Image Sensor Cleaning

[ColColt]

I can't help but wonder just how important is the image sensor cleaning technology in both Canon and Nikon. Nikon appears to have but one camera (D60) that has this technology and Canon has just the XTi. They both have much more expensive models that would seem to have this as well but obviously they don't. The 30D doesn't but the XTi does? I would think a $2500 camera should have an integrated cleaning system over one that's hundreds of dollars cheaper that does. Would you base a purchase on this?

[Spookonthe8ball]

ColColt, You are worried about things that are very minimal in the overall scheme of things. Sensor cleaning within a camera is a short term fix. They all need to be cleaned when necessary no matter the shake off dust system.
I have the Xti and I very rarely use the self clean system. I bought the necessary items to clean it myself and have had good results. It's not that hard to do it your self and there are many internet sites that have good instructions. I spent 30.00 or so and have enough supplies to clean it 100 times if needed. Normally the camera does get rid of small specks, then if that doesn't work, go to a blower brush or very low power vacuum. I have used the Eclipse E2 wet removal for tin oxide sensors like the Xti only once in the last 6 months.
Bottom line - no, I would not base a camera purchase decision on it's self cleaning system, however if a camera has the ability to do this, that is a plus for the short term. It will get you by if a bit of dust enters on a lens change.
I am used to cleaning delicate equipment. If you are not comfortable doing this after reading some of the tutorials, then I recomend sending it to your local camera shop for a cleaning.
Spook

[Rhys]

I think the dust shakers are a good idea but you need to use a blower too - every now and then in order to remove the shaken-off dust.

Personally, as none of my cameras have this emerging technology, I just blow - using my lungs :D No problem at all so far (in 3 years of dSLR use)

[T06]

Have a ganderhttp://www.sensor-film.com/cheers,kev.

[Rooz]

have never seen that before. it looks interesting but certianly not for the feint hearted ! lol

[Rooz]

I can't help but wonder just how important is the image sensor cleaning technology in both Canon and Nikon. Nikon appears to have but one camera (D60) that has this technology and Canon has just the XTi. They both have much more expensive models that would seem to have this as well but obviously they don't. The 30D doesn't but the XTi does? I would think a $2500 camera should have an integrated cleaning system over one that's hundreds of dollars cheaper that does. Would you base a purchase on this?

the d300 was the first nikon to have sensor cleaning, the d60 has it aswell and i would suspect each new nikon model will have it as they are released. same as canon with the xti, the 40d now has it aswell.

i would suspect that any dslr thta doesnt yet have it, will have it for their next model cycle. each manufacturer has gotta keep up with this bullshit gimick i suppose.

[ColColt]

I've cleaned the focus screen (removable) and mirror on many film SLR's before, albeit, very carefully, but wasn't sure about the DSLR sensor. I used canned air you can buy about anywhere for electronics and a touch of cleaning fluid on a Q-tip for the cleaning. I think I'd forego the Sensor Film honey, however!

[Rhys]

Quick, simple and cheap always works best...

I breathe on a lens and clean it gently with a dry cotton handkerchief.

I blow sensor dust off using lungpower.

I use a piece of white card as a flash reflector, a white sheet of paper as a light reflector etc.

All cheap and all effective - better than paying for funky solutions!

[Rooz]

i dont think blowing on it is the best idea. you could inadvertantly blow some spit in there. a rocket blower and a lint free cloth are cheap and more effective than blowing manually or using a cotton hankerchief.

[Rhys]

You have to breathe in and out a few times to dry your mouth and breath. Then you're fine. 20 years of blowing successfully dust can't be wrong. Besides - can you always remember to have your rocket with you?

[Rooz]

well, if you forget the blower then you can always blow or just not bother. dust rarely shows up that much anyway. but dont try and kid yourself that blowing manually is better. its not.

[Rhys]

I have 20 years experience of blowing into cameras. It has always worked for me.

[Rooz]

what has that got to do with anything ?

[T06]

I have 20 years experience of blowing into cameras. It has always worked for me.
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:
Rhys don't get me wrong but mate this really seemed like a statement from Monty Python to me. I'm not saying you or rooz is right but just the way it read really made me laugh:);)

[T06]

Back on topic. To the OP, I have just used my sensor- film on my sensor to clean it & all I will say is wow. You can see the dust & specks on the underside of the hardened film when you peel it off. It was actually very easy to do & if you follow the short video at the bottom of the link (click on the How To Use link on the left), your laughing all the way to some prime pics. http://www.sensor-film.com

[talkingdog]

Back on topic. To the OP, I have just used my sensor- film on my sensor to clean it & all I will say is wow. You can see the dust & specks on the underside of the hardened film when you peel it off. It was actually very easy to do & if you follow the short video at the bottom of the link (click on the How To Use link on the left), your laughing all the way to some prime pics. http://www.sensor-film.com

I have been looking for the sensor film. do you know where it is available in the US?

[Rhys]

I like the idea of sensor film but don't see that it actually solves a problem that cannot be solved with a blast of air from one's lungs or from an air can. The danger is that while you're working inside the camera body, the shutter closes and you instinctively try to whip your applicator or whatever out before they close fully. Of course you're too slow to do this as the shutter is pretty darned quick and you end up with a knackered shutter and a huge repair bill. Possibly also a damaged sensor to boot.

[T06]

I like the idea of sensor film but don't see that it actually solves a problem that cannot be solved with a blast of air from one's lungs or from an air can. The danger is that while you're working inside the camera body, the shutter closes and you instinctively try to whip your applicator or whatever out before they close fully. Of course you're too slow to do this as the shutter is pretty darned quick and you end up with a knackered shutter and a huge repair bill. Possibly also a damaged sensor to boot.

Been there & done that. Your shutter isn't as flimsy as you think although I wouldn't recommend it for sh_ts & giggles. You put your shutter in 'clean sensor mode' (make sure to fully charge your battery before starting) & just follow instructions, the results are very impressive. When I did the sensor on my D200 I took the film under some very bright light & my wife as well as myself could both see the dust & small debris embedded into the hardened film. My first thought after doing it & looking at the sensor was wow it's got that brand new sparkling clean look about it. Before I used the sensor film I brushed, blew(lungs) & rocket brushed & blew too.;)
Talkingdog it's sold on the link I gave you, it's only sold out of Germany I believe from the site.

[talkingdog]

I like the idea of sensor film but don't see that it actually solves a problem that cannot be solved with a blast of air from one's lungs or from an air can. The danger is that while you're working inside the camera body, the shutter closes and you instinctively try to whip your applicator or whatever out before they close fully. Of course you're too slow to do this as the shutter is pretty darned quick and you end up with a knackered shutter and a huge repair bill. Possibly also a damaged sensor to boot.
If the dust gets embedded in the goo and peels off, at least it did in the video. They used to use this stuff to clean records. This has been written on about every blog I have visited this week. Not sure I want to do this on my new camera, you are supposed to leave it on for 30-40 minutes. Need to find an old camera to try this.