Can I record the sun directly with my new Sony HD video camera without damaging it??

Question

I recorded the 4:30 pm sun directly for 1-2 seconds and then realized it might be bad for this new expensive camera.

Answer 1

remember how kids liked to use a magnifying lens to fry ants? well your camcorder words the same way. it is not the light from the sun per se but the focussed rays of heat will get the CCD hot enough to warp or even melt. two seconds can generate a lot of heat, so if no damage you are lucky this time. Preventing accidents like this is a good argument for leaving the auto iris on. If you need a sun picture, use the high speed shutter, and at least one ND filter.

FYI, most first generation DV cameras used lens glass that would block IR for this very reason. but then custormers wanted IR sensitive cameras to look through peoples clothing and the IR protection was removed from newer sony cameras.

Answer 2

It might be.  It might not be.   It all depends on the particular light conditions and the way your lens, prism, and chipset work.

Also a factor in this situation are lenses.   You can usually get away with filming the sun if you use the correct ND (neutral density) filters, but your best bet is to use filters for welding.

if the camera is not damaged, consider yourself lucky.