Yes—pointing a camera at the Sun without proper protection can damage both your eyes and your camera. A normal ND filter or improvised solutions like smoked glass are not considered safe for solar photography. Use a proper solar filter designed specifically for observing/photographing the Sun, mounted securely over the front of the lens or telescope.

Good preparation matters: practice beforehand by photographing sunspots so you can refine focus, exposure, framing, and your setup before the event. A telescope or long lens can work, but only with the correct solar filtration. Check event timing for your location in advance so you’re ready for ingress, mid-transit, and egress.

In short:

• Do not aim unfiltered optics at the Sun.
• Do not rely on ordinary ND filters or smoked glass.
• Use a certified solar filter on the front of the optics.
• Practice ahead of time on the Sun safely.
• Plan the timing for your location.