SOLVED! Set your auto power off temp to high and flip the screen out while recording and that will solve your overheating issue. I was able to record 4K footage 10bit 4:2:2 for over an hour with no issues after I changed that one setting in camera.
Switch to V90 SD. Ok, guys, I'm posting that comment under every video related to Sony A7IV overheating issue, because it solved the problem for me and I'd be happy if it helps you. I've browsed through dozens of videos on that subject and most of them didn't mention that particular thing. Yes, auto power off temp works. Opening the screen and battery door works too. Eventually it allowed me to record 35 min instead of 15 min in 4K 100M 4:2:2. Better, but not perfect. External recorder, switched off linking, battery grip, etc. probably does its job as well. But V90 SD card instead of V30 allowed me to record a 2-hour take easily. The battery exhausted earlier. Maybe that's dumb, but having been an A7III user, I never thought the card would be such a gamechanger. In fact, yes. Slow cards just don't have enough capacity, being overheated while trying to process the recording, they overheat the camera internally even though it stays cool on the surface. Don't bother with CFExpress, just a regular V90 128G card would do the thing. At least it worked like a charm for me. Thanks for the video, Zach! 🙌
A7iv. Bought on Friday, on Saturday already on the wedding report from 11:00 to 24:30. 4 cards of 128Gb full Recorded in 4k 50p 4: 2: 2 10bit NO overheating problem. Damn it turns out it's good 😁 
Not sure. I've never recorded long form content with higher frame rates. I've left it on for long periods of time to shoot lots of short bursts in 60p and had no issues then. I think some of it depends on what kind of content you plan on shooting.
What a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude, everybody who used this camera said that shooting more than 24 FPS on normal conditions will make the camera overheats fast, even after shooting 40 Min. So why coming here and spreading some fake stuff!! If you would have said that you shoot the whole thing with 24 FPS I would have find it to be hard to believe, but since you said 50 FPS, then that is 100 % a lie!
I had overheating early on but now it never happens since the latest update. Filmed 40 mins in 4k HS yesterday outside in 96 degrees with no issues at all.
I want to get this camera too but the overheating issue worries me. I only shoot for a few seconds per take also, ill never leaving it filming for more than 5 minutes. My biggest worry is that i am expanding my services to the Middle east where its absolutely boiling hot. Will this be a big issue? Its either the A7IV or FX30...
Got it just today. Used an APSC lens on it (Sigma 16mm f1.4). Recorded everything on my PC (OBS) trough HDMI, and it was on a stand... AND the AC was running for the most part... AND I was using a dummy battery... The screen was open (was making a yt video) and it shut down twice. Then I got the overheating/power off settings set to high, and I haven't had an issue for the next half hour. But I must say that I'm scared that I have made a bad investment, because in my country that kind of money is A LOT OF MONEY. I have an a7iii, a6000, and a6400.. a6000 did overheat on me a few times a couple of years back when I was recording stuff onto a SD card, but the rest of them never overheated. That's why I'm scared right now :/
I have tested my yesterday and in 60fps recorded around 50’, but in 24fps recorded “forever”. I forgot the camera recording and remember in the middle of the night. Did record both memory cards, around 5 hours and the camera was still on. I was using the original battery connected to the charger (MacBook Pro charger), xavc HS 100M 4:2:2 10bit.
I can't do my wedding work with this camera during the summer. Always overheating, impossible to use. I don't know, love the Autofocus but Im probably selling this camera and bought another Lumix S5...
Had it overheat only once, while using it as a webcam for about an hour and a half. I started it back up a minute later and it didn't give me any more problems. I don't think I fully understand what makes it overheat, screen was open, on a light stand.... No major contact with the body. I'm pleased with this camera overall tho.
No, in a cool room, air conditioned. I don't push it too hard tho. I don't do long 4k recordings. It was in HD and I don't usually get that problem in HD
Me too, I'm coming from mft. Never had these issues but when looking at features, it was this and the canon r6. This seemed better for me. Keep researching.
