Dust … composed usually of dead skin cells or pollen, it is always around us. We breath it in every day, we dust it from our furniture, and even take medicine for the allergies it may cause. But, something we as digital photographer should know is that dust on a sensor is a horrible thing. Hit the jump to read about how to find and eliminate sensor dust.
Sensor dust is usually only seen at smaller apertures due to the corner to corner sharpness that comes from the deep depth of field. Because of this, there is a good chance you have sensor dust right now and aren’t aware of it. The best way to test for it is to set your camera on the smallest aperture and shoot a picture of a white piece of paper or a blue sky. If there is dust on the sensor there will be small dark blobs on the image. Now you have to make a choice … is the dust particles small enough or few enough that it isnt going to mess with your images. However, if you take a look at the picture below you can see what a single dust speck is capable of.
Can’t see it? I didn’t circle it for a reason, it will give you a better idea of what dust can do. If you didn’t see it, then you might not need to worry so much about the dust on your sensor unless the specks are usually large or black. However, if you spotted it right off, then you should keep reading for your options in removing this image quality killer.
Most camera manufacturer will void the warranty on your camera if you touch the sensor with anything but air. In fact, air is the only approved self-fix for this issue. Before you run to get the can of air you use to blow out the computer, know that you should NEVER use canned air for cleaning the sensor. NEVER. If you try it, you do it on your own accord. The issue with using canned air products is that it is not a truly dry source, simply turn a can upside for a second, flip it back and pull the trigger. If you look closely a fine mist will come from the nozzle before clean dry air. This quick burst of liquid will leave a residue on the sensor, which basically ruins it for taking images. Time to send it to the Pros cause you messed it up. The second reason, which isn’t as common, is that small particles of “material” can get lodged inside that little narrow tube. When you pull the trigger, and it happens to come loose, you are basically firing a little tiny air cannonball into your sensor. You don’t want that do you? OK, now read on to make sure you don’t go an muck things up.
Your primary weapon in fighting the lil’ dirt devils is a source of filtered dry air. By far the best product for this is the Giottos Rocket Blower. This is the product that most pros use. For less than 20.00 you’ll have an excellent piece of equipment that will last and last. Keep an eye out for a more detailed review of this product at a future date.
OK, first things first. You’ll need to find the “Mirror Lock Up” option on your camera. Every DSLR has this option in one form or another. Some cameras use this as a way to eliminate the vibration of the shutter action, while entry level cameras include this option for the purpose of sensor cleaning. Either way, you should charge your camera battery to 100% before attempting any of the following. The new cameras actually have a protective measure that won’t allow you to use the mirror lock up with a lens unless the battery is charged to 50% or more.
Alright … Giotto Blaster, Check. Battery charged to 100%, Check. Mirror Lock Up activated, Check. Were ready to get started. A tip to the following is to perform the cleaning in the room of your home with the least free floating dust, which is usually the bathroom. This is due to the steam from your shower pulling the steam out of the air.
Now, with the camera opening pointing DOWN activate the shutter. With Mirror Lock Up on, this will cause the shutter to open up and lock in the open position. Take your Giotto Air Blaster and insert to nozzle into the opening, while not touching the sides or the sensor. Squeeze the bulb with a quick sharp action to insure a strong blast. Remove the nozzle and then allow the bulb to refill, by doing this you eliminate sucking the dust you just dislodged from the sensor back into the bulb. Repeat this 4 or 5 times and then turn the power off to your camera to close the shutter. Now repeat the test with the smallest aperture and the piece of paper/sky. You should see a significant reduction in dust spots.
If, by some chance there are still spots go back and repeat the cleaning process. After a few times, if there is still dust in the images, then chances are you have dust that is pollen, which is usually sticky in nature. In this event there are products that allow you to clean your sensor, but personally I don’t recommend them because, as said before, they could void your warranty. So for stubborn dust … send the camera to the manufacturer.
Hopefully this post helps everyone who has dust issues get better pictures. See you next time!
