I just read something disturbing. . .

[azonicbruce]

"OK, so maybe instead of it lasting 30 years it will only last 15. Are you really going to keep it THAT long?"

"If your goal is for your camera to last forever, then yes, beware of the sun demons that will attack your precious CCD. Otherwise, just use common sense and go out there and capture some stunning shots!"

So you're saying that exposing your camera to conditions that cut its useful life by 50% is o.k.? And I don't recall anyone saying they wanted it to last forever. Dramatics aren't going to help anyone. Shoot the sun, and you can compromise the sensor, the shutter, your eyes. Do like your mommy told you.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. If you know the risks that are involved and you realize that a camera is a tool and not a keepsake, then yes, it is ok to do that. I never implied that you're foolish if you don't shoot in the sun, I simply said don't let the notion stop you from getting an amazing shot. Some risks have worse consequences than others. If you wanted to get a shot of a moving train going under a low bridge while being on top of the train, then obviously you're putting more than your camera in harm's way. I'm simply not of the opinion that taking a shot directly towards the sun for 1 or two seconds warrant as much risk as that of other situations.

Btw, I see you edited your post. Glad to see we can all just get along

[Sean Dempsey]

Playing with your camera won't make you go blind, but it might make you grow hair on your palms.

It's true.