Same here. I own a bmpcc4k, which NEVER overheats, but I'm looking for a good 10 bit camera that has reliable autofocus. This overheating crap is a HUGE red flag for me. And yes...I know I can go the a7s3 or fx3 route, but why should I have to pay that much more so that the camera won't overheat??? Like for real? These cameras should be recalled. This isn't normal people. Let's stop making excuses here.
Mine overheated on a tripod 12 mins in at 4k 60 at a funeral inside a building.. Had to use my phone smh...going to use my a7lll for filming events like that instead..
Hey, Zack! I saw your viral video titled (Downtown Canal Cinematic Short | Sony a7IV Test Footage) which has (14K) views. I liked this video a lot, after that I watched a lot of your videos and I think your video is addictive. But today while I was browsing your UA-cam channel a couple of exciting ideas came to mind which can help you to go viral and that I wanna discuss with you:💙
sorry but how is this acceptable? so no record limits on the file but artificial recording limit because the body will turn off for sure....the question is just how fast. Did anybody try to mount a USB fan blowing air on it while filming long 2,5h+ videos? It looks like the a7iv is not for me :(
yeah unfortunately this seems to be rather unpredictable. Some units struggle with this while lots of other people report theirs have never shut off in extreme environments. Seems like more people have an issue than not
I live in Argentina (it's winter) and so far I haven't had any overheating problems since I've had the camera for two months. The only problem I had so far after upgrading to the latest firmware was a display freeze. I had to take out the battery to reset it. Has it happened to you?
Can you recommend here the name of the fake battery? and about the parallel battery, which brand did you use? I'm using some from "BATMAX", but I haven't done longer tests yet.
I'm even afraid to sell my sony a6400, which is now a B camera, and trust only the a7iv. I do many interviews where I record 50 - 60 min directly to extract a testimonial of approximately 3 to 5 minutes
In addition, I had a random problem like this with the a6400, it accused heating in 20 min of 4k/24 (on a very cold day indoors) and turned off in 27 minutes. I waited for it to cool down, then I recorded more than a continuous hour without any warning, the same environment and the same power supply (powerbank directly on the camera's usb)... it was the only time I had a problem with it, I've recorded on a hot day under the sun more than 1 hour this way, so it doesn't really make much sense for the problem to occur, sometimes it doesn't.. it seems more like an inaccuracy of the internal sensor or something...
Bought the A7 IV. It sat on idle on a tripod and over heated after sitting there at around the 1.5 hour mark. while plugged into a Ninja V. Not recording, using Sony battery. A cool room.
it's funny how all these videos are from people that live in a nice weather condition... I live in the desert of Sonora, been having this camera for almost a month, and it has oveheated almost every time I used it. I stream with it, 2 hours max, inside, with a/c on. Edit: when it turns off, I just leave it for 10 seconds, turn it back on and that gives me a little more than 30 mins more, then I have to change the battery.
Yeah it’s stuff like that that makes me think it’s a firmware issue or something. If it were truly overheating it would need more than ten seconds right?
Hey Galaz im from Sonora too ! (Hermosillo) I’m planing to buy this camera and I researched a lot of the overheating problem, but now it’s like 55% discount price ! So it’s very good price, so u solve your problem ?
@@charliebrownn6622 hola! Esta muy raro, yo tengo 3, de las cuales 2 se calientan más rápido. Parece que depende de cada equipo y solamente se sobrecalenta cuando estoy haciendo transmisión en vivo. Cuando estoy tomando fotos o grabando no he tenido problemas. Mi manera de solucionarlo es apagarla cada 15 min durante 2 minutos. Eso me ha ayudado con una transmisión de un programa de dos horas.
Sorry to hear about your overheating issues. I haven't had any overheating issues to date - includes recording straight for 30+ mins on a 90 degree (F) day outside. Auto Power Off Temp set to High, flip screen out, Sony brand battery, and Airplane mode on (no wifi/bluetooth). Fingers crossed this keeps working - if you haven't tried, maybe Airplane mode on will help?
