I'm a noob to photography, so I'm wondering what's safe in regards to taking photos of the sun. I just did a time-lapse video for about twenty minutes of the sunset, where the sun was in the frame for the majority of the time. I use a Canon EOS 77D and a cheap UV filter. I've been finding conflicting info when researching this, but I just want to know if that was something I shouldn't do again, and if there's a way to find out if I messed anything up.

I'm aware that it's more dangerous if there's extended exposure to the sensor rather than brief, intermittent exposure. I'm not sure as to whether time-lapse mode constantly has the sensor exposed or what. My guess is yes, as I didn't hear any shutter noise. In that case, I'm worried that I left the sensor exposed for way too long.

Probably not.
UV isn't the potential issue, IR is.
If you can comfortably view the sun with the naked eye it should be safe, except for eclipses
Still just because you can't see the energy doesn't mean it isn't there.

http://mashable.co...oyed/#L9QpJNaE1aqd

I know I've pointed my camera at the sun many times over the past couple years, whether it be for photo or for video. I usually try and keep the sun exposure as close to the edge of the frame as possible, or just make it's exposure quick. I know you can get IR filters for lenses for not too cheap, so that would be probably be a solid option.

Posted by sanctive I know I've pointed my camera at the sun many times over the past couple years, whether it be for photo or for video. I usually try and keep the sun exposure as close to the edge of the frame as possible, or just make it's exposure quick. I know you can get IR filters for lenses for not too cheap, so that would be probably be a solid option.

From the pros at B&H:

DO NOT point a camera at the sun unless the optics are fitted with a certified solar filter. Optics can magnify the intensity and brightness of sunlight, and this can cause damage to your equipment. There are many myths about the sun and its ability to destroy a camera, so we did some testing to see what the danger was. Check out the results here. https://www.bhphot...how-photograph-sun

Posted by blackhawk From the pros at B&H: DO NOT point a camera at the sun unless the optics are fitted with a certified solar filter. Optics can magnify the intensity and brightness of sunlight, and this can cause damage to your equipment. There are many myths about the sun and its ability to destroy a camera, so we did some testing to see what the danger was. Check out the results here. https://www.bhphot...how-photograph-sun

I should have clarified I point it at the sun rather sparingly and only if it really adds to the shot. But yeah, I'm not trying to argue that the sun won't do damage.

Posted by sanctive I should have clarified I point it at the sun rather sparingly and only if it really adds to the shot. But yeah, I'm not trying to argue that the sun won't do damage.

Even with the rising/setting sun using caution is wise. In any case you need a lense with good flare control to get much out of it.
The 70-200L and the 50L excel in grabbing shots in the glare of bright light.

Posted by blackhawk From the pros at B&H: DO NOT point a camera at the sun unless the optics are fitted with a certified solar filter. Optics can magnify the intensity and brightness of sunlight, and this can cause damage to your equipment. There are many myths about the sun and its ability to destroy a camera, so we did some testing to see what the danger was. Check out the results here. https://www.bhphot...how-photograph-sun

Thanks for the link, very helpful. Kinda scared that I actually did some damage now though

Posted by matt817k Thanks for the link, very helpful. Kinda scared that I actually did some damage now though

If the aperture of the lense is damaged you could see it. Inspect the shutter and sensor for visible damage.
If low light shots and test pattern shots show no irregularities it's OK.


Those eclipse shots were made while very high levels of invisible IR were present.
Plus the lense wasn't stopped down much due to less visible light plus longer shutter speeds... not a good idea.