I’ve deeply enjoyed using this card when doing webcasts. For another $20 for a power line adapter for my camera I’ve had fantastic video quality.
sorry if this is a stupid question but I don't have much experience with cameras and recently learned that cameras have a limited lifespan when it comes to the shutter (the thing that opens and closes to let in light). It is apparently enough of a concern that people ask for this count when buying used.
So my question is: does a video in this HDMI out mode count as just one click? how does this work? Also can you completely avoid using a battery with a power line adapter?
I tried using an old Nexus 4 as a live streaming camera a while back but after a few weeks the battery bulged and the gorgeous glass back shattered.
Effectively zero clicks:
Aside from rotary shutter options available on a few high-end (>$50,000) digital cinema camera models, video exposure time is controlled by sensor electronics; all other mechanical shutter mechanisms I'm aware of remain open when capturing video (for any combination of recording, HDMI out, in-camera LCD live view, or electronic viewfinder display).
Pedantically, I suppose you can count one click for a normally closed (DSLR) shutter and zero clicks for a normally open (mirrorless) shutter, though I have no idea if DSLR firmware actually bothers to do this.
I'd also guess that simply opening and eventually closing the shutter causes less wear and tear than a typical <<1 second still photo exposure.
Also can you completely avoid using a battery with a power line adapter?
Generally, yes; in cases where battery-free DC input is not otherwise available, inexpensive "dummy battery" adapters are typically available that pass power through the camera's battery contacts from an external source.
Check adapter compatibility before buying a camera, however; make sure that a compatible dummy adapter (a) exists, (b) doesn't physically interfere with camera operation (buttons, tripod mount, etc.) and (c) attaches without a significant risk of damage to the camera (e.g., if you plan to use the camera in anything other than a totally stationary position, you probably want to ensure the battery compartment door can be closed, removed, or otherwise secured when the dummy battery is connected).
A mirrorless camera's shutter is only used during taking photos (and some cameras, like the Sony A7S2 which I own, can also run in "shutterless" aka silent mode, at a slight expense in picture quality). It will not be impacted at all if the camera is used exclusively for video.
> Also can you completely avoid using a battery with a power line adapter?
Not with Sony Alphas, they will drain the battery even if hooked up to a powerful USB charger. Get a "dummy battery" for your camera.
> I tried using an old Nexus 4 as a live streaming camera a while back but after a few weeks the battery bulged and the gorgeous glass back shattered.
I hope you got rid of the phone or at least took out the battery, when it bulges it's having internal issues and now is a fire / explosion risk. You probably used a cheap power supply that has lots of high frequency ripple.
For many cameras you can find a power line adapter that replaces the actual battery and connects to power (Canon cameras cannot charge their batteries in-camera so this is a must for them).
> can you completely avoid using a battery with a power line adapter?
This is going to depend on the particular camera. I just tested a mirrorless camera, doesn't work without a battery, and doesn't use the DC power while on.
Using the camera for video doesn't really have much impact compared to photography since the shutter is just kept open