OK, I haven't actually done this, but a lot of times when shooting outdoors I will include the sun in a shot (for a lens flare etc.), maybe putting it in the corner of the frame or something. And undoubtedly while framing I've probably pointed the cam directly at the sun with apereture on manual. Is this wrecking my cam? I don't see anyhting ni the manual about this (the only warning being not letting sun enter the EYEPIECE) It seems inevitable that the cam will be pointed straight at the sun a lot, just hte nature of photography. Anyway, can anybody put my worries to rest (brought up by the post about green lazers). Thanks!

Peter

actually, come to think of it I've shot a lot of sunrises, sunsets etc, so I have done this. How can this type of operation not hurt the camera (or does it?) and a green laser be dangerous for it (or are they?). OK, thanks for the replies in advance,

peter

Use the LCD and screw on a ND8 for sunrises/sunsets. I wouldn't point it into the sun during brighter times because, why take a chance?

i do it quite often as they make for powerful opening shots, however, im a freak when it comes to the wellbeing of my gear, so i run a NDFilter of 64, hi shutter, and a UV filter attachment...

Just as you can watch a sunrise and sunset with the naked eye, you can also film them safely with your camera. Why? Because the angle to sun is lower and the rays pass through more atmosphere. However, during the middle of the day the angle is different and the focused rays of the sun could damage the surface of the chip. Just as your image is focused on the chip, so is the sun's energy.

In practice very short exposure to the sun does not damage the chip. I have been including the sun, in portions of my scenes, with various cameras for years. None of the cameras ever showed any ill effect. I did not use numerous filters etc. I have used Cir-POL, built in ND filter and high shutter speeds to get proper exposure. You will have to figure your own level of comfort with the risk involved and operate your camera accordingly.

The warning about the sunlight entering the eyepiece is the reverse. Light entering though the eyepiece (not the lens) can burn the surface of the CRT/LCD and melt the plastic viewfinder housing.

thanks for the replies guys! I've haven't noticed any ill effects yet, and I'm also a freak about my gear, so I'll probably be even more careful about it in the future.

Peter