Can Lightning Cause Damage to a DSLR

[leon]

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone has had damage, or knows of someone else that has had damage to a DSLR from lightning.

Could lightning render a camera useless due to the electrostatic charge of a close lightning bolt.

Many thanks in advance.

Leon :thumbsup:

[Steffen]

I'm sure the electromagnetic pulse from a nearby lightning strike could knock out electronics, I suppose it comes down to how well shielded the camera is. I would assume a full-alloy encased DSLR to be less susceptible to this than one with a plastic case.

Cheers
Steffen.

[bojan]

It also depends if camera is connected to something or not.
If not, the damage is VERY unlikely (unless there was a nuclear explosion nearby, in which case EMP will damage it).

If connected to other equipment (computer, timer.. with longer cable) then yes, it is possible the camera may suffer some damage.

[Nico13]

Why do you ask Leon, have you had an occurrence of some sort that youd like to tell us about? :D

[Steffen]

I've often thought about trying to capture lightning over attractive landscapes with the camera placed on a tripod under a rain cover, and me sitting in relative safety in the car ;)

To be honest, the EMP from lightning strikes wasn't top on my list of worries :D

Cheers
Steffen.

[bartman]

Not sure if this video will put you at ease Leon?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3rHONOr9o
or the resulting photo....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/willz0r/5289990107/

Seems awfully close. The video camera still works and she got a pic to boot!

P.S. just did a quick google and in this article (http://www.jrwhipple.com/emp/science.html) it states:
"Larger Electro-Magnetic Pluses are created by Mother Nature each time a lightening bolt is created. Lightening bolts are much higher in power, but still low in frequency, limiting their range of effects to a few hundred feet or yards, around the point of impact. "

Cheers
Bartman

[leon]

Thanks Guys, and Ken, no occurrence as yet, but i am preparing for the wet season in the NT and intend to be amongst it when those lightning storms arrive.

Did see that one Marc, :thumbsup: now that was some bolt, i can only imaging the noise from one that close. :D

Leon :thumbsup:

[bartman]

:rofl::thumbsup::rofl::thumbsup:
heheheh
Bartman

[midnight]

Leon,

Working in power stations with many sensitive electronic items & often large chimney stacks, the biggest danger we find is not so much induced energy, rather transfer of potential from something near the discharge source and the equipment away from the discharge point (eg water pipes, fencing, power supplies with a solid earth reference etc). For camera equipment not connected to a remote device physically (ie cable) the risk is very minimal unless you're literally right near it (< say 20 to 50 metres).

This photo was taken approx 400m from where it hit a building with a 40D and I just have to say I was very lucky to be pointing in the right direction at the right time (ISO 200, 1sec, F8, manually prefocused).

Good luck - I would love to do this sort of thing if I ever get time!!

Darrin...

[leon]

Thanks Darrin, top shot indeed, maybe i might be lucky enough to capture something like that one, its a beauty.

Leon