The figure above shows the apparent size of the Sun (or Moon) and the outer corona in both full frame and crop sensor formats for a range of lens focal lengths. The Crop Sensor (measuring 16 x 24 mm or 15 x 22 mm ) is used in the less expensive consumer DSLRs.Įither category can take excellent eclipse images, but the sensor size plays a determining roll in the apparent size of the Sun as seen with various focal length lenses.Īs a general rule of thumb, the relative size of the Sun’s image appears 1.5 times larger in crop sensor DSLR compared to the image in a full sensor DSLR when using the same focal length lens.įor example, a 500mm lens on a full frame sensor DSLR produces the same relative image size as a 330mm lens on a crop sensor DSLR. The Full Frame Sensor (measuring 24 x 36 mm) is used in professional or upper end DSLR cameras. The sensor size of most DSLRs falls into on of two categories. The focal length of 500mm is most common among such mirror lenses and yields a great image scale for capturing solar eclipses. But all comments refer to both types of cameras.Ī solar eclipse may be safely photographed provided that certain precautions are followed.Īlmost any kind of camera can be used to capture this rare event however, a lens with a fairly long focal length is recommended to produce as large an image of the Sun as possible.Ī standard 18mm lens on a DSLR yields a minuscule image of the Sun, while a 200mm telephoto or zoom produces an image four times larger.Ī better choice would be one of the small, compact catadioptic or mirror lenses that have become widely available in the past decades. No matter what kind of camera you own, one or more of the following techniques can be used be used to shoot a solar eclipse.įor simplicity, we will refer to both DSLRs and ILMCs as DSLRs. You can even connect a DSLR or ILMC directly to a telescope so that the Sun fills the entire frame. These cameras allow you to replace the kit lens with any number of other lenses from wide angle to super telephoto. The most versatile (and expensive) cameras are the DSLR (digital single lens reflex) and the ILMC (interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera). The simpler Point and Shoot cameras have a non-interchangable lens with a single focal length.īetter models are equipt with a 3x or larger zoom lens. ![]() Solar eclipses can be captured easily with all types of digital cameras. ![]() Over the past decade or so, digital cameras have completely replace film cameras in virtually all aspects of photography. ![]() Safe Eclipse Glasses from American Paper Optics (click here) Cameras Visit Safe Solar Eclipse Viewing for more information. It must be put back on quickly when TOTALITY ends. These filters are essential for safely viewing the PARTIAL phases of an eclipse.īut if you want to also use your telescope/binoculars to view the TOTAL phase of the eclipse, the solar filter needs to be quickly and easily removed when TOTALITY begins. Solar filters for telescopes, camera lenses, and binoculars are available from a number of companies in the list below.Īdditional filter sources can be found through the American Astronomical Society. Such filters fit snuggly over the FRONT END of the telescope or lens and permit just a tiny fraction of the Sun's light to pass through. Telescopes, camera lenses, and binoculars offer the possibility of seeing a magnified view of the eclipse.īut this can only be done by using a special filter designed for viewing the Sun. The abrupt darkness of totallity is stunning and quite unlike you've ever seen.Īnd the incredible solar corona is simply the most awe-inspiring naked-eye sight in all of nature. The crescent of the Sun grows thinner as the Moon's shadow approaches. If the eclipse is a total one, the last remaining minutes of the partial phases can be quite dramatic and beautiful. You'll need a Solar Filter to both view and photograph the partial phases. The eclipse begins as a small notch slowly appears along one edge of the Sun.ĭuring the next hour, the Moon gradually covers more and more of the Sun's bright disk. Watching and photographing an eclipse of the Sun is a relaxing activity since it progresses at a leisurely pace. That's because the Moon's orbit is tipped 5 degrees to Earth's so the Moon's shadow misses Earth during most New Moons. This can only happen during New Moon when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth.Īlthough there is a New Moon every 29 1/2 days, there are usually only 2 or 3 solar eclipses each year. However, you will need to use a special Solar Filter to protect your eyes and your camera.Ī solar eclipse occurs whenever the Moon's shadow falls on the Earth. ![]() Photographing an eclipse of the Sun is fun and easy.
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