Record limit - actually 3 poss. reasons, no definitive answer. Why PVRs and Blu-ray handle larger?
"It still has the 4GB limit of using the FAT file system. So recordings in HD will tend to end about the 12-minute mark, with only the 480p taking you anywhere near the 29min limit on devices like this."
Actually this is one of three possible reasons why there is a limit, the other two are:
- the dreaded EU/EC duty imposed if it could record longer because it would be classed as a camcorder
- the thermal limitations of the sensor, gets too hot
(according to dvinfo.net, here: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eos-7d-hd/355721-7d-maximum-sustained-recording-length.html )
No definitive answer is given by Canon.
Moreover, if the limit was FAT32 4Gb then why can Personal Video Recorders and Blu-ray handle longer lengths? Either because they use another file system or break the recordings up into several files BUT employ a system to provide seamless, back-to-back flawless recording/playback of these files, perhaps enabled my some sort of playlist table file.
What a shame about this limit. If only it wasn't there then this camera would be a fantastic all-rounder and a contender for making proper decent film footage with the flexibility of SLR lenses providing all manner of filmic nuances and quality.
Length should only be limited by size of memory card.
At least it has 24p for easier compatibility for transferring to blu-ray for archiving and sharing.