. Once that has been reached, what happens? Does the video just stop or will it start a new file?

Thanks,
James

Battery life depends on your usage. Do you leave the camera in the on postion while doing nothing? Do you do a lot of short clips? Your climate may effect life.

On average, I get about 48 g worth of shooting, but, that's a big guess. I don't really know because I have 4 batteries.

When you hit the 4GB limit, the camera stops. Just hit the record button and you'll be back in business.

FYI, the 4GB limit is mandated by the EU. If the camera recorded over this amount it would be considered a camcorder and subject to higher tariffs. Ain't politics great?

bobland said:

FYI, the 4GB limit is mandated by the EU. If the camera recorded over this amount it would be considered a camcorder and subject to higher tariffs. Ain't politics great?

Click to expand...

its actually because of file limitations on the FAT32 filesystem.
The EU Tariff excuse doesn't make sense on many levels.

I leave the camera running, doing a nonstop interview. Need to run about 50 minutes. (I know, why not just use a camcorder? But that's not the point.)

I'd like to know whether I can do this much with just one battery? It would occupy perhaps 8-12 gb storage, I would think.
Thanks for those who have helped so far.

James

Referring to the manual (PDF online), I've answered my own question. Battery should support about 1 hour 40 minutes shooting at 23 degrees C (less if colder). It doesn't say whether that will change when shooting HD or at higher frame rates. These would be nice to know, but I've got my basic question answered.

The (rather complete, I discover) instructions further note that leaving the image stabilizer on will reduce the recording time somewhat, due to increased battery drain.
James