CCD and smudges

[shirbit]

Hi, I just bought the Rebel EOS, and returned the first one because there were smudges appearing on all my close-up images (obviously not as visible on complicated images...). Now, having taken more photos today, I'm getting those same smudgy marks...look like water drops. Contemplating returning this one too. Has anyone else had this issue?

[robertwgross]

First of all, the Digital Rebel does not have a CCD sensor. It has a CMOS sensor, so it is easier to talk about the *sensor*, not the CCD.

I've never seen a factory sealed Canon camera show up with a dirty sensor. Of course, after you've used it a bit and changed lenses a bit, then a spot of dust may get onto the sensor, but it is easy to clean.

I would be curious to know whether the one you see was factory sealed, or whether it had been previously sold and *inspected* by a customer.

Generally the spots only show up if you have a very light colored image (like light blue sky) that was shot with a relatively closed down aperture.

---Bob Gross---

[shirbit]

How would you suggest cleaning the sensor? Before you say, "read the manual" my concern is if I should have to do this on a brand new camera. BTW: Got the camera from the store 3hrs ago.

[robertwgross]

If you just got it from the store, then it should have been clean. I would return it to the store and explain to them the problem.

However, if you opened it up to change lenses and so forth, then that is when the dust may have gotten in there.

The standard dust cleaning procedure should work. That has been covered many times here.

I use a much simpler procedure, and it works fine for me.

---Bob Gross---