Dust on Sensor

[Biglug]

Hi Laurie,

On the Depth of field thread there was some discussion on how to remove dust off of the sensor.

What are some of the indications that there may be dust on your sensor? Do you see specks on your image?

Thanks,

Eric

[lexcell]

Hi Eric,

It depends on your subject. If you are photographing a busy scene with lots of detail, you may not see the dust. If you are photographing the sky, skin or something that is smooth and does not have as much detail, it will stand out.

Of course, it's the time that you have detail and it shows up that is the biggest headache because it is difficult to clone or use the healing brush when there is alot of detail. It's relatively easy to make it disappear when it's in the sky.

That's what's so great about the Sensor Loupe by Visible Dust or the Sensor Scope by Delkin, they are magnifiers that have lights and you can actually see the dust on the sensor so you can be pro active rather than re active to dust.

[bayhli]

Eric,

Here's a sample of what they look like.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1Mx0yF9V6ZSb4TNlDWlXG0Kb3gNpvd_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1Mx0yF9V6ZSb4TNlDWlXG0Kb3gNpvd)

Not sure how well you can see them on this small jpg image.

When the original is magnified there are plenty more, always inspect for them at 100% magnification. With higher aperture numbers they will show up in your images even moreso which is why they usually pop up in landscapes. This one was taken at f/22.

Hope this helps.

Laurie, I use the Visible Dust Products and really like them. I hadn't considered the Loupe but perhaps I should.

[ljameso1]

Eric, A cheap way to tell if there is dust on your sensor is to tape a white piece of paper to a bright window. Put lens on manual and DON'T focus; in fact move the camera as you snap it. Then import the shot into PSE and inspect at 100%. Dust spots on sensor will show up sharp against a blurred background.

[Biglug]

.....for the tips. You have all been very helpful.

Eric

[Codebreaker]

I can recommend using the Artic Butterfly brush if you do need to get rid og the 'blobbies'. A bit expensive but least intrusive in my opinion.

Colin

[GaryK]

Oh yah Colin .. I forgot you ordered that. How is it working out for you??

[lexcell]

Here is a link to a great cleaning tutorial by my friend Moose.
http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/cleanccd.html
He explains how to clean your sensor and the products he uses. I use the same Visible Dust products.

[Codebreaker]

Gary....

The Arctic Butterfly worked very well and was very easy to use - once I'd stopped shaking at the thought of actually touching the sensor. :)

Just a few seconds spin and then a single wipe in each direction and every 'blobby' went.

Colin

[ljameso1]

I like the artic butterfly also. Used it after every safari drive in Kenya and had only a couple images that needed spotting. You're not actually touching the sensor but rather, a clear glass filter that is in front of the sensor.

[Danudin]

Gary....

The Arctic Butterfly worked very well and was very easy to use - once I'd stopped shaking at the thought of actually touching the sensor. :)

Just a few seconds spin and then a single wipe in each direction and every 'blobby' went.

Colin
Just discovered my first "Blobby" if that is what you call them, started to ask around and had a "Pro Photographer - NEwspaper) advise me to get an aerosol can to clean it. Went to a photography shop where the recommended the butterfly. I started to consider it and found this thread, does your opinion of the butterfly still pertain, thank you in anticipation?
Ron

[Codebreaker]

Ron....

Yes, I can still recommend the Arctic Butterfly. I tried a hurricane blower first but it didn't remove all the 'blobs'. The Butterfly got rid of all of them.

Colin

[Inspeqtor]

I just did a google search for Arctic Butterfly and came up with a website (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/arctic-butterfly.shtml) that has me a bit confused. This person makes statements that to me are contradictory. First said is this:


VisibleDust is hands-down the finest sensor cleaning tool yet developed, particularly for anyone that travels by air.Then later this is said:


But, there's a fly in the ointment, so to speak. To do its job properly the sensor brush needs to be "charged" electrostaticly by a blast of compressed air, and also for thorough cleaning Sensor Clean fluid needs to be used. The problem is that while these products work very well, one can not fly with either compressed air cylinders or methanol (which the fluid contains). This makes the use of VisibleDust's brush system less than optimum for air travelers.Does anyone else understand my confusion with these statements? Is it OK to fly with the Arctic Butterfly or is it banned on airplanes?

Thank you :)

[Codebreaker]

Personally I wouldn't fly with the Arctic Butterfly because its wings are too short and the legroom in Economy Class is appalling....:-)

Seriously though you can take the Butterfly where ever and on whatever mode of transport you use. It has no compressed gases or banned fluids which is what some of the other products require. It works off a battery which spins the brush head to produce an electrostatic charge. This then 'gathers up' the blobs on the sensor.

Colin

[Danudin]

Personally I wouldn't fly Arctic Butterfly for fear of the "Butterfly Effect" But it is good to know that you still use it it has given me the fortitude to risk the trembling hand effect and try it myself. Two years of use must outweigh a month of anguish.

If you check the winters day image in my gallery the blob was just above where the seagull is located and cloning seems to have worked okay, thanks a bunch!
Ron

[Inspeqtor]

Personally I wouldn't fly with the Arctic Butterfly because its wings are too short and the legroom in Economy Class is appalling....:-)

Seriously though you can take the Butterfly where ever and on whatever mode of transport you use. It has no compressed gases or banned fluids which is what some of the other products require. It works off a battery which spins the brush head to produce an electrostatic charge. This then 'gathers up' the blobs on the sensor.

Colin

Colin,

OK, you took me seriously for my wording was not at it should be. You got me there! :o I have put my mouth in my foot... wait... I have put my foot in my mouth way too many times :eek:

I am sure I will do it again someday soon........ sigh ..........

Thank you for clarifying the fact that I can fly with the Arctic Butterfly, but that I better go FIRST CLASS and not economy! :p

[lexcell]

As I understand it... you CAN fly with the Sensor Clean...that it's TSA safe. I travel with mine all the time and never had any problem. If you have one of the regular brushes from Visible Dust, you can charge it by blowing it with the Rocket Blower several times. I prefer the Arctic Butterfly but for those who don't have one, you don't have to carry canned air around to get it charged.