That's a great suggestion! I didn't even know about airplane mode. That's encouraging you aren't having any issues. It only seems to be with some units for some reason! 🤔
I want to get this camera too but the overheating issue worries me. I only shoot for a few seconds per take also, ill never leaving it filming for more than 5 minutes. My biggest worry is that i am expanding my services to the Middle east where its absolutely boiling hot. Will this be a big issue? Its either the A7IV or FX30...
What are your thoughts? Have you had similar experiences? Let me know your feedback below!
thanks for Making this amazing video.
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
SOLVED! Set your auto power off temp to high and flip the screen out while recording and that will solve your overheating issue. I was able to record 4K footage 10bit 4:2:2 for over an hour with no issues after I changed that one setting in camera.
Switch to V90 SD. Ok, guys, I'm posting that comment under every video related to Sony A7IV overheating issue, because it solved the problem for me and I'd be happy if it helps you. I've browsed through dozens of videos on that subject and most of them didn't mention that particular thing.
Yes, auto power off temp works. Opening the screen and battery door works too. Eventually it allowed me to record 35 min instead of 15 min in 4K 100M 4:2:2. Better, but not perfect. External recorder, switched off linking, battery grip, etc. probably does its job as well.
But V90 SD card instead of V30 allowed me to record a 2-hour take easily. The battery exhausted earlier.
Maybe that's dumb, but having been an A7III user, I never thought the card would be such a gamechanger. In fact, yes. Slow cards just don't have enough capacity, being overheated while trying to process the recording, they overheat the camera internally even though it stays cool on the surface.
Don't bother with CFExpress, just a regular V90 128G card would do the thing. At least it worked like a charm for me. Thanks for the video, Zach! 🙌
Thanks for sharing! I'll have to test that out
A7iv. Bought on Friday, on Saturday already on the wedding report from 11:00 to 24:30. 4 cards of 128Gb full Recorded in 4k 50p 4: 2: 2 10bit NO overheating problem. Damn it turns out it's good 😁

That’s awesome!
@@zachwilkins do think by using 50p it will bypass the heating issue?🤔
Not sure. I've never recorded long form content with higher frame rates. I've left it on for long periods of time to shoot lots of short bursts in 60p and had no issues then. I think some of it depends on what kind of content you plan on shooting.
What a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude, everybody who used this camera said that shooting more than 24 FPS on normal conditions will make the camera overheats fast, even after shooting 40 Min. So why coming here and spreading some fake stuff!! If you would have said that you shoot the whole thing with 24 FPS I would have find it to be hard to believe, but since you said 50 FPS, then that is 100 % a lie!
I had overheating early on but now it never happens since the latest update. Filmed 40 mins in 4k HS yesterday outside in 96 degrees with no issues at all.
That’s great to hear!
Wait, so firmware update actually alleviate the over heating issue?
I want to get this camera too but the overheating issue worries me. I only shoot for a few seconds per take also, ill never leaving it filming for more than 5 minutes. My biggest worry is that i am expanding my services to the Middle east where its absolutely boiling hot. Will this be a big issue?
Its either the A7IV or FX30...
Got it just today.
Used an APSC lens on it (Sigma 16mm f1.4). Recorded everything on my PC (OBS) trough HDMI, and it was on a stand... AND the AC was running for the most part... AND I was using a dummy battery...
The screen was open (was making a yt video) and it shut down twice.
Then I got the overheating/power off settings set to high, and I haven't had an issue for the next half hour.
But I must say that I'm scared that I have made a bad investment, because in my country that kind of money is A LOT OF MONEY.
I have an a7iii, a6000, and a6400.. a6000 did overheat on me a few times a couple of years back when I was recording stuff onto a SD card, but the rest of them never overheated.
That's why I'm scared right now :/
Hopefully now that you've changed the setting to high you'll be good moving forward!
