Sun in a frame?

ShutterWork

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Whilst having the sun in any frame, is it recommended to look via. the camera's digital live screen?

Should we have to look via. the viewfinder how do we take precautions?? Sorry, this may sound really basic but I would rather ask.

Also in these shots do we use any special filter to get the right exposure?

Thanks.
 
I think its general advised to take caution when looking through the viewfinder when shooting into the sun. Live view could be a good idea but I personally shoot into the sun often to get the effect.

As far as filters go to get the correct exposure, if its landscapes you are shooting consider ND graduated filters.
 
WP-UK said:
I think its general advised to take caution when looking through the viewfinder when shooting into the sun. Live view could be a good idea but I personally shoot into the sun often to get the effect.

As far as filters go to get the correct exposure, if its landscapes you are shooting consider ND graduated filters.

So it's okay & safe to look via. view finder as long as you don't focus on the sun I take.

Thanks for the advice. Just wanted to check.
 
Well obviously it is unsafe to look at the sun full stop. If you can avoid doing so then thats probably best but it doesn't mean that nobody does. Provides a pleasing effect that works well in some images. I think just caution and common sense is the best advice.
 
Is there any issue using live view that the sun could 'cook' the sensor?
 
Common sense would be avoid the sun when ever possible, but I think the size of the lens being used has to be taken in to consideration too.
I recall some one with a large-ish telephoto lens had burned spots inside his camera, around the mirror box, when the lens was pointed in the general direction of the sun for only a brief time. So the larger the lens, the more precautions should be taken.
I'm sure this wouldn't happen so easily with a small kit lens or nifty-fifty for example.
 
Thanks for the tips..wouldn't have known about the sensor..though a delicate piece of instrument thought these would be more rugged for bashes..will take care
 
If i look through the viewfinder shooting into the sun, i'm fully aware the sun is there through it, but i just don't look directly at it just where i'm going to frame/focus.
 
Worries me now as I was playing around with the sun beam pixelated look.....
 
The sensor will be exposed for as long as the shutter speed is. Which will be very high, so its not exactly going to have time to frazzle the sensor.

Took this today, 1/1600 of a second.


DSC_4425 by TCR4x4, on Flickr​

However on Live view the mirror flips up, so the sensor is exposed.. So you'd have to be carefull.
 
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i personally don't eyeball the sun, like it has been said if you are using a small focal lens 35mm 50mm you might be ok, wouldn't want to look at it with anything longer tbh
 
Thanks for your answers guys...:-)
 
Oh and in case you didnt already know, you can use a really small aperture to create the sun star effect if the sun is in your shot.


That's a tip I honestly didn't know...when we say really small, is it below any certain number as a rule of thumb...like f/18??
 
ShutterWork said:
That's a tip I honestly didn't know...when we say really small, is it below any certain number as a rule of thumb...like f/18??


Yeah about f18 and higher. Also works with street lights and specular reflections. Gives an effect like the star filter.
 
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