We know that the eclipse of April 8 can cause damage to the eyes if observed without protective glasses. The same goes for cameras, which could be damaged if used without proper filters. And this also applies to smartphones.
It is the camera sensor that captures light and converts it to create an image. It is, in a way, the retina of our devices. We must therefore cover their lens with a filter complying with the ISO 12312-2 standard to avoid breaking them. Please note: this filter must completely cover the front of the device bezel.
NASA also warns not to look at the sun through your camera’s viewfinder, even if you are wearing protective glasses. The lens will concentrate the rays like a telescope: they will then pass through your glasses and risk burning you.
However, it is safe to take photos without a filter during the period of total darkness, just as it is possible to watch the eclipse with the naked eye at this precise moment.
“We really want to commemorate an event like that,” recognizes astrophysicist Nathalie Ouellette, in an interview with Duty. She recommends using specialized filters, but “if you really want to do it a little ‘home’, a smartphone and your eclipse glasses over the camera can do the job.” job”.
NASA also offers some tips for taking good eclipse photos, including using a tripod and self-timer to stabilize the camera and avoid blurry images. This is particularly important when the light is low. Adjusting the exposure — the amount of light that hits the sensor — will also be necessary to obtain good results.
Mme Ouellette points out, however, that the total eclipse will last from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on where you are. So now is not the time to fiddle with your phone to take a photo. “There are lots of beautiful images of the eclipse that will be released by professionals. Really, look with your naked eye and enjoy the show, because you don’t know if you’re going to see another one. »
This observation is shared by the American Astronomical Society. It is unlikely that you will be able to take good photos of the eclipse without professional equipment. Why not just put your phone away and enjoy the moment?
With Jasmine Legendre
To watch on video