I have tested my yesterday and in 60fps recorded around 50’, but in 24fps recorded “forever”. I forgot the camera recording and remember in the middle of the night. Did record both memory cards, around 5 hours and the camera was still on.
I was using the original battery connected to the charger (MacBook Pro charger), xavc HS 100M 4:2:2 10bit.
Wow that’s awesome thanks for sharing!
I can't do my wedding work with this camera during the summer. Always overheating, impossible to use. I don't know, love the Autofocus but Im probably selling this camera and bought another Lumix S5...
Dang! That sucks man
Does it still happen with the temperature set to high?
Had it overheat only once, while using it as a webcam for about an hour and a half. I started it back up a minute later and it didn't give me any more problems. I don't think I fully understand what makes it overheat, screen was open, on a light stand.... No major contact with the body. I'm pleased with this camera overall tho.
Weird! Were you recording while it was being used as a webcam? I’m glad you’re still pleased with it
No, in a cool room, air conditioned. I don't push it too hard tho. I don't do long 4k recordings. It was in HD and I don't usually get that problem in HD
That is really weird! That's the kind of stuff that makes me think it's a firmware issue.
Question! When the camera shuts off from overheating, does it still save the file its been recording? Or do you loose the whole thing? Thanks!
It definitely saves it! That would be a pretty crappy thing if it didn't!
@@zachwilkins if it gets overheat can i continue shooting through viewfinder
@@parthasarathikanaparthi2366 the whole camera shuts off
Thanks for sharing this. I did not know that the A7 IV has issues with overheating.
Yeah it seems to be selective in who is actually experiencing it!
Thanks for the information.
Welcome!
I'm about to buy upgrade to A74 but it gives me a big concern🤔
Me too, I'm coming from mft. Never had these issues but when looking at features, it was this and the canon r6. This seemed better for me. Keep researching.
if you live in a warm country don't...
almost destroyed a wedding ceremony because of the overheating issue.
I still think for the price and all the other pros this is the best option but yes you have to feel good about it too
Same here. I own a bmpcc4k, which NEVER overheats, but I'm looking for a good 10 bit camera that has reliable autofocus. This overheating crap is a HUGE red flag for me. And yes...I know I can go the a7s3 or fx3 route, but why should I have to pay that much more so that the camera won't overheat??? Like for real? These cameras should be recalled. This isn't normal people. Let's stop making excuses here.
@@Victor-Rojas i totally agree with you. Totally!!
What dummy battery are you using specifically?
It's just what came with the anton bauer titon base kit. It says it's a P-Tap to NP-FW50 Dummy Battery Cable
Mine overheated on a tripod 12 mins in at 4k 60 at a funeral inside a building.. Had to use my phone smh...going to use my a7lll for filming events like that instead..
Hey, Zack! I saw your viral video titled (Downtown Canal Cinematic Short | Sony a7IV Test Footage) which has (14K) views. I liked this video a lot, after that I watched a lot of your videos and I think your video is addictive.
But today while I was browsing your UA-cam channel a couple of exciting ideas came to mind which can help you to go viral and that I wanna discuss with you:💙
sorry but how is this acceptable? so no record limits on the file but artificial recording limit because the body will turn off for sure....the question is just how fast. Did anybody try to mount a USB fan blowing air on it while filming long 2,5h+ videos? It looks like the a7iv is not for me :(
yeah unfortunately this seems to be rather unpredictable. Some units struggle with this while lots of other people report theirs have never shut off in extreme environments. Seems like more people have an issue than not
I live in Argentina (it's winter) and so far I haven't had any overheating problems since I've had the camera for two months. The only problem I had so far after upgrading to the latest firmware was a display freeze. I had to take out the battery to reset it. Has it happened to you?
I have not had that issue. I plan on updating in the next couple weeks.
Happened to me before
Can you recommend here the name of the fake battery? and about the parallel battery, which brand did you use? I'm using some from "BATMAX", but I haven't done longer tests yet.
