Those cameras simply create multiple 4GB files, numbered consecutively.

As for import duties, I believe the higher duty threshold for camcorders is at 30 minutes (instead of 20).

DutchNikon said:
Is this not just because the maximum possible size for a file on a FAT32 volume is 4 GB minus 1 byte (4,294,967,294 bytes) ?

That's interesting and sounds like it could make sense, but if so, full blown HD video cameras would have to have the same limitation wouldn't they? Otherwise even if the camera itself used a different file system, how would you ever be able to download the footage off of the cameras HDD, and onto a computer or backup hard disk? I don't own a modern video camera, but I've never heard anything about their single clip recording time being limited to 4GB?

SkintBrit said:
Not sure if we're talking about the same thing, but my understanding about the rationalle behind the 20 minute limit (only when recording in HD, which is why you can record for longer in reduced quality), is due to higher import duty charged on HD video cameras, than that charged on DSLR's.

This is not what I meant, but makes more sense.

TheCaz said:
I'll be shooting a video of a small parade that is going to last about 30 to 40 minutes. I know the D7000 can only shoot 20 minute segments, but I'm not sure what that means in practice. Will it just click off after 20 minutes? Will I then be able to turn video back on and keep going using another file or must I wait some period before it works again? Would I be smarter to work in smaller segments? Also, should I worry about the battery? Thanks for your help.

-- Steve

Just press the record button again. No "timeout" before you can carry on.

Did you do a forum search... there are several D7000 threads and at least one about video on this camera body?

Is this not just because the maximum possible size for a file on a FAT32 volume is 4 GB minus 1 byte (4,294,967,294 bytes) ?

I do not think that Nikon would care about pricing issues, especial;y with its current pricing policies ( second increase announced, and threthning with "Punnishment" for everyone who would sell their products ant lower prices...) .

jonnyapple said:
Maybe it's a licensing issue. I remember reading something about a time limit for H.264 encoded videos posted online without a licensing agreement, but I guess Nikon had these artificial limits even when they were using motionJPEG.

Not sure if we're talking about the same thing, but my understanding about the rationalle behind the 20 minute limit (only when recording in HD, which is why you can record for longer in reduced quality), is due to higher import duty charged on HD video cameras, than that charged on DSLR's. By limiting the recording time in HD, camera manufacturers can say they're not video cameras, and so the retail price can be that much less?
In answer to the OP's question, yes as has been said, it will just stop recording at 20mins, and you can immediately start a new 20 clip. If this is a problem you can always shoot till you fill the memory card in a lower quality.

Hi,

I've recorded seven 20-minute segments back-to-back on one battery on the D7000.

I'm told that the sensor can take a licking, but it's unpredictable at warmer temperatures. I was in a balcony, it was warm, and the camera was also warm, but the footage was okay.

Find a spot to switch off/on the camera that won't ruin your flow and you should be fine.

My best,

Mike

Drab said:
FWIW, 20.45 Minutes at 28Mbps (the aforementioned bitrate limit for the AVCHD codec used on the D7000) hits the 4GiB filesize limit for FAT32. Is this the limitation on the D7000?

EDIT: No. 20 minutes regardless of file size. Hmm

It was a fun thought, anyway. I think the video is 16 Mbps from the D7000.

Maybe it's a licensing issue. I remember reading something about a time limit for H.264 encoded videos posted online without a licensing agreement, but I guess Nikon had these artificial limits even when they were using motionJPEG.

Even in 1080 all you have to do is hit record again. I recommend you make sure you're using at least 8GB class 10 SD cards and you won't have any problem. You need the higher speed cards to get the information on them faster. This holds true when trying to shoot at 6 FPS.

I was shooting some moving clouds for timelapse the other day on the D7000 and was able to check out the lag time... apparently, the camera saves video as it records because after 20-minute shutdown, I was able to push the record button immediately and start recording again... missed only a second or two. Of course that was at 720/30 ... 1080 might be different. Watch your green write-to-card light... when you stop recording, the light will usually go off in less than a second. As soon as it does, you can press the record button again.

FWIW, 20.45 Minutes at 28Mbps (the aforementioned bitrate limit for the AVCHD codec used on the D7000) hits the 4GiB filesize limit for FAT32. Is this the limitation on the D7000?

EDIT: No. 20 minutes regardless of file size. Hmm

I don't have the D7000, but assuming it is similar to the D5000 a timer starts when you begin the video. Yes at the end of the time it will just stop recording and save the file. I am not sure about the lag time on a large video though when it is being saved....some others might have more input on that. I don't think it will totally fill up the memory card and it is probably buffer limited or something that causes the time length max, but overall space might be a problem if you are shooting 40 minutes of video. I would however worry about the battery...I would probably at least have one backup handy. I don't know if you have to shoot the video with live view like the D5000, but if you do it will suck the battery down.

I'll be shooting a video of a small parade that is going to last about 30 to 40 minutes. I know the D7000 can only shoot 20 minute segments, but I'm not sure what that means in practice. Will it just click off after 20 minutes? Will I then be able to turn video back on and keep going using another file or must I wait some period before it works again? Would I be smarter to work in smaller segments? Also, should I worry about the battery? Thanks for your help.

-- Steve