I was very impressed with the Olympus solution to dust on a CCD. They have what is called a "Supersonic wave filter " that vibrates the dust off every time the camera is turned on. I had a Nikon and just traded it in for the Olympus E-300. When I was at a photo show and asked the Nikon Rep about this issue, they just side-stepped away from it. At least they could have been honest and acknowledged the problem. Has anyone else had problems with dust? By the way I love my Olympus!

With my 10D I just follow Canon's instructions and use a blower brush to clean the sensor every couple of months. maybe I'm lucky, blind, or both, but it doesn't to be too much of a problem. You will see the effects much more at smaller apertures though (think f/16).

I mostly shoot sports at f4 or below and don't see the muck I've managed to accumulate until I go on holiday - and start shooting landscapes, etc. at f8 and higher! To date I've used either just compressed air (one of those photographic aerosols) or a combination of that and a nylon bristle paint brush. No doubt I will eventually have to resort to scarier methods...

Chris.

I have had issues with sensor dust for some time. I did research (Google) and found one very interesting article on a Canon 400D by Bill Hilton... http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tests/dust_400d/

To make a long story short, I wanted to remove the dust from images already captured and did not want to take the time using Photoshop Cloning tool.

Then I found a neat software package called SensorKleen on this WEB site: www.imagetrendsinc.com
It solved my problem! They mentioned a package coming soon that will fix all of my old pics that have the sensor dust problem. I've been happy with the package so far. Check it out. It is a free trial, but watermarks the image until you buy it.

I also learned more about the various methods of sensor dust removal techniques. Some of this stuff just doesn't work. The idea of shaking the camera sensor to remove dust doesn't work!! A lot of the dust is 'sticky' and vibrating the sensor or 'zapping' it just doesn't work.

I change lenses with impunity and don't worry about dust since getting my 400D (Rebel XTi). Whether it works or not scientifically, I feel better having the system than I did without it, and I subjectively feel successful. Canon feels good enough about it that they incorporated it in their new top o' the line whiz bang child (forget the designation, but it costs lots). And then there's the dust delete data program in their software, which I have yet to see a reason to even try.

It's a shame Nikon doesn't try something like shaking. If it removes one particle it would be one particle less than before. They're acting like they can ignor all the Mustangs in the world because the Model T works fine for them (it's an analogy, people). I'm pretty sure I would have bought a Nikon instead of my Canon if they had some sort of system.

--Chris

I just finished reading the article suggested above, and it is indeed interesting. Nevertheless, my own personal needs have been met with my 400D. I don't examine my photos so minutely as to be bothered if I were to get identical results to the test camera. And that's a point I'd like to make...it was A (one) test camera. Canon, though good in some regards, occasionally really drops the ball with quality control, and some people get dogs for products. I never have, and I'm happy. And I never had to pay an arm & leg for what I've got.

I feel I have benefitted from their technological attempt at tackling the dust problem. I'll agree that it has a way to go toward total success, but in the meantime at least Canon, Olympus, and a few others are trying something. They're not just ignoring the problem at the expense of consumers.

If somebody were to provide a product that stopped dust in its specled little tracks, I'd certainly turn a hungry eye toward that.

--Chris

The megapixel race is run and the marketing men have run out of ideas. Long faces abound. "But wait a minute!" someone cries, "What about DUST?!" Relieved cheers echo all around. Phew, those marketing departments are all saved.

In my experience, dust is no more of a problem now than it was in those bad old days of film. (Well I never had a dust-free darkroom in any event )

Dust is only really going to show itself at apertures below f11 and, in any event, it can easily be removed with a good bulb blower like the Giotto Rocket (which I use). DO NOT USE AEROSOLS! (there are liquids in there which can seriously damage your camera's health). And of course, for that odd stubborn little bunny, there's always the clone stamp.

I change lenses all the time on a Nikon D200, D2x and D70 and regularly print large (A3 minimum). Subject to the the comments I made about the Giotto Rocket blower above, dust is just not an issue for me.

This test makes really interesting reading. http://pixinfo.com/en/articles/ccd-dust-removal/
It's a test of in-camera dust removal systems (with some great practical examples) that are now beginning to appear on the market.

For those who don't have time to go look at the link, here's the conclusion

"Dust removal conclusion
Here is our ranking according to effectiveness:
Olympus: good
Canon: poor (we are disappointed)
Pentax and Sony: useless (we are very disappointed)"

Pete
www.painting-photography-france.com

I must concur that I have heard Olympus makes the best dust reduction system, from more than one source. I'm willing to believe it.

So here's a supporter of my point. They have been doing it the longest, and they're the best at it. Give the others time to catch up, and (hopefully) they'll all have useful systems. But they are guaranteed to fail in this endeavor if they don't try.

--Chris

Go, Olympus!

Hope your happy for the one feature. Also hope you own alot of batteries since these things use batteries to clean.
Another note to side step, I guess I would have did that too. Any experienced photographer knows dust etc can get into you camera to the sensor.

WHY?


Maybe thats why he side stepped you. Does the top of the line Canons have a built in cleaner? Why not?

Cause pro's don't rely on gadgets like this. They rely on working in clean area's and keeping the camera sealed to prevent such.

Despite the best effort everyone will get it sometime. I clean mine prior to shoots and check, but when you energize the camera the static on the sensor will draw anything to it. Dont get me wrong Olympus makes good cameras. But best that you traded your Nikon in for a new fangled gadget. Post me if it ever needs repair..


Good reply from HockeyShooter..

Cheers!
NikonMeister