It’s been going on for years – lasers destroying CMOS sensors in cameras. I’m taking this opportunity to remind you that shooting at an event with lasers present can be a very bad idea.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWvrpoHry84&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]In these videos, a laser striking the lens of the camera (and ultimately, the sensor) results in a gray line of dead pixels across the camera’s image.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0Y8of6sqo&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZz-o95b2bI&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nld3W9oeXqc&w=700&showinfo=0&rel=0]Vladimir over at Image Sensors World notes that he has been unable to find someone with a backside illuminated CMOS camera that has been harmed by lasers. He wonders if only front illuminated CMOS sensors are suspect to this type of damage.
I wonder if it’s as risky when taking stills?
Risky….yes. Not as risky though. The timing would have to be perfect.
Seems like there is a use for film cameras after all…
I never heard about this, but I’m glad you’ve mentioned it. Remind me not to point the cat’s laser pointer at my camera!