Until now I had no idea that a laser could cause damage to a DSLR, but apparently it’s possible. In the video you can see the laser beam across the sensor of a Canon EOS 5D Mark II leaving a burn. It would be a big shame for it to happen to any of you so I just wanted to make you aware if you weren’t already.
Here is an excerpt from the International Laser Display Association:
“Lasers emit concentrated beams of light, which can heat up sensitive surfaces (like the eye’s retina) and cause damage. Camera sensors are susceptible to damage, similar to the human eye.
For large scale shows, such as on a televised concert, laser show producers work with clients to avoid TV camera locations and video projectors (ILDA Members, see this page for details). However, it is not possible for laser show producers to be responsible for all cameras and camcorders which might be at a show.
Therefore, if you attend a show as an audience member, you should take reasonable precautions not to let a laser beam directly enter your camera lens.”
If this isn’t convincing enough, here is another video.
Sourced via Planet 5D
Wow, ouch! Thanks for the heads up! I only own a 550D but I’ll definitely be wary of any lazer burns.
Would it be possible to filter this out? Is the burning property of the laser in UV or some other range?
So taking one of these to a Muse gig is out of the question then?
This is painful to watch.
Optical Tinnitus. Not good.
Damn that sucks, thanks for the warning.
I would be even more worried about my eyes! That’s disturbing.
Lazers don’t kill people, they kill cameras… apparently
HAHA I keep thinking of Dr. Evil explaining the “Laser” (pron. lay-zer) when I read this, not sure what…it is painful to watch that video tho. How much do you think it would be replace/repair that damage?
I believe there is an IR filter over top of the sensor on some cameras and those can be fixed by Canon in the ballpark of $180…so my guess is that a sensor would be 2x that.
Wow. now I’m scared for my eyes.
I had a friend of mine telling me the exact same thing last week. He was at a party, a laser ‘hit’ his lens and kaboom, CCD ruined. It probably depends on the type of laser.. This’ll probably happen more often as laser technology and sensor types evolve, I’m afraid.
Oh thanks. Next time I’ll use my HDV camera for parties like this..
Guys I think any camera is susceptible, it seems CMOS sensors are easily damaged so I’d say beware – be it stills or video – protect your camera and your eyes…
Thanks for the warning and posting this video its made me think twice, OUCH
dang, all that full frame goodness gone. sorry man
Thanks for the warning.
The burn happened to my Nikon while shooting a time lapse of a sunrise.
It’s interesting to me to note that in both videos, the laser damage occurs in a straight (horizontal) line. I’m not necessarily doubting the validity of the claim here, but it seems like this is worth a closer look, as it’s clear in the linked video that the laser hits the camera at a different (i.e. non-horizontal) angle.
That is absolutely terrifying, because I love both cameras and lasers. Sorta like how I love wearing paper hats and dancing around bonfires.
Jason, correct me if I’m wrong (too lazy to open new tab and ransack Google) but I’m pretty sure CCD and CMOS sensors read in horizontal bars. So if the laser struck the sensor a bad way in one spot, it’s most likely the whole bar would be knocked out.
And that my friends is what they call an epic buzzkill
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