Why Camera Cooler: I use a Nikon Z30 mirrorless camera for my YouTube videos. It's an entry-level, crop sensor camera. I can record videos up to 4K - 30 FPS with this camera. However, this camera has a shutdown problem while shooting 4K video due to high temperatures, which is frequently mentioned globally.
Moreover, because of this small 1120 mAh battery in the camera, I have to keep the camera constantly connected to the charger while recording 4K video.This naturally increases the temperature of the camera and shortens the shutdown time even further.
While looking for a cooling solution, I came across the Ulanzi CU01. This is a thermostatic cooler, it has a thermometric chip inside. It works almost like a refrigerator.
BOX Contents: Box includes a cooling block containing a fan, a 115 cm Type-A to Type-C charging connection cable and a user manual. This cooler is sold in two different versions, both with and without a battery. I bought the version with the battery included (3000 mAh battery).
It can also be used without a battery with the cable included in the cooler box. According to my scale, the cooler block weighs 106 grams, product is compact in size.
So you can easily carry this cooler with your other camera equipment wherever you want. Since the cooling platform is spring-loaded, it will be compatible with most cameras with a pop-up screen, like the one I use.
Ulanzi CU01 Model Camera Cooler Kit Compatible Cameras List
(List quoted from ULANZİ official website):
Sony: ZV-1, ZV-1 II, ZV-E1, ZV-E10, ZV-E10 II, ZV-1F, A6700, A7M4, A7C, A7C II, A7CR, FX3, FX30, A7S3
Canon: R1, R3, R5, R5 Mark I, R50, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, RP, 90D, SX70 HS
Lumix: GH5, GH5S, GH5M2, GH7, G7, G85, G9, G95, G9M2, G100, G100D
Fujifilm: X-H2, X-H2S, X-S10, X-S20, X-T4, XT200
Nikon: Z30, ZFC, ZF
Once the cooler is properly seated on the camera, there is no risk of it falling off.
The cooler consists of 6 layers:
- Thermal silicone Pad,
- Aluminium Alloy Stand,
- Semiconductor Cooling Chip
- High-Density 6063 Aluminum Alloy Heat Sink Fins
- 5000 RPM Fan
- Magnetic Heat Dissipation Protective Shell
(If with battery version) On the battery:
- Power button
- Battery level indicator,
- Type-C port,
- Pin connection and magnets on 4 corners.
The cooler and battery connection is provided with the help of magnets located on the 4 corners of the battery and cooler.
The cooler has 3 different cooling modes,
- 1st level cooling mode
- 2nd level cooling mode
- And automatic cooling mode.
Battery Test: The first level cooling mode is called silent mode and according to my tests, I was able to use it for about 83 minutes with a fully charged battery.
The second level cooling mode is called fast cooling mode. The fan rotates faster and naturally louder. And again, according to the tests I did, I was able to use it for about 62 minutes with a fully charged battery.
The automatic cooling mode adjusts the fan speed according to the temperature of the camera. I did not test in this mode because the temperature can vary depending on the weather and location conditions.
For outdoor testing, I tested this cooler in the woods and countryside under full sun at 30 degrees Celsius. I tested each cooling level mode for about 50 minutes. I did not see any temperature warnings from the camera in any of the cooling modes.
TEST: I tested my camera while it was charging and recording 4k video both with and without the cooler. Without the cooler, my camera showed a temperature warning after about 18 minutes and shut down. With the cooler, the camera showed no temperature warning and continued recording video until I turned the camera off.
Since I generally use my camera indoors, the 1st level cooling mode was more than enough for me.
The NTC sensor keeps the cooler at a constant 8°C, preventing condensation and saving power with smart temperature control.
The blue light on the cooler indicates that the camera is below 36 degrees. If the temperature rises above 36 degrees, the red light will turn on. This way, you can find which level cooling mode is ideal for you when using your camera.
If you are going to use the camera's internal microphone for sound, the cooler's fan noise may cause problems for you.
Devices like “deadcat” that you can use for the camera’s internal microphone may be a solution for you. Or if you use an external microphone for sound like me, it won’t be a problem for you.
I solved the shutdown problems I had with my camera due to high temperatures with Ulanzi's CU01 model cooler. Those who have temperature problems with their cameras like me can use this cooler with peace of mind.
Youtube video I prepared for CU01 (with English subtitles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bx3N5hORMQ&t=1s
