The Canon EOS and Photography Forums

I just picked up this cannon 30d camera and notice that in every picture with a light background I'm getting this spot (see area circled in pics) no matter which lens I'm using so I'm guessing that is is something in the camera. My question is could this be in the sensor? I'm waiting for some cleaning stuff to come before I clean this. I did clean the mirror inside the body housing but the spot is still there. Would you think that it is something on the sensor or do I have some other kind of problem? Thanks for any help.
 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/126andy/Aresize1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/126andy/Aresize1.jpg)

Yup, dust on the sensor.

That's what I was guessing just wanted it confirmed by someone that would know better than me.. I have the cleaning stuff on its way to me now. Thanks

I agree. One way to tell for sure is that it should become smaller and darker as you stop the lens down. At f2.8 it might be a barely visible dark diffuse area, but at f16 or f22 it should become a smaller, darker, sharper dot.

Be very,very careful cleaning the image sensor yourself and If you don't know excactly what you are doing I would not recommend it. I tried cleaning mine and ended up making it worse than it was. I spent $200 sending it to Canon to have it done. Just my 2 cents

Lots of people clean their own sensors. As long as you are reasonably careful and you use a commercial product, the chances of sensor damage are remote.

Canon shouldn't charge more than about $50 for a cleaning. Last time I heard I think they wanted $30. If you do scratch the sensor (actually the glass filter over the sensor), Canon will charge you $200 or more to replace it.

The problem with sending in your camera for sensor cleaning is that it will never stop. You will inevitably get more dust on the sensor, so you'll have to send it in again...and again... If you learn how to do it yourself, it will take you less than 10 minutes.

There are lots of different cleaning methods available. Try:

• LensPen SensorKlear Loupe Kit  (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001VIWFWG/bobatkinsphotogr)
• Giottos AA1900 Large Rocket Blaster (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00017LSPI/bobatkinsphotogr)
• Digital Survival KIT - Sensor Swab Type 2 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000PNGM18/bobatkinsphotogr)

I went with this SENSOR SWAB  ECLIPSE 2 FOR TYPE 2 SENSORS. They came prepackaged with the solution on the swab. Just rip open and run across the sensorboth ways with a little pressure and you're done. Pretty easy to do and not having to send out the camera is also a plus.

In viewing the included photo I notice a lot of white pixesl in the water in the foreground. I have some photos like this from my 5D MKII, mainly associated with water but sometimes in dark areas like trees. What causes this? Is it a problem with the camera?

Duane

I don't see any unusual white pixels in the above images. Where do you see them?

Thanks for the reply Mr. Atkins.
I saved this photo and looked at it using Photoshop Elements 8.0. When viewed at "fit on screen" size and looking at the water just above the end of the chain link fence, lower left portion of the phote, you can see white dots. When viewed at expanded view you can see random white pixels. I have these in several of my photos and noticeably make the photo no good. They are there even in RAW.

Duane

I suspect they are reflections off the water which have been made into single pixels by the downsizing process. I can't be sure but that would be my best guess at this point given the evidence available.