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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Do DSLR cameras even have a practical future?
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Showing posts 26 - 50 of 87, (reverse)
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 01/21/2005 10:46:15 PM · #26
I use the Sensor Brush Amazingly trivial to clean the sensor with that brush!

Here`s a Review of the Sensor Brush on The Luminous Landscape site.
 01/21/2005 10:52:14 PM · #27
gruvin, get yourself an Olympus E-20. No more dust problems.
 01/21/2005 11:05:48 PM · #28
I've owned my Olympus E-1 for about 1 yr now and have never had any dust issues. I even like to take the lens off face up and show it off to my friends. Anyways, good luck//www.weldonsphotography.com
 01/21/2005 11:19:02 PM · #29
I've been using the Copperhill method (Eclipse and Pec pads) for a year and a half now with no problems. I change my lenses frequently, in any condition. If I'm in a dusty environment, I may have to clean twice a week, it's just not an issue.
 01/21/2005 11:44:18 PM · #30
DSLR cameras are not the only ones to be plagued by dust. Two of the three P&S cameras I own (Fuji 6800Z and Minolta Dimage 5) have significant dust on the sensors, only the Canon Pro 90 is clean. My DSLR is somewhat unique, in that the Nikon camera body is removeable to expose the sensor for easy cleaning.
 01/22/2005 12:31:16 AM · #31
gruvin,

The copperhill method is the only way to go.

I went to Colorado last year on a week long mountain photography course. Awesome, but tough on DSLR.

When I got back, I had some dust. Used this method, ordered the eclipse and pecpads from B and H, got a spatula from Walmart, and I am now a fanatic about cleaning the dust.

I have done it countless times and never an issue.


01/22/2005 01:21:32 AM · #32
I noticed that most people replying that they've never had a serious issue are also using Canon cameras (like myself). I've cleaned the CMOS sensor on my 10D maybe 6-7 times in the year and half that I've owned it. This includes doing stupid things like changing lenses in the wind, at the race track infield, etc.

Perhaps part of the problem is Nikon's use of a CCD? It may not apply in this instance, or my theory could be completely off, BUT I seem to remember reading that there could be more of a problem with a CCD because a charge is running through the sensor when it's on. Therefore, if you change lenses with the unit powered on and the sensor has some very little charge, dust is then attracted to the sensor. Like I said, I could be completely off, but it's a thought.

You're not kicking up a cloud of dust everywhere you go, like Pigpen from the old Charlie Brown cartoons, are you? :) Good luck with it.
 01/22/2005 01:39:53 AM · #33
I've cleaned my S2 only twice and change lens all the time. Both times I didn't really need to clean, just wanted to remember how. I notice a small speck now and then, but really small. My son has the D70, no dust problem.
 01/22/2005 02:37:08 AM · #34
Originally posted by animes2k:
Perhaps part of the problem is Nikon's use of a CCD?


I did read somewhere that the filter (The bit you actually clean) is closer to the sensor on the Nikon design than in some of the canon gear.

This means that dust will show at wider apetures than on a canon camera..

On the 20D I can't see the dust (must clean it this weekend...) untill I go past about F/16 or so.. Big lumps show at F/8, hairs show at F/1.8 :-).

I suspect that folks really do expect 'perfect' images out of dSLR's because they paid good money for them... That has never been the case with SLR's because they have a ruddy great hole through the middle of them that's regularly exposed to the outside world. When I used to shot film I occasionally got a good shot ruined by a bit of hair/dust/crud floating around the 'box'...

Cheers, Me.
 01/22/2005 03:08:16 AM · #35
gruvin:

If you really want perfect images out of the camera without editing, and shoot at small apetures you're gonna have to clean the sensor, that's the way it is. Either that, or flick the D70 and get an Olympus with it's ultrasonic cleaning feature, or a prosumer cam.

There is a NZ agent for 'sensor swabs' and eclipse, which is a good solution if you're nervous about the process, as it is designed for the job, and endorsed by a couple of camera makers. (Lecia and Fuji, not Nikon of Canon...)

