Photographer says sun photo “destroyed” his camera’s sensor. Here’s why you may need to heed the warnings

An Instagram photographer famous for capturing sun flares has posted a Reel with the dramatic caption: "This photo just destroyed my camera's sensor... was it worth it??". Karna Hansen's video has received massive attention, surpassing 4.3 million views. The striking image showcases a perfect ring of flare against a patchwork of foliage. However, the question arises whether the photographer genuinely ruined their camera during the process.

Karna's Fujifilm X100F camera shot the image, and the video description confirms that the camera still functions. Yet, it warns that "Every time I take a photo like this, the camera sensor gets less and less usable." The real risk lies in damage happening in the moment, but there are several reasons why Karna's compact camera is unlikely to suffer from this specific shot.

Unlike solar eclipse photography, which requires a long lens, longer exposures, and a solar filter to concentrate the sun's rays onto the sensor, Karna's sunburst was captured at a wider angle. Consequently, the sun appears smaller in the frame, and the exposure is likely to be brief. Therefore, the camera sensor is highly unlikely to be damaged in this situation.

While the photographer's warning about the sun's potential harm on camera is exaggerated, it's essential to spread awareness about the risks. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to camera damage, especially when using live view or a mirrorless camera with an open shutter curtain. Moreover, protecting one's eyes should always be a priority when pointing a camera towards the sun, as the Fujifilm X100F's Hybrid Viewfinder can still cause serious eye damage if used to look at the sun.