Can a magnet damage my camera?

[scorpius]

I remember reading that magnets and computer equipment do not mix. These little digicams are basically small computers, so I was wondering about the effects that a strong magnet would have on it (and on the CF card). This magnet is so strong that once you put it on a refridgerator you have difficulty removing it with your bare hands.

Anyway, I want to shoot the magnet up close -- about 3 inches away. Should I worry, or am I just paranoid.

[JTF]

While strong magnetic fields won't damage the camera itself, they can erase the contents of memory cards. Avoid putting your camera or spare memory cards right next to very strong magnets such as stereo speakers.

[Bodryn]

I have read that CF cards are much like floppy disks or other magnetic media and should not be placed near magnets or electrical fields, in order to avoid data loss. Can't comment on the camera itself. Maybe you should consider using a telephoto at a greater distance?

[Zekevarg]

I think 3 inches away is far enough.

Cheers, Zeke

[Jon]

Magnets are only problems with magnetic media, like floppy or hard disks. They don't affect silicon memory (RAM, or your CF/SD cards). Your only risk with the magnet would be if there was enough iron in the camera for it to be pulled into the magnet at close range.

[pradeep1]

Magnets won't damage your camera, but they can cause internal electronics to go haywire. Magnets can damage date on your CF cards.

[Jon]

Magnets won't damage your camera, but they can cause internal electronics to go haywire. Magnets can damage date on your CF cards.

References? Every study I've seen says otherwise.

[scorpius]

I think Jon is right. I just read about "Cokin’s Magne-fix series, a range of inexpensive zoom lenses that attach magnetically to almost any camera..." (http://digitalcameras.engadget.com/entry/1234000320028992/)

If cameras were that sensitive to magents, they probably wouldn't have passed such a product.

[DocFrankenstein]

Ok, this is basic physics.

CF cards are not affected.

Electronics in the camera are not affected... or affected only permanently. IE do not use your cam inside the MRI machine.

What can be affected is the shutter mechanism. If you have an SLR with a flipping mirror and a metal shutter, you do not want to magnetize it.

Conclusion: Point and shoots are ok with magnets... SLRs are not.

Cheers

[Jon]

Ok, this is basic physics.

CF cards are not affected.

Electronics in the camera are not affected... or affected only permanently. IE do not use your cam inside the MRI machine.
Given that they tell you to remove all metal before entering the MRI, that's probably a safe decision, although I don't believe that you're likely to run into that strong a magnetic field anywhere outside the MRI or a particle physics lab.

What can be affected is the shutter mechanism. If you have an SLR with a flipping mirror and a metal shutter, you do not want to magnetize it.

Conclusion: Point and shoots are ok with magnets... SLRs are not.

Cheers

As P&S cams also have metal shutters, and diaphragm mechanisms, I'd question the distinction. Again, references? I'm not disputing that very strong mag. fields can cause problems, just that any you encounter in routine daily life will. The computers/magnets proscription is due to


Magnetic recording media (floppies and hard disks). It may be apocryphal, but there are several stories running around about the (insert junior office functionary) who used a manet to secure the disk with the important, periodically updated, file to their computer, with predictable results.
CRTs rely on magnetic coils to deflect the electron beam. Try running a magnet around your TV or monitor and watch it go wavy.
So stray magnets around computers aren't a terribly good idea. But unless you use microdrives, you're unlikely to cause problems for your camera. Witness the countless cameras (film and digital) that repeatedly pass through airport security, (and the routine baggage train, as well) where the conveyor belt motors all contain electromagnets.