Laser Beam burns Canon EOS 5D mkII sensor.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was quite possibly Canon’s most highly anticipated Digital SLR ever, and the scramble to get in a preorder line insured that very few 5D IIs would be found in stock any time near their first availability date in early December 2008. [.....]The 5D II delivers excellent image quality from a solid-performing body. It is a great body for beginning photographers with big aspirations. It is a great upgrade to all owners of non-1-Series bodies – and even some 1-Series body owners are going to want one. I enthusiastically recommend the Canon EOS 5D Mark II.’
However two years on and the cracks are starting to appear. Or should I say a burns. It has become apparent that when using the Canon EOS 5DmkII to record video in a live environment that involves laser beams, by directly exposing the sensor to laser light, as this jilted enthusiast discovered, it can have untreatable implications.
And if you are thinking this is just a one off case or faulty goods then think again. Whilst filming footage at Madrid’s Gay Pride Parade another doomed Canon EOS 5DmkII met a similar fate, colliding with the deadly laser beam. You can see the exact moment the laser burns 5d sensor.
Promotion Hire have posted a caution on their Facebook page and warnings are hitting the forums faster than a laser cuts through the night sky. Here is a stark warning from the ILDA (International Laser Display Association)
‘it is not possible for laser show producers to be responsible for all cameras and camcorders which might be at a show.’
Additionally, the ILDA provide a few useful tips if you are intending to film an event that involves laser beams:
‘you should take reasonable precautions not to let a laser beam directly enter your camera lens. You can photograph the beams in midair, or doing graphics on a screen. If you can’t see the laser source (projector or bounce mirror) in your viewfinder, this means you’re not getting the full beam power into your lens. Indirect viewing like this should not cause damage. Avoid beams which are coming straight into your lens (or bounced off a mirror or other reflective surface). The damage potential is much greater when the entire beam power enters the camera lens.’
It might also be wise to check your insurance if you do intend to risk it. Similar to the human eye and sheets of steel, these concentrated beams of light can heat up and fry surfaces causing irreparable damage.
The Canon 5DmkII is still a fantastic camera with superb image quality and specifications but one thing is for sure, my Canon 5d won’t be visiting any laser shows in a hurry. We are currently researching an alternative.
I will update this blog posting with any relevant news on this subject as and when.
