While not a full or even annular eclipse here in Santa Clarita, California, there were still some interesting views to be seen. Four different cameras were used, each running in timelapse mode... In the first several sequences we see intense orange images filmed with a Canon SX10-is, using its full optical zoom of 20x, which equates to about 560mm (35mm equiv.), and a disc cut from an old arc welding mask as a filter. Three large sunspots can be clearly seen in the sun's orb, as the moon takes a slow, ever increasing bite out of the solar disc. As the eclipse ends just before sunset, the sun darkens and then finally sets behind a very distant mountain range. Digital panning across the large image frame and wind buffeting the camera makes for some interesting "action" in these sequences... Next, (at 1:15 ) we see the sun's glare in a blue sky as the Canon 5D mk2 records the change in daylight level using fixed ISO, shutter and aperture. This sequence was filmed using a 17mm wide angle lens and Fotasy wide-band ND filter, set fairly low (perhaps 10-20) in its setting range, and includes the 1st half of the eclipse, from start to peak. An eclipse-shaped lens flare (an internal reflection of light between the glass lens elements) appears at 1:28 At 1:31 the view switches over to a GoPro Hero2, which recorded the entire event from start to sunset at 10-second intervals. Its automatic exposure compensated for the change in light level, but still managed another interesting view. Then we see the view through a Canon 300HS at 1:41 which was set on fully manual mode to record the ambient light level change from start through the peak. This view gives a better idea of just how dim the sunlight became as the eclipse passed the 80% coverage mark. No filters were used on this camera, but the exposure compensation was set to its lowest level for the duration. At 1:48 we switch back to the Canon 5D mk2, now with a 300mm lens and ND400 filter for the peak-to-finish of the eclipse. As the sun sets lower on the horizon you can see its color change to red just before it disappears behind the distant mountains. We return to the Canon 300HS at 2:16 after a battery change, to see the remainder of the eclipse and beautiful sunset. At 2:34 we recap the first SX10 sequence at a slower speed to get a better look at those sunspots. I was surprised that they were so visible in these images. The soundtrack is "Lunar Seas" from the "StarSpin EP" CD by Technician (yours truly), MP3 album and single track available on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/starspin/id616058628 Full artist discography and CDs available at technician.jcmdi.com Note: This is copyrighted material, however, you may download this footage directly from YouTube and use it free of charge in your own non-profit/non-commercial YouTube videos. The full free usage policy with copyright notice/claim and partner ad info can be found here: jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#freeusage and jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#partner (please read both sections before using JCMDI material - Thanks!)

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