A7CII overheats (useless for my purposes)

[LennyLevino]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

 

[photofan1986]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Have you tried turning the overheating warning to high in the menu?

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

What do you mean? Use the proper cable, it might play a role in overheating too (I have no idea but...)

 

[UncleVanya]

Years ago some of the apsc bodies overheated in this role. There were videos made about attaching fans. Typically the screen was flipped up for self view and the fan was placed on the back and provided extra cooling.

Something like this may help: https://www.ulanzi.com/products/ulanzi-camera-cooling-fan-for-sony-canon-fujifilm-c072gbb2

Also many brands struggle with dummy batteries adding heat. If I recall they sometimes have slightly too much voltage. This adds heat as the voltage has to need dropped inside the camera.

 

[dmanthree]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

You're not really using the cam for its designed purpose. Why not just get a good quality webcam?

 

[lehill]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

Are you using Imaging Edge Webcam? The How to Use section has some hints:



The user manual suggests you might get some extra time by setting Auto Power Off to High:




HD = 1080p. You'd think operating at 720p would give all the time you need. I suppose the A7C II is recording at 1080p and then downsizing to 720p using the processor.



--
Lance H

 

[LennyLevino]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

Have you tried turning the overheating warning to high in the menu?

Yes, it's set to high.

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

What do you mean? Use the proper cable, it might play a role in overheating too (I have no idea but...)

It's hard to find a cable that works. I've gone through about 10 of them. I've only found one that can stream higher than 720p (but it's too short so I'm not currently using it).

 

[LennyLevino]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

Are you using Imaging Edge Webcam? The How to Use section has some hints:



The user manual suggests you might get some extra time by setting Auto Power Off to High:


HD = 1080p. You'd think operating at 720p would give all the time you need. I suppose the A7C II is recording at 1080p and then downsizing to 720p using the processor.

Oh, interesting. So perhaps it has just been turning itself off (and not actually overheating)?

But once the camera turns off I turn it on again but that next time it will only stay on for another few minutes before turning off again.

But I will look for this setting and try it out.

Another thing I read about was to remove the SD card from the camera. I will try that as well.

 

[FormerFearlessPhotog]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

Honestly I'd say the issue is that this is the wrong tool for the job, the A7CII isn't even a video centric model, let alone a webcam. For $130 you could get something like an Insta360 Link2C that will do 4K/30, 1080p/60 and 720p/60 for hours without overheating or needing an external power source. If your webcam use really really requires the shallow DOF capability of a full frame sensor, I would suggest something with active cooling like an FX3, but does it really?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

What USB standard is your cable and the port you're connecting it to? I have no issue with 4K/30 using a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on my PC.

 

[sandiway]

Why do people using Imaging Edge? I thought the A7C II supports USB streaming with no driver.

 

[Adam-T]

You're not really using the cam for its designed purpose. Why not just get a good quality webcam?

Agreed, rather like using a Lamborghini hurracan to drive granny 2 mikes to and from the shops every day and complaining it has little space to put the shopping, that the plugs foul up and also overheats .

I`d use a Go Pro for the mundane task of webcam stuff, they`re made for it .

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** Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist **

 

[techjedi]

I've owned an A7CII now since its release, but just recently started using it for video (specifically as a webcam). I'm using it with a dummy battery and in 720p. But after 30 minutes or so, it turns off due to overheating. Every time. I'm not in a particularly warm environment either (usually around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

What could be the issue?

I haven't even tried higher resolutions than 720 since I don't have a cable that can manage better.

I will bet the USB camera feature is using processing that isn't optimized. I use several Sony cameras as a webcam, but I use the HDMI out to a capture device. Even the really cheap HDMI to USB adapters work extremely well and require no drivers in windows.

I recommend trying HDMI out instead of USB and hopefully that avoids processing on the camera.

This one is $10 and will record/capture or serve as a webcam up to 1080p. I have one and it "just works". I use one for webcam and I have another to allow another Sony cam to the camera for my 3d printer going into a raspberry pi 4b. It will just appear as a standard camera device in Windows.

Amazon.com: Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming : Electronics

Buy Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming: Internal TV Tuner & Capture Cards - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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Note that it will accept inputs up to 4K, but they will be scaled to 1080 for capture.

 

[LennyLevino]

You're not really using the cam for its designed purpose. Why not just get a good quality webcam?

Agreed, rather like using a Lamborghini hurracan to drive granny 2 mikes to and from the shops every day and complaining it has little space to put the shopping, that the plugs foul up and also overheats .

I`d use a Go Pro for the mundane task of webcam stuff, they`re made for it .

But Sony advertised this camera as a webcam (no need for additional software, 4k through USB etc). So since I already have it set up on a tripod by my computer, why shouldn't I be able to use it?

Anyway I deactivated "Charge through USB" in the menu and will see how that turns out next time I'm using it.

GoPro has a wide-angle lens and it's like $300-$400.

 

[Adam-T]

GoPro has a wide-angle lens and it's like $300-$400.

GoPros are like iPhones, they`re only silly prices when you want the latest . a Hero 6 or 7 for under £100 would do that job even cropped from wide angle

 

[LennyLevino]

GoPro has a wide-angle lens and it's like $300-$400.

GoPros are like iPhones, they`re only silly prices when you want the latest . a Hero 6 or 7 for under £100 would do that job even cropped from wide angle

Surely my $2000 A7CII should be better at it though.

 

[Mr_Win]

You need a fan and even then, it’s no guarantee. I’ve tested it extensively and the overheating is random, and at this point I’ve tossed in the towel with non cooling cameras, they are not trustworthy. Same with the Panasonic S9 btw, not only a sony issue. I’m going to be buying the Canon V1 to test if it can fit my needs, otherwise i have a pair of fx30’s that are reliable. I do wish that i can avoid the bulk of the fx series but until canon comes along….. I don’t trust any non cooled cameras.

 

[Mr_Win]

Another thing you can do is get a 60mm usb computer fan and place it behind the camera. Those blow harder than the ulanzi. Pair that with a heat sink and it’ll probably go forever… probably…..

but it’s a real hassle

 

[Adam-T]

GoPro has a wide-angle lens and it's like $300-$400.

GoPros are like iPhones, they`re only silly prices when you want the latest . a Hero 6 or 7 for under £100 would do that job even cropped from wide angle

Surely my $2000 A7CII should be better at it though.

Yeah but who cares, it’s just webcam duty , anything will do, even a crappy Pc/Mac/laptop thing from Amazon for buttons . I’d not want to be wearing out an A7C2’s IBIS, or cooking the innards just for that ..

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** Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist **