Here is a step-by-step solution to this bug that works more than 75% of the time. Tested on mid-2017 MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, over thirty times.
- Download and install Macs Fan Control (only do this step once, then begin with step two each recording session).
- Restart your Mac before recording.
- Open Macs Fan Control and set both fans to Full Blast (remember this is after machine restart, I enable Full Blast immediately).
- Then record your camera, keeping Full Blast on throughout. I recommend using the High quality option, not maximum.
This usually works for me, and sometimes I can do multiple recording sessions (without machine restart) until the bug reappears. If the bug appears after trying these steps, try them again. May take two tries.
Since this bug appears to be related to power consumption and thermals, I also advise you follow these steps:
- Go to System Preferences > Battery > Battery > THEN move slider under “Turn off display after…” to Never.
- Go to System Preferences > Battery > Power Adapter > THEN move slider under “Turn off display after…” to Never.
One warning, however: I have had issues with recordings corrupting after 45-55 minutes. This is when there is no playback after 45 minutes as the file is stuck on one frame. Sometimes they refused to save, too. The only solution to this was to try again.
Currently zero issues on 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro (16 core GPU) with QuickTime, but will update if encountered.
Latest macOS on both systems.