I have a webcam, and it can create time lapses. I wanted to create a time lapse of the sun, but I wasn't sure of one thing - if I point the webcam (or any camera) at the sun, will any damage come to it?
2007-12-24 05:51:37 · 6 answers · asked by Blake 4 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
I've got "yes"s and "no"s. Which is it?!
2007-12-24 07:43:02 · update #1
I don't know of any cameras that can look at the sun without damaging them. however, if you place a dark (optic) filter over or in it then it should be fine.
Yes it WILL hurt the camera if it looks at the sun without a dark filter lens. The imager is made out of very small sensitive parts and the extremely bright light and heat of sunlight WILL damage any camera that I know of UNLESS a filter is used. a welding glass can work but there are filters available for cameras.
anyone who does not think it will do damage is welcome to try it. I have damaged a camera with just the glare of sunlight off of a car window.
2007-12-24 06:15:05 · answer #1 · answered by Strom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Strom has the correct answer. Aiming the webcam directly at the sun will damage the image sensor. I have seen this happen on two different cameras.
You need to use a sun filter like Baader Astrosolar safety film. It's dark enough where the sun is the only thing that you will see (e.g. surrounding landscape will be completely black).
You can also use a pin-hole to project the sun's image to a piece of paper. I do this for photographing eclipses.
2007-12-24 15:15:26 · answer #2 · answered by qrk 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes! Pointing your camera at the sun will cause it to go blind and you won't be able to see any pictures anymore!!!!! Duuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
2007-12-24 05:57:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, its just glass/lens ( not your eyes)
2007-12-24 05:54:35 · answer #4 · answered by whizinthevalley 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yeah i think so
2007-12-24 06:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by brandon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2007-12-24 05:55:36 · answer #6 · answered by ~KaceyGirl~ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