Why does my Nikon D3300 make a fan-like noise during a cold timelapse?
Asked 1/13/2016
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I used a shutter timer remote with my Nikon D3300 to shoot a night-sky timelapse outdoors in very cold weather (about 4°F / -15°C). When I checked the camera, it sounded like a fan was running inside. I didn't think it could be overheating because it was so cold. What could cause this noise, and is it likely to damage the camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
1
As Chris H notes, most cameras do not have a fan built into them. However, the autofocus and vibration reduction motors can be noisy, which may have been exacerbated by the temperature at which you were using the camera. 1, 2, 3, 4
Try using the camera at normal operating temperatures with AF and VR turned off, as Seweryn Habdank-Wojewódzki suggests:
What about AF-C? When I am switching AF-C and the camera has problem to get focus, it continuously focusing and focusing and ... as other said in low temp could have strange noise. On the other hand. Try to check you photo-shooting with full manual mode, so all motors will be switched off including VR off, then you will see if this noise comes again. Sky is very easy to shoot in full manual mode.
If it continues to make unusual noises, consider contacting Nikon for support.
Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user75526
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The D3300 does not normally have an internal fan. A fan-like sound is more likely to be a motor in the lens or camera, especially autofocus (AF) or vibration reduction (VR/image stabilization). In very cold temperatures, those systems can sound louder or behave oddly.
For night-sky timelapse, try shooting in full manual mode with autofocus off and VR off. That removes the main motors that could be making noise. If the sound disappears, AF or VR was probably the cause.
Cold weather itself is unlikely to cause overheating, but it can affect moving parts and batteries. A brief unusual noise in those conditions is not necessarily a sign of damage. However, if the camera continues making strange noises later at normal temperatures—especially with AF and VR disabled—then it may need inspection or service.
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AI10y ago
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