Damn Dust Bunnies! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/21/2008 08:52:20 PM · #1

Have any other Canon 40D owners worked out what the hell the 'in camera sensor cleaning' actually does???

Judging by the 2 or 3 sensor dust spots I have, one of which is quite large, and the fact that I've only owned the camera for less than 2 months I'd say the 'in camera cleaner' does b*gger all!!!

Anyone else having the same issue? And any advice on what to do about it? Can you clean the sensor yourself even though the camera is supposed to be clever enough to do it for you??

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

04/21/2008 08:57:59 PM · #2

I haven't had a problem at all and I change lenses quite often. When I change lenses I make sure that the lense is facing down. I also check the lense I'm going to put on and make sure there isn't any dust bunnies on the rear element.

I've had my camera since Oct 07 without a cleaning.

Message edited by author 2008-04-21 20:58:42.

04/21/2008 09:04:56 PM · #3

Originally posted by kawesttex:

Hey Ken, thanks for your reply. I don't change lenses very often at all really. I did have 1 time, though changeover was done very quick, I know we picked up a little 'something' then but I have used my blower 'thing' since then and that seemed to get rid of that problem.

I don't want to have to clean the sensor if I can possibly avoid it...mainly because I'd be useless plus I was expecting big things from this sensor cleaning 'trick' the 40D is supposed to do...so far is proving to be worse than my 350D for dust lol

04/21/2008 10:09:34 PM · #4

Get that Andy guy to clean it for you :)
I've no experience with any of it but from what I've read, the auto-clean has been a great disappointment on the whole.

04/21/2008 10:18:40 PM · #5

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Get that Andy guy to clean it for you :)
I've no experience with any of it but from what I've read, the auto-clean has been a great disappointment on the whole.

LOL, 'that Andi guy' did all my sensor cleaning on the 350D...mainly because if he messed it up I could claim his 1d MkIIn as compensation ;o) Will keep an eye on the dust for now and see how things go in the coming weeks! :o)

04/21/2008 10:32:44 PM · #6

Originally posted by talj:

LOL, 'that Andi guy' did all my sensor cleaning on the 350D...mainly because if he messed it up I could claim his 1d MkIIn as compensation ;o) Will keep an eye on the dust for now and see how things go in the coming weeks! :o)

Eggggzackkkkly why I suggested it! :D

CEJ

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

04/21/2008 10:32:46 PM · #7

From the Canon EOS Digital website:
"The EOS 40D incorporates various innovative measures to ensure that your photo results are nearly spotless. The infrared-absorbing glass over the low-pass filter, for example, has an anti-static surface that minimizes dust adhesion. A Self Cleaning Sensor Unit vibrates the filter to reduce clinging dust particles. Moreover, remaining dust can be detected and recorded as Dust Delete Data that is appended to your image. With the Dust Delete Function in bundled Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, you can reduce dust with ease."

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/21/2008 10:36:43 PM · #8

Originally posted by CEJ:

Moreover, remaining dust can be detected and recorded as Dust Delete Data that is appended to your image. With the Dust Delete Function in bundled Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, you can reduce dust with ease."

Interesting! Thanks Chris :o) Looks like I need to have a look through my manual and get to understanding this sensor dust thing! :o)

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/21/2008 10:49:17 PM · #9

But can the Dust Delete Data be used in Basic? Or is that a DQ?

04/21/2008 10:51:17 PM · #10

Originally posted by MikeJ:

But can the Dust Delete Data be used in Basic? Or is that a DQ?

Good question Mike, hopefully we'll get some clarification on this!

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/21/2008 11:59:25 PM · #11

Well, you ARE allowed to clone sensor dust in basic, so wouldn't you just be letting the camera do exactly that?

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/22/2008 01:44:36 AM · #12

What I was wondering was using the camera data to let the software clean the dust. At least if I understand the quote right, the camera maps where the dust is and that is part of the image info, which the editing software uses to clone out the dust spots. It was purely a curiousity question since it doesn't apply to my camera or software. It kind of struck me as humorous that what if there was a feature like this that people had and it couldn't be used on DPC in challenges because it was manipulating data.

Mike

Bernard_Marx

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/22/2008 09:06:38 AM · #13

If you attempt to clean... check out Andrew's post.

It is most useful.

eransh10

Nikon D90

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Nikon

04/22/2008 03:54:00 PM · #14

Per what I read online - these "anti dust" systems only reduce the amount of dust bunniesprevent them.
You still need to clean your sensor.
Get yourself a good sensor brush and some liquid and swabs.
I found out that eventually I have to do it on my own.
I got my stuff here: Copper Hill Images
I would suggest you get also the sensor view.
I got their Mega kit, which contains every thing you want/need to clean your DSLR sensor and lens.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

04/22/2008 04:04:34 PM · #15

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by talj:

LOL, 'that Andi guy' did all my sensor cleaning on the 350D...mainly because if he messed it up I could claim his 1d MkIIn as compensation ;o) Will keep an eye on the dust for now and see how things go in the coming weeks! :o)

Eggggzackkkkly why I suggested it! :D

Methinks I need to do my 2 sensors first, could play join the dots with my sensors dust right now :( And as for taking my 1DMkIIn as a replacement sorry, its too much camera for you T ;)

04/22/2008 04:09:20 PM · #16

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

And as for taking my 1DMkIIn as a replacement sorry, its too much camera for you T ;)

LMAO, take it the same applies to you then...seeing as you use the 20D most of the time :-P ;o)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/22/2008 04:11:19 PM · #17

Bernard and Eran, thanks for your replies. I'm too afraid to clean the sensor myself at the moment and will wait till I see the damage Andi does to his before getting him to help me!

Citadel

Nikon D7500

04/22/2008 04:33:18 PM · #18

A light shot of air from your blower should do fine. Don't use canned air as it could freeze your sensor or the pressure may damage it. Get Andi to show you how to do it.

Another tidbit that may sound like common knowledge/sense. Don't switch lenses with your camera on. The sensor is charged while its on and it becomes a magnet for dust. (I myself have been guilty of this).

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

04/22/2008 04:33:48 PM · #19

Ive had to blow mine out quite a bit and its still got some nasties on it, IMO the "vibrating sensor cleaner" it more of a gimmick than anything. I too have reservations about physically touching the sensor with something even though after drowning my 400D and figuring I had nothing to loose by using sensor wipes on the sensor it cleaned up really well with no apparent dmg to the sensor its self. If you do use sensor wipes be very careful of the fluid you choose, there are some lens cleaning fluids that will apparently dmg the sensor if used...

my 40D is currently filthy and using both the "auto clean" and manually using a light blower on the sensor is having little or no effect so Im looking in to either a sensor brush and or one of those turbo blower thingys...

-dave