Sensor Dust? Or something else?

[mrod]

I'm not sure if this is dust on the sensor or something else...here are two shots taken moments apart. Shot 1 has an disturbing spot (circled). Shot 2 does not.

On the other shots I took this evening, some had it, some didn't.

These are straight out of the camera:

Shot 1
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1v3vaq81c5IwDYHqhR2kub2xhUBsjE_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1v3vaq81c5IwDYHqhR2kub2xhUBsjE)


Shot 2
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1gHyTO0s6zg15am9OH3LCI8xuqdHn1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1gHyTO0s6zg15am9OH3LCI8xuqdHn1)


I thought I remembered a discussion about testing to see if you had dust on the sensor, but wasn't able to find it this evening (probably because I'm tired). It would be nice to know for sure before I begin the daunting task of cleaning it for the first time...which makes me nervous.

Any insights?

Mike

[Codebreaker]

Mike it's difficult to tell from the shots. You can try this test.


1. Set your apperture to at least f22.
2. Point the camera at a plain light coloured surface - say a white wall - but don't focus on it.

If you have dust on your sensor you'll see the 'blobbies'.

Colin

[jo]

UFO -- taking pictures of you taking pictures...

Seriously, though, are the spots always the same shape and in the same place on the image? Or might this be a wisp of cloud on the dark side? I'd think that dust on the sensor would be in the same place on every shot and not sometimes there and sometimes not.

[Codebreaker]

Dust on the sensor isn't always visible. Its appearance varies in size with the aperture you use and if the shot contains a lot of detail it may not be noticeable. This is why you do a test against a plain background with small aperture.

Colin

[NickLewis]

I'd think that dust on the sensor would be in the same place on every shot and not sometimes there and sometimes not.I do find their visibility changes depending on the background of the picture and the aperture in use.

Colin's test'll bring them out though - it's usually most depressing.....

Nick

[mrod]

Dust on the sensor isn't always visible. Its appearance varies in size with the aperture you use and if the shot contains a lot of detail it may not be noticeable. This is why you do a test against a plain background with small aperture.

Colin

This makes sense, based on yesterday's shoot. I was using several different apertures, and shooting against varying backdrops.

I'll do that test, Colin. Thanks.

Mike

[Whiplash-GT]

i see a couple of other odd spots. less distinct but visible..again first pic
small arcing line top left
also seems to be one at the waterline, left of center

are you using a filter? i get a few of these when i've worked near splashing water/in the rain and forget to clean my filters

[mrod]

OK. MAJOR dust on the sensor. So now. To clean. I've read Moose Peterson's tutorial article. I don't have one of those fancy (expensive!) brushes, but sounds like that's what I need?

Also, before I touch anything, I don't have the anatomy of the D80 down yet...when I flip the mirror up, is the sensor the greenish colored thing straight back from the lens opening?

Thanks, as I try to learn the ropes here...life is never boring, is it? :D

Mike

[Codebreaker]

Mike....

I bought the Arctic Butterfly and it worked extremely well. I never felt happy with the prospect of putting 'sticky tape' or fluids on the sensor.

Colin

[LeeOtsubo]

OK. MAJOR dust on the sensor. So now. To clean. I've read Moose Peterson's tutorial article. I don't have one of those fancy (expensive!) brushes, but sounds like that's what I need?

Also, before I touch anything, I don't have the anatomy of the D80 down yet...when I flip the mirror up, is the sensor the greenish colored thing straight back from the lens opening?

Thanks, as I try to learn the ropes here...life is never boring, is it? :D

Mike
The sensor is behind the greenish colored thing (aka anti-aliasing filter). You never actually touch the sensor but scratching the AA filter may cause you to join AA. :D

The expensive brush thingy is overpriced. No less an authority than Artie Morris (www.birdsasart.com (http://www.birdsasart.com)) recommends LensPen and a technique developed by one of his peers, PS guru Robert O'Toole. For US$23, he includes instructions on how to use the LensPen to clean a sensor. I'd buy one but I've got my Eclipse fluid and PecPad routine down to a science.

[mrod]

Ah ha, thanks Lee! I actually have LensPen! I'll examine that link. Many thanks...

