{
  "id": 658803,
  "title": "These cameras were destroyed by the solar eclipse of 2017 — and they show what you definitely shouldn’t do today",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/these-cameras-were-destroyed-by-the-solar-eclipse-of-2017-and-they",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T11:30:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/cameras/photography/these-cameras-were-destroyed-by-the-solar-eclipse-of-2017-and-they-show-what-you-definitely-shouldnt-do-today"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A total solar eclipse occurred today across parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Greenland, Iceland, the UK, and parts of North America. To safely observe and photograph the event, it's crucial to use solar glasses and a solar filter for camera equipment. Lensrentals shared images of damaged rental gear from the 2017 solar eclipse in the US, showing melted sensors, melted shutters, lens aperture blades, mirror damage, and even damage to built-in ND filters in cameras. These damages are permanent and costly to repair. It's essential to take necessary precautions to protect both your eyes and camera gear while viewing the solar eclipse today.",
  "summary": "Tonight's solar eclipse, August 12, promises to be a spectacular celestial event, just make sure your camera gear (and your eyes) are suitably protected",
  "key_points": [
    "Total solar eclipse occurred in 2017 across parts of Europe and North America.",
    "Lensrentals shared images of damaged camera equipment from 2017 eclipse.",
    "Melted sensors, shutters, and lens damage caused permanent, costly repairs."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ignoring safety precautions when photographing the solar eclipse can result in permanent and costly damage to camera equipment, as seen in examples from the 2017 eclipse.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}