1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Photographing directly into the sun

Photographing directly into the sun


4 years 6 months ago #662747 by Sharna Lee
Help me out here.  If you photograph the sun behind a cloud and the cloud moves and the camera exposes with the direct sun hitting it.  Will it damage the sensor of the camera?  For some reason I thought it would, which has me concerned.  

Let me know please.  Thank you. 

Sharna
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662752 by Nikon Shooter
You are talking about the Sun that shines at full power
and a sensor that is meant to work best at 18% of that.

There is a lot more to be said than "no good" for sure but
it is like your eyes, a short time blinds a bit but no longer.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: Sharna Lee
,
4 years 6 months ago #662761 by Sharna Lee

Nikon Shooter wrote: You are talking about the Sun that shines at full power
and a sensor that is meant to work best at 18% of that.

There is a lot more to be said than "no good" for sure but
it is like your eyes, a short time blinds a bit but no longer.



So what would happen to the sensor, or better yet, if the sensor did get damaged, how would one know?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662767 by Blistered_Feet
I'm curious about this too, although for a different reason. Would lowering the ISO effect how long a sensor can be exposed to direct sunlight? Would that work for Sharna's scenario also? Or would the photo risk exposure issues (though I assume this is probably an issue anyway)?

I've read that it's what some photographers do for sunrises, though I'm not sure sensor damage is what they are avoiding, rather than overexposure. I'm not usually trying to photograph the sun, so I'm not
,
4 years 6 months ago #662768 by Nikon Shooter

Sharna Lee wrote: So what would happen to the sensor, or better yet, if the sensor did get damaged, how would one know?


The blinded chip could be up to "severely damaged".

It's operation will reflect the degree of disfunction in
the recorded files from partly to general to end with
possibly no recording at all.

Threat your sensor as you would your eyes.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662769 by Nikon Shooter

Blistered_Feet wrote: Would lowering the ISO effect how long a sensor can be exposed to direct sunlight? I've read that it's what some photographers do for sunrises, though I'm not sure sensor damage is what they are avoiding, rather than overexposure. I'm not usually trying to photograph the sun, so I'm not


Any measure — not only ISO — to capture the scene within
normal operation condition MUST taken as, with such light
source, the violence to the sensor is critical.

It is, OTH, very OK to contemplate getting the Sun in your
shots as long as one proceeds with caution.

I did these for a corporate client…

img\def

img\def
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662773 by Blistered_Feet

Nikon Shooter wrote: It is, OTH, very OK to contemplate getting the Sun in your
shots as long as one proceeds with caution.


Thanks NS, I appreciate the clarification. I tend not to photograph the sun partially out of habit, but I also lean more toward nature and macro photography (I like the various shading). I think I will need to learn a lot more before I attempt it, but after seeing your photos, I'm excited by the new challenge.

I do have another question though. I know a bit of vocabulary, but I haven't seen the acronym OTH before. I checked the glossary and didn't find it there, either. Could you please explain it? Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience.
,
4 years 6 months ago #662777 by Nikon Shooter
Should have read OTOH for "on the other hand". :P
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662787 by effron
" and the cloud moves and the camera exposes with the direct sun hitting it.  Will it damage the sensor"

No.
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662797 by Alfonso Camil
But when the sun is setting the intensity has been cut down which makes it OK.  That's what another photographer had told me.  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662813 by Nikon Shooter
Yes, it has been but this is no limit nor is it a condition.

Even a full mid day Sun may be captured safely when
exposed correctly… and that may mean nominal ISO,
highest speed, smallest aperture and, if necessary, ve-
ry dark ND filters.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662815 by Nikon Shooter
ADDENDUM

Should one consider ƒ 1.4 to ƒ 22, 30s to 1/8000s, and
say 100 ISO to 6400 ISO, the total luminosity that is
controllable is in the order of 1 : 268, 435, 456 times …
Much greater than the human eye can cope with.

If one is working with a DSLR, the danger will be more
for the eye than for the sensor.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662820 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Shana, NS and others

NS is quite correct in saying that the sensor will cater for what comes along as "sunrise or sunset" sort of pictures as shown above

However what is well known to kill sensors is laser light. Quite a few cameras have died during those music concerts that have rotating laser beams flashing all around the place after bouncing off the revolving mirror - and the camera suddenly develops a "blind streak" across a straight line of pixels

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/
,
4 years 6 months ago #662871 by KENT MELTON
100% on lasers and sensors.  I was just watching this video, watch till the end (it's short) 

Photo Comments
,
4 years 6 months ago #662872 by KENT MELTON
Another

Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Photographing directly into the sun

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
More Articles
Ikan

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/canon.pngSponsored Imageimages2/mpb145x145buy.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Must-Have Insta360 Accessories

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024
5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Expert Tips to Upgrade Your Camera Gear With Used Equipment

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024
What is Blue Hour Photography?

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
5 Dog Photography Tips for Stunning Results

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024
More Articles