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Photo Tips & Techniques

Dealing With Digital Dust by Russ Burden Russ Burden offers tips on how to deal with dust on your camera's image sensor. Article rating: 9.27

For me, digital photography is the only way to fly. I could never go back to shooting film as I’ve learned the benefits of shooting digitally are far too numerous. When shot at low ISO’s there’s virtually no grain, I have the ability to process my RAW files to my liking, and the instant feedback I get is invaluable. I could go on and on to extoll the virtues of digital, but I’d run out of room in the article. Conversely, digital photography does have a few drawbacks. One of the main ones is dust on the digital sensor. Dealing with it has lead to many cautions, fears, and paranoia. Not that photographers should proceed with reckless abandon, but the “fear” that surrounds the digital world of photography regarding dust is a bit over rated. As with anything, there are pluses and minuses but I’ll happily deal with the few issues of preventing dust from getting into my camera.

CHANGING THE LENS:  This is the primary way dust can settle upon the sensor. With this in mind, always change the lens with the camera face down so dust won’t fall into the open area. Try to shield the camera from wind if you have to change a lens outdoors. This is especially true if you’re in an environment with a lot of sand. Create a system of removing the body cap and rear end lens cap to minimize the time the camera is open. The longer the sensor is exposed, the more time there is for a spec of dust to lodge itself inside. Finally, before attaching the lens to the body, blow dust off the read end of it. Avoid blowing directly onto the rear element as it’s easy for a stray blob of spit to hit the glass which will cause its own set of different problems.

TURN CAMERA OFF: When a camera is turned on, the positive charge can more easily attract negatively charged dust particles. The jury is still out on just how much of a difference this will make, but in that I’ve read and heard about it too often, I feel it warrants heeding. It’s proven scientifically that opposites attract, so it does make sense to follow this precaution.

TOOLS: If you do happen to notice dust spots appear in your photos, there is a series of steps to take to remove the dust from the sensor. In consecutive order, each is more evasive and requires varying degrees of caution. The first time I tried to clean my sensor I was scared silly but I realized that at $75.00 a pop to have it done by a technician, I better learn how to do it. After completing the task, I realized that all the talk about how scary it is is not all it’s cracked up to be - BUT see disclaimer at the end of this paragraph!  The first step  is to expose the digital sensor - read your camera manual to learn how to accomplish this.  Once it’s visible, the first course of action is to use a rocket blower to try to blow the dust off it. Face the camera down so the dust falls out. If you do it with the camera facing up, all you’re going to do is move the dust to a new location. Never put the blower right up to the sensor as you don’t want the tip to accidentally come in contact with it. If the dust is loose, this strategy should remedy the problem. But sometimes the dust is more stubborn and sticks to the sensor. If this is the case, I use a product called an Arctic Butterfly. It’s a very soft brush that creates a static charge and when wiped across the sensor, picks up the dust. If both of these methods are unsuccessful, then it’s time to break out the sensor cleaner and swabs. Although not as nerve racking as camera manufacturers have you believe, it’s still the process where you can do the most damage. If you totally fear doing this step, get together with someone who has gone through the process to walk you through the steps and give you encouragement to do it on your own. In that this step involves a special liquid, if you’re traveling by airplane, make sure you follow the guidelines for  traveling with liquids.   DISCLAIMER:  Please realize that I take no responsibility if you damage the sensor if you try any of the techniques I listed above.

AUTO DUST REMOVAL: The latest technology in cameras is one where the sensor vibrates at super sonic speeds to shake dust off it. If you’re shopping for a new body, I suggest you inquire whether or not the one you’re thinking of purchasing has this feature.

CHECK THE INTERNET: Google “cleaning the digital sensor” for more help. Luminous-landscape has some great information posted.  Another URL I came across that’s wonderful  is cleaningdigitalcameras.com.  When I did a search, I even found a YouTube video available that shows the process.

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Photographic Nature Tours. Visit www.russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, pick up a copy of my new book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.

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i need more tips bot take picture. Posted by: lee Mar 31, 2008 @ 3:34 AM EST

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