Their name is 'ColsonCo Imaging Systems' and you can find their details on //www.photosol.com. Sit down when you ask for the price though, they're not cheap here in NZ($200 for 12 swabs + fluid from memory).

I just ignore the dust till it shows up in an image, or if I'm going to shot something on commission I'll take a 'white' shot at F/22 and check for spots on the LCD before I start shooting, and use a blower to shift/remove/redistribute the bigger bits.

For huge lumps (ones I can see with the naked eye.) that don't move I've used a 'spec grabber' I got from Photo Warehouse, and I use that for picking stubborn bits off the mirror/focus screen as well.

For small bits that can't be blown off (never use something like a spec grabber to 'dab' small bits off, you might as well try to swim up Huka falls) I use eclipse and sensor swabs... They're not cheap, but I've used them twice and come out with a spotless sensor.

All this bearing in mind that my style of shooting tends to be wide open, (F/2.8-F/5.6 typically) so I don't notice dust until it's bad. I'll go to F/11-16 under studio lights for portraits, but I don't think I've taken any 'real' photos any smaller with the 20D since I got it, and with my old film gear I did the same.

Also, I'm a chronic lens-swapper. If I'm shooting an event I'll swap lenses when I think it might be a good idea, and typically shove the lens I take off in my pocket, lint and all, and then swap them back 5 minutes later. Carrying a bag is a pain when you're moving around a crowd of people.

Oh, and yeah, I had dust on my sensor the day I got the camera, mutter mumble... But 5000 images and 3 months later I'm more than happy with it, dust and all. I've cleaned it twice, and had to 'spec grab' a big lump-o-crap from the sensor four times.

As for your question; I'm sure the industry will come up with a solution sometime, maybe the Olympus cameras have it right with the ultrasonics, or there will be some other solution. I'm happy as long as I can use my lenses on whatever canon comes up with for the EOS system!

Cheers, Chris H.
 01/22/2005 01:21:22 PM · #36
Just ordered a sensor brush. Will let you know how it works.
 01/24/2005 12:34:25 AM · #37
Originally posted by jonr:
Originally posted by gruvin:
So spill the beans! Which camera is it? I'll rush out and buy one today!


Ehm... just look little bit to the left, right under my user name. ;)
Ah yes! Fancy that. LOL Silly me. Thanks :)

Now my question is... dare I find out how much one of these lovely things is? (Nikon and Olympus seem to be most people's favourite brand camera in these parts by the way.)
 01/24/2005 12:36:59 AM · #38
Originally posted by nshapiro:
The sensor brush seems to be the rave for cleaning all but sticky deposits.
Thanks for that. I forgot about this brush - read up on it before Christmas and was going to buy a couple no matter the cost - that is, until I found out the cost! $200 here due t exchange rates :( After my $1,500 debarkle though, I do wish I'd bought one - and I probably still will.
 01/24/2005 12:39:15 AM · #39
Originally posted by Anjella:
I've had DSLR's for over a year now, first a Canon EOS300D now the 20D and I've had no problems like this in that time and I'm constantly changing lenses and I'm in Australia. I had one spot on the 300D but one dab with the healing brush on an image and it's gone. Maybe it doesn't bother me because I come from a film background where any finished print required quite some time with a fine brush and paints to retouch out the many spots that magically appear. I'm so glad I don't have to worry about that any more.


Well that's azaming. Tell me - you you shoot much small apperture stuff? It's certainly true that low F numbers for aperture blur the dush beyond recognition. Try some F22 or higher shots of white clouds and report back. You've probably got dust all over the place is my guess. :|
 01/24/2005 12:40:54 AM · #40
Originally posted by doctornick:
I use the Sensor Brush Amazingly trivial to clean the sensor with that brush!
Thanks! It's looking more and more like the NZ$200 is worth it for this magic brush.
 01/24/2005 12:43:01 AM · #41
Originally posted by gruvin:

My present advice - unless you absolutely NEED to attach pro zoom lens to your camera - FORGET about DSLR! Seriously.

Thoughts anyone?


