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How to Safely Film a Solar Eclipse with Your Smartphone

Apr 6, 2024 · 236K views · 3K likes · 114 comments · 1K shares

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AI Search Summary

This practical eclipse-photography video explains how to film or photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone more safely by using a proper solar filter over the phone lens, locking focus/exposure settings, practicing before the eclipse, and avoiding direct unfiltered sun exposure. NASA guidance also emphasizes that looking directly at the Sun is dangerous to eyes and cameras, and that a special solar filter is needed during partial eclipse phases.

  • Main question: Can you safely film a solar eclipse with a smartphone?
  • Short answer / core takeaway: Use a proper solar filter over the phone lens, do not point an unfiltered phone camera at the Sun, avoid looking directly at the Sun, and practice settings before the event.
  • Evidence type: Practical photography guidance, solar-safety guidance, and NASA eclipse-photography advice.
  • Search topics: smartphone solar eclipse photography, phone solar filter, eclipse glasses camera filter, how to film eclipse safely, NASA eclipse photography.

Common Search Questions

Can you point a phone directly at the Sun during an eclipse?

The video says not to point a phone directly at the Sun without a filter because it can damage the sensor and create blown-out, unusable footage. NASA also says direct Sun imaging during partial phases requires a special solar filter to protect the camera.

Can eclipse glasses be used as a phone camera filter?

The video suggests using the filter material from an extra pair of eclipse glasses taped over the phone lens. The safer general rule is that any filter used for the Sun should be legitimate solar-viewing/filter material and securely cover the lens.

Should you use zoom when filming an eclipse on a phone?

The caption says that if a solar filter is in place, you can use whatever optical zoom your phone has built in. Optical zoom is preferable to digital zoom for image quality.

What settings help for smartphone eclipse filming?

The video recommends locking focus and experimenting ahead of time with an app that allows manual camera settings, so the phone is not hunting for focus or exposure during the eclipse.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not film the Sun with an unfiltered smartphone camera.
  • Use a proper solar filter securely attached over the lens during partial eclipse phases.
  • Do not look directly at the Sun while aiming the phone.
  • Lock focus and exposure where possible and practice before the eclipse.
  • Optical zoom can help if the filter is in place, but a filtered wide landscape shot can also work.

Transcript

The basic safety answer

Can we actually film the solar eclipse using a smartphone? Let’s talk about it while I am driving upstate to watch the eclipse. I am not going to look at you because I have to look at the road.

I have been getting a lot of this question. The basic answer is no, do not point your phone directly at the Sun ever, because you can burn out your sensor, and that will not be fun for you.

You also will not get good visuals, because when you point your phone directly at the Sun, you cause bloom in the sensor, lens flare, and a lot of annoying light. You are not going to get a cool image.

Use a solar filter

In general, for photography of the Sun, you need to use what is called a solar filter, which blocks out the majority of the intensity and gives you something you can actually watch.

For smartphones, you can buy solar filters, but there is a cheaper solution. If you bought a pack of eclipse glasses, you can use that as a solar filter.

What I am going to do is take an extra pair of eclipse glasses, cut out the filter, use Scotch tape, and attach that to the lens on my phone.

Lock focus and camera settings

The next part is making sure to set a fixed focus length. You might not be able to do this with your basic camera app. It is a bit harder.

If you download an app that lets you set all your phone settings, this process will be easier. I use one called Camera Plus, I think.

Attach the filter to your phone. Choose the longest focal length possible for your autofocus, or the longest focus length. Then play around a little bit.

Practice before the eclipse

Start experimenting with photographing the Sun when you are not looking at the Sun, but pointing your phone at it with that filter attached.

That is essentially how you will be able to video or photograph the eclipse. Set all the settings locked in and point it there so that when the time comes, you know you can get a good image.

I will be doing a long drive right now, so if you have more questions, my partner is here manning the camera and I might be able to answer some.

Additional Notes

Caption context

The caption says that if you use a solar filter, you can and should use whatever optical zoom your phone has built in.

Hashtags: #eclipse #solareclipse #photography

Safety note

NASA guidance says direct Sun viewing and imaging are dangerous without protection. Use solar viewing glasses for eyes and a special solar filter for the camera during partial eclipse phases. During totality only, when the Sun is completely blocked, NASA says the camera filter can be removed to capture the corona.

Keywords and topics

  • Smartphone eclipse photography
  • Solar filter for phone
  • Eclipse glasses as camera filter
  • Solar eclipse safety
  • Manual camera app

References