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Resolved Question

Canon T3i & similar cameras only shoot for 15 min intervals?

Mar 15, 2012 1:52PM PDT

I'm told that the Canon T3i, and similar, cameras can only shoot for around 15 minute intervals and needs to be turned back on or reset?

Seems like a real deal breaker for most videographers.

Did I get bad info?

I am amazed that that fact is no place to be found under the reviews or comparisons.

Discussion is locked

Thrillionaire has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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The Canon T3i (600D)
Mar 16, 2012 12:11AM PDT

The video limits are mostly explained on page 151 of the User Manual.

There are several reasons/times, not just one:

Capacity of the Memory Card.
Size of the image being used (HD video is the shortest (about 11 minutes).
Size of the maximum file size (limitation of the file system system) 4 gig).
Temperature of the camera.
European Union Tax Law (29 min, 59 sec).

A videographer should choose a camcorder if they are doing serious video shooting.

Canon sells still-cameras and camcorders and is not likely to sell a camera that does both equally well.
That would impact sales on one (or the other).

..

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Thanks!!!
Mar 16, 2012 5:16AM PDT

I just thought I got bad info. 11 minutes? That may reflect the finished bit but not what I would want to be limited to in shooting. Just amazed this fact is not mentioned in the reviews, general info or the video on cnet. Seems like a real needed fact in deciding to purchase or not. Thanks again guys!

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Answer
Partly True
Mar 15, 2012 2:49PM PDT

DSLR cameras do limit recording time; in the case of the T3i, the limit is 29:59 seconds or 4GB. In practice, this is not a problem for experienced videographers...if you think about professional quality films, you will realize most scenes only run for seconds, not minutes on end. If you need long recording times for things like live events, a DSLR is the wrong tool for that type of video.