Exact settings for your iPhone camera to capture the ‘eclipse of the century’ – without frying your phone

WITH the solar eclipse soon descending over the UK, capturing the moment might be just as important as watching it. But just as there’s a solution to protecting your eyes, there is also a method to getting the shot of the century – without breaking your lens. Capturing the eclipse does not have to damage your phone with these settings and tips Credit: Getty While NASA has warned that pointing your phone at a partial eclipse carries a risk of damaging the lens permanently, precautions can be taken to snap this rare event. Placing a certified solar filter – or a spare pair of solar eclipse glasses – over the lens is one way to safely capture the phenomenon. Sign up for the Tech newsletter Thank you! NASA recommends only using filters with a ISO 12312-2 certification, to ensure no harm is done to your camera – or your eyes. This is because it reduces visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation to levels which your phone is able to withstand. Once a protective lens has been placed, you’ll need to sort out your camera settings to ensure the best possible picture can be taken. For iPhone users, the first step is to reduce the exposure, which can be done by tapping the screen where you wish the lens to focus and swipe down on the sun icon. This will ensure the eclipse is captured with a clear and defined edge rather than a blinding blob. Then, an optical zoom function should be used to ensure the eclipse can be seen in its entirety. Most read in Tech This is because the setting magnifies distant subjects, such as the sun, while maintaining the camera’s original resolution, sharpness and image quality. By applying these steps, you should be able to capture the eclipse in its truest form – at least until the next partial eclipse on August 2 next year. The Met Office has shared when the sun will be obscured the most across the UK Credit: Met Office With the parcial eclipse set to take place between 6pm and 8pm today (August 12), the majority of the country will see at least 90 per cent solar coverage. Part of the south west will see almost complete totality with 96 per cent coverage. Comment now