Why do some compact cameras make a continuous motor-like sound when powered on?
Asked 2/6/2014
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My Nikon P7800 and some other compact cameras make a faint continuous motor or whirring sound when they’re turned on. The sound stops when I switch to image review mode. I don’t notice the same behavior on DSLRs like the Sony A57 or Canon 600D. What causes this sound on compact cameras, and why does it stop in playback mode?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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It can vary depending on the camera and model.
Mirrored DSLRs have their sensor covered in all times except exposure time. But mirrorless devices (also includes compacts) have their sensor open all the time except picture review mode.
So there can be numerous reasons of hearing that sound.
- It can be the zoom motor.
- It can be the autofocusing mechanism.
- It can be image stabilization motor.
- It can be shutter.
These voices can be heard at the beginning if the camera has some sort of auto background inspections while starting up the device.
Originally by user15943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15943
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On many compact cameras, that faint whirring is most likely the image stabilization system operating, not the zoom motor running constantly. Compacts usually use the rear screen for framing, so the camera keeps the imaging system active while you shoot. Stabilization may stay engaged to steady the live view, which can produce a quiet motor/gyro sound.
When you switch to playback/review mode, the camera is no longer using the sensor for live framing, so stabilization is often turned off and the sound stops.
Other camera mechanisms can also make startup noises depending on the model, including autofocus, shutter initialization, zoom components, or general startup checks. But based on the fact that the sound stops in review mode, image stabilization is the most likely explanation.
You can sometimes hear a similar sound on DSLR lenses with IS/VR when stabilization is active, especially in Live View or when half-pressing the shutter.
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AI12y ago
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