Laser damaged 7D
 

Hi, recently i was shooting during an event in which they were using a small color laser. I did not fall into account about the risk because i was 300 feet away from it but in just a second the laser pointed twice into my lens and then... a black spot upright in the image (a big dark spot). The sensor got burnt and i need to send the camera to fix.

Anyone know if replacing the sensor would be enough? im afraid that the sensor should be calibrated to the camera and it will not be so easy as i thought. I mean because of time and cost.

Best


Rodrigo

Re: Laser damaged 7D
 

The sensor assembly for the camera is about $350 (Canon may charge much more for it though). Labor will be at least $250 for install and calibration of the camera. That will resolve the problem. If you were in video mode the mirror was up so the focus/exposure sensors would not be affected.

Expect the repair to run between $700-800 total.

You can get an estimate and the charge for that is around $100. They won't charge the estimate fee if you choose to fix the camera.

Re: Laser damaged 7D
 

If their laser does that much damage to a camera, imagine what it will do to your eyes! They must be using a high powered one.

Re: Laser damaged 7D
 

hmm, this is getting me scared, does anyone think those lasers that DJ use for weddings are harmful for our DSLR?

Re: Laser damaged 7D
 

I thought that the laser was only to shoot at a certain height and above. You might have a claim against the dj's insurance.

Re: Laser damaged 7D
 

If the laser was powerful enough to damage your camera's sensor then it might very well be powerful enough to hurt your eyes.

It's up to the event operator to ensure safety of laser systems -- or anything else for that matter. You could have a valid claim against them.

Write to them with a complete account of what happened. The reason for writing a letter is to initiate complete documentation in the event of a dispute. The company or person that set up the laser has to know that there is a risky element in their setup. This could leave them open to more serious problems sooner or later.