I'm even afraid to sell my sony a6400, which is now a B camera, and trust only the a7iv. I do many interviews where I record 50 - 60 min directly to extract a testimonial of approximately 3 to 5 minutes
In addition, I had a random problem like this with the a6400, it accused heating in 20 min of 4k/24 (on a very cold day indoors) and turned off in 27 minutes. I waited for it to cool down, then I recorded more than a continuous hour without any warning, the same environment and the same power supply (powerbank directly on the camera's usb)... it was the only time I had a problem with it, I've recorded on a hot day under the sun more than 1 hour this way, so it doesn't really make much sense for the problem to occur, sometimes it doesn't.. it seems more like an inaccuracy of the internal sensor or something...
I got something called BM premium for the off brands. The dummy battery and charging plate is in the description
Yeah that’s what it seems like to me!
If I don't shoot 4k then would I face overheat issues. I mostly shoot full hd. Please clear my doubt
I have no idea because I never shoot HD. It just doesn't look as good. The point of having this camera is to shoot 4k imho
Dont get this for HD, looks bad. And some people have reported overheating in hd.
Bought the A7 IV. It sat on idle on a tripod and over heated after sitting there at around the 1.5 hour mark. while plugged into a Ninja V. Not recording, using Sony battery. A cool room.
So weird! I've never had it overheat while being idle. Only while recording. And i've left it on for hours
it's funny how all these videos are from people that live in a nice weather condition... I live in the desert of Sonora, been having this camera for almost a month, and it has oveheated almost every time I used it. I stream with it, 2 hours max, inside, with a/c on.
Edit: when it turns off, I just leave it for 10 seconds, turn it back on and that gives me a little more than 30 mins more, then I have to change the battery.
Yeah it’s stuff like that that makes me think it’s a firmware issue or something. If it were truly overheating it would need more than ten seconds right?
@@zachwilkins hopefully it is! It’s an amazing camera with a big flaw.
Hey Galaz im from Sonora too ! (Hermosillo) I’m planing to buy this camera and I researched a lot of the overheating problem, but now it’s like 55% discount price ! So it’s very good price, so u solve your problem ?
@@charliebrownn6622 hola! Esta muy raro, yo tengo 3, de las cuales 2 se calientan más rápido. Parece que depende de cada equipo y solamente se sobrecalenta cuando estoy haciendo transmisión en vivo. Cuando estoy tomando fotos o grabando no he tenido problemas.
Mi manera de solucionarlo es apagarla cada 15 min durante 2 minutos. Eso me ha ayudado con una transmisión de un programa de dos horas.
Sorry to hear about your overheating issues. I haven't had any overheating issues to date - includes recording straight for 30+ mins on a 90 degree (F) day outside. Auto Power Off Temp set to High, flip screen out, Sony brand battery, and Airplane mode on (no wifi/bluetooth). Fingers crossed this keeps working - if you haven't tried, maybe Airplane mode on will help?
That's a great suggestion! I didn't even know about airplane mode. That's encouraging you aren't having any issues. It only seems to be with some units for some reason! 🤔
I often shoot in similar situations. Just curious if you are recording to both card slots simultaneously. Thanks.
I want to get this camera too but the overheating issue worries me. I only shoot for a few seconds per take also, ill never leaving it filming for more than 5 minutes. My biggest worry is that i am expanding my services to the Middle east where its absolutely boiling hot. Will this be a big issue?
Its either the A7IV or FX30...
I think it’s ridiculous for the price you pay and I have to do all that around it not to overheat I don’t think it’s worth it
Big!, BIG! VERY BIG!, VERY, VERY BIG!, VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY BIG...!!!!!!!! Hope that answers, your question, Zach! 😎😎
It's crazy I'm crazy upset with my A7IV
4-7 minutes warn signal 🚥 kept shutting off
In a 🔥 basketball gym xavcs 60p 4k 4.2.2-10but
Dang I would contact sony if that's the case for you. That's insanely disappointing.