[mrod]

Dust Update:

I stopped by a local shop on the way home and bought a bulb blower. I was able to blow off many of the larger pieces. There still seem to be a few smaller stubborn ones that don't want to move.

I'm hesitant to touch anything to whatever is in front of the sensor until I know exactly what I'm doing.

Right now, it seems as though the remaining specs are small/light enough to be almost unnoticeable in most photos.

I'll continue to research this...

Mike

[ljameso1]

It gets less scary with practice. I do have the expensive butterfly as well as big blower. On safari, I blew things out after each drive. Only a couple shots out 7,000 had dust specks:D. So far have not needed to resort to swabs, would probably try lens pen if blowing/brushing didn't work.

[Byron Gale]

Mike,

Thus far, I have been successful in ridding myself of the blobs on my sensor by using a blower... a "Rocket Blower" that generates quite a good puff of air.

It was nerve-wracking the first time I went through the operation -- I was certain that I would ruin something -- but only good things happened. Just be careful and all should be well.

Byron

[Codebreaker]

The Blower is a good starting point but in my opinion the Lenspen is the last thing on earth I would try. :eek:

I've tried Lenspens on filters and found them to be very poor, leaving more smears and residue than I started with.

The Arctic Butterfly may be seen as pricey but it works very well and is still less than sending the camera away.

Pays your money and takes your choice.

Colin

[Inspeqtor]

I have never heard of the LensPen before. I see there are several different models. Is this the one (http://www.lenspen.com/?cPath=2&products_id=SK-1&tpid=286) you people are referring to?

[Codebreaker]

Your link is to Sensorklean which I have no knowledge of. The Lenspen which they also make is the one I wouldn't use - not even on a lens or filter.

Colin

[LeeOtsubo]

I have never heard of the LensPen before. I see there are several different models. Is this the one (http://www.lenspen.com/?cPath=2&products_id=SK-1&tpid=286) you people are referring to?
No, the one recommended by Artie Morris is here (http://www.birdsasart.com/lenspens.htm). Artie Morris has been a Canon Explorers of Light contract photographer since 1995. He's had over 11,000 bird photos published by no less than NG and Audobon Society to name just two.

The thing that sets him apart from others flogging various products is that he uses everything he recommends. Read more about Artie here (http://www.birdsasart.com/about.html). He's also a cranky, no BS instructor. He's not the warm, fuzzy type but if you take his workshops (~US$1800), you'll learn more about bird photography in 3 days than hanging around forums for the rest of your life.

Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one but if Artie says LensPen works for him, that's good enough for me. That's what I recommend to my dSLR students. You have to buy the LensPen from his site to get his instructions. No, I have no connection with Artie except awe for his talent and knowledge.

[troush]

I had a foot pump from an old air matress, and I used that to blow the dust off my D50. Worked fine... I liked it because I could really control the air flow.

-Trish

[lexcell]

I follow the same basic routine as Moose and never have any problems. Even though you are not cleaning the sensor itself, if you scratch the anti aliasing filter, it is very expensive to replace.

Your camera costs alot of money, don't scrimp now and go cheap on cleaning the sensor. Get the rocket blower, it that cleans the sensor, great, you're done. If there is still dust on the sensor, use the arctic butterfly to remove the dust. if that does the trick, you're done. If there is still dust on the sensor, it's time to bring out the sensor swabs and cleaner.

If you follow the Tutorial on Moose's site or on the Visible Dust site, you will clean as a whistle in no time. After you have done it a few times, the fear diminishes.

I know Artie uses the lens pen and has great success...I haven't tried it myself...it scares me! I can't argue the fact that he is happy with the results, just my own feelings.

If you can afford it...Visible Dust also makes a Sensor Loupe that is lit up so you can see the dust on your sensor. I think it is an excellent investment.

[NickLewis]

Pardon my ignorance - who's Moose?

I'm sure large deer don't use DSLR's - their antlers would foul the popup flash..........:)

Nick

[lexcell]

Forgive me...I should have posted the link to his website for those who don't know him....
www.moosepeterson.com

Here's the sensor cleaning tutorial too....
http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/cleanccd.html

[NickLewis]

Sorry, Laurie. I knew the name "Moose" was ringing bells - I just didn't click that his was the routine referred to earlier in tehthread.

It's all that water between us.....:)

Nick