Overheating Warning Icon or Error Message Appears on Camera

Cameras are great for recording short movie clips, but aren't designed to replace the non-stop video recording capability of camcorders. If you're using your camera to record long movie clips or shooting many continuous bursts of still pictures, the temperature inside the camera increases. If the temperature becomes too high, a warning icon may appear and the camera shuts down to protect the circuitry. This isn't a failure and your camera simply needs to be turned off for several minutes so it can cool down.

Note: All manufacturers have defined a limit for continuous video recording with these cameras. This limit can often be much shorter depending on your camera. Check the camera Help Guide for more information. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

The following factors affect the video-recording time:

• Ambient temperature
• The number of clips being recorded at once.
• The amount of time the camera is allowed to cool between clips.

High Temperature Warning Icon or Error Message

The warning icon or error message may differ depending on the camera type.

• Digital Still Cameras:

  • Overheat Warning Icon
  • Internal temp. high. Allow it to cool.

• Cameras:

  • Overheat Warning Icon
  • Camera Overheating. Allow it to cool.

• ILCE / ILCA Cameras:

  • Overheat Warning Icon
  • Internal temp. high. Allow it to cool.

• Camcorders:

  • Overheated.

• Action Cams:

  • Overheat Warning Icon
  • HEAT
  • For HDRAZ1, the icon and error code appears on the Live-view Remote Control:
    • Rising Temperature
    • Error code 10-01.

Maximize the Available Continuous Recording Time for Movies

• Turn the power off when the camera is not in use.
  • The duration of time available for movie recording varies with the temperature or condition of the camera before you start recording. Anytime the camera is on, the internal temperature will increase.
• Avoid exposing the camera to direct sunlight as much as possible
• For interchangeable lens cameras (DSLR and SLT models), set the SteadyShot to Off.
  • Using a tripod helps reduce the shakiness of your video.
• Format the memory card in the camera.

  • WARNING! There is a risk of data loss. Formatting erases all the data from the memory card. Make sure any pictures or movies you want to keep have been saved to a computer before formatting.

Related Info

• Camera Suddenly Turns Off
• Action Cam Stops Recording Automatically