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Okay, so I'm taking this video on my iPhone 16 Pro, and you see uh see those dots, that little constellation of stars right there? That's not supposed to be there. That is permanent bakedin damage to the sensor of this phone. That's been in everything that I've taken for weeks. You might have even noticed it in a few shorts that I've published shot on this phone, which is really annoying. So, I've been trying for weeks to figure out how this happened, and I've settled on my final theory. LAR. See, it's been documented in a few different cases that LAR, which is these quick bursts of lasers, can actually permanently damage a smartphone camera sensor in a very specific way. Like you can see it happening in real time in this video here shooting a car. And the thing is, I shoot every single autofocus channel video on a smartphone camera. And these dots started showing up on this camera suspiciously close to when I shot my video on the Volvo EX90, which does have LAR up at the top. It seems like most regular cameras are safe from this because the lenses are sufficiently protected from IR. They have better filters and coating, but smartphones have to be thin and not all IR protection is made equal. So, some of those are lacking enough that if you point it at the right LAR thing, it might damage it. So, PSA, if you shoot a lot of videos of self-driving cars, keep an eye out for little little little dots like that.
The short Phone Camera PSA examines a peculiar and potentially alarming issue where tiny dots appear on a smartphone camera sensor after shooting scenes with high intensity lighting, suggesting possible permanent damage. The creator narrates an observed pattern of dot-like artifacts forming after bursts of laser activity labeled as LAR, short for laser bursts, and connects these dots to previous footage taken with the Volvo EX90 which allegedly features LAR. The video explains that while many consumer cameras are protected by thicker shielding and coatings, smartphones prioritize slim profiles and may lack adequate infrared filtering, making them more vulnerable to laser exposure. The presenter emphasizes a practical takeaway: if you regularly shoot videos of self-driving cars or other laser-prone scenes, keep an eye out for these dot artifacts and understand that such damage could be permanent or cumulative. The PSA ends with a direct warning to the audience to be mindful of laser exposure when using phone cameras and to monitor footage for signs of sensor distress, framing it as a precautionary message rather than a definitive technical repair guide. The overall message blends observation, theory, and a caution to creators about potential risks when filming in environments with strong laser activity. The short closes by underscoring the real-world implications for smartphone photography and reinforcing the need for awareness among tech enthusiasts who frequently document autonomous vehicle testing and related technology.
Topics · technology · smartphones · camera-sensors · safety
Questions answered
- What does LAR refer to in this PSA, and why is it relevant to smartphone cameras?
- LAR refers to bursts of lasers that can potentially damage camera sensors. It is relevant because smartphones may have thinner infrared protection, making them more susceptible to laser exposure and possible permanent sensor damage.
- Why might smartphones be more vulnerable to laser damage than regular cameras?
- Smartphones are designed to be thin and light, which can result in less robust IR filters and protective coatings compared to larger cameras, increasing vulnerability to laser exposure.
- What practical advice does the video give to viewers who film near laser sources or self-driving car testing?
- Be vigilant for dot-like artifacts on footage, recognize that lasers can cause permanent sensor damage, and avoid pointing phones at high-intensity laser sources or scenes where lasers are used.