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TropicalMonkey · 11-17-2012, 01:57 PM

I bought K-30 and love it. I have a quick technical question. If you expose the DSLR sensor for extended periods using Bulb exposure can it damage the sensor? Just curious because it is very easy to over expose the sensor if you are new to low-light photography. Unlike film photography, we are re-using the same sensor again and again in a DSLR.

Thanks!

Last edited by TropicalMonkey; 11-18-2012 at 08:40 PM.

CP140 · 11-17-2012, 05:29 PM

Hmmm... I suppose the answer (i'm only guessing) would depend on what sort of over exposure we're talking about.

Obviously, pointing a 300mm lens at the sun and keeping the shutter open for 2 minutes is bad. Why anyone would do that is beyond me, but I use it only as an example.

On the other hand, an exposure of 2 minutes when you only needed 90 seconds is far less likely to be an issue.

p38arover · 11-17-2012, 06:47 PM

Would that be any different to using LiveView or taking videos?

CP140 · 11-17-2012, 08:56 PM

Originally posted by p38arover

Would that be any different to using LiveView or taking videos?

Good point... I hadn't thought of it that way.

11-17-2012, 01:57 PM	#1
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304	Effect of extended bulb exposures on the sensor I bought K-30 and love it. I have a quick technical question. If you expose the DSLR sensor for extended periods using Bulb exposure can it damage the sensor? Just curious because it is very easy to over expose the sensor if you are new to low-light photography. Unlike film photography, we are re-using the same sensor again and again in a DSLR. Thanks! Last edited by TropicalMonkey; 11-18-2012 at 08:40 PM.

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11-17-2012, 05:29 PM	#2
CP140 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Greater Vancouver Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 190	Hmmm... I suppose the answer (i'm only guessing) would depend on what sort of over exposure we're talking about. Obviously, pointing a 300mm lens at the sun and keeping the shutter open for 2 minutes is bad. Why anyone would do that is beyond me, but I use it only as an example. On the other hand, an exposure of 2 minutes when you only needed 90 seconds is far less likely to be an issue.

11-17-2012, 06:47 PM	#3
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	Would that be any different to using LiveView or taking videos?

11-17-2012, 08:56 PM	#4
CP140 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Greater Vancouver Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 190	Originally posted by p38arover Would that be any different to using LiveView or taking videos? Good point... I hadn't thought of it that way.

Effect of extended bulb exposures on the sensor

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