I use a d70 and change lenses very often. I have had zero dust problems and yes I have even "torture" tested. Sounds like you're new to SLR's in general. Perhaps you should read up on how to use them (and how to clean dslr's for that matter) before you go prophesizing about the future of cameras and stuff.
 01/24/2005 12:44:05 AM · #42
Originally posted by coolhar:
gruvin, get yourself an Olympus E-20. No more dust problems.
Hmmm... not too bady priced either. ONly 5Mp though... I need abs. minimum 6 - and still sturggle at that - for my purposes. I shall definitely be keeping a keen eye on the next model from Olympus in this price range. Thanks.
 01/24/2005 12:50:22 AM · #43
Originally posted by Gatorguy:
I've been using the Copperhill method (Eclipse and Pec pads) for a year and a half now with no problems. I change my lenses frequently, in any condition. If I'm in a dusty environment, I may have to clean twice a week, it's just not an issue.


That's so encouraging to know! I've been scared to death touching the CCD with anything after what the service techs said. I've paid for 2 cameras and have only one "because you got liquid on the CCD". But that was air can propellant they reckon - not methanol.
 01/24/2005 12:52:13 AM · #44
Originally posted by ElGordo:
DSLR cameras are not the only ones to be plagued by dust. Two of the three P&S cameras I own (Fuji 6800Z and Minolta Dimage 5) have significant dust on the sensors, ...
Wow... I was afraid of that. And there really aint no "user servicable" parts in those cameras. Thank for helping me decide to stick with DSLR. :)
 01/24/2005 12:54:28 AM · #45
Originally posted by Kneeforu:
gruvin,

The copperhill method is the only way to go. ...
Thanks. The votes are stacking high in favour of "ignore the techs, get practical."
 01/24/2005 12:55:25 AM · #46
I've had my Rebel for half a year and no dust.
Be careful when your changing lenses!
Windfree environment, as little dust as possible.
Take cap off mounting end of lens
Point camera down during change so no dust "falls" into the lens opening.
Do change as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Again. half a year...no dust on sensor or mirror.
 01/24/2005 12:57:38 AM · #47
Originally posted by animes2k:
Perhaps part of the problem is Nikon's use of a CCD?
You could well be right. And it doesn't really matter if it's only one during lens change (which it never is with me, well nearly never)... once dust is inside the mirror box and you point the camera up (one way or another), any dust falling near the CCD is gonna stick. That is certain what happens.

I see the D2X ($$gulp!) used a CMOS sensor. Maybe in time...
 01/24/2005 01:07:06 AM · #48
Originally posted by KiwiChris:
On the 20D I can't see the dust ... untill I go past about F/16 or so.. Big lumps show at F/8, hairs show at F/1.8 :-).
Interesting. I can confirm that F8 is more than tight enough to show even tiny specs, albeit out of focus.

Originally posted by KiwiChris:
... When I used to shot film I occasionally got a good shot ruined by a bit of hair/dust/crud floating around the 'box'...
Sure. Naturally. My issue here is an accumulation of dust that makes photos useless - even with Photoshop healing tools (and I'm good at it!) Sometimes it's three days of shooting and lens changes - I might get a week - maybe - if I'm lucky. It just accumulates and acumulates until it's silly. "Copperhill" here I come.
 01/24/2005 01:14:45 AM · #49
Originally posted by KiwiChris:
If you really want perfect images out of the camera without editing, and shoot at small apetures you're gonna have to clean the sensor, that's the way it is. Either that, or flick the D70 and get an Olympus with it's ultrasonic cleaning feature, ...

Thanks Chris. NZ Distributor noted - though at that price, I think I'll be talking to a chemist and visiting the rubber spatula section of Countdown LONG before I shell out.

I have had relative success with a home made swab and alcohol - but it was methanol (100% pure) and left too many streaks.

I've got about 10 Litre's of racing (car) Methanol in stock - but I doubt that is safe to use. Off to the chemist.
01/24/2005 01:15:32 AM · #50
Originally posted by cloudsme:
Just ordered a sensor brush. Will let you know how it works.

Cool! Please do.
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