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.



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.