Artifacts on 10d when stopping down

[pmarz]

When stopping down on my 10d especialy into a bright scene, the sky for example. I get what looks like water spots at about f-16 and this turns into dots at f-22 and higher. This happened on all my lenses. (canon 28-135, canon 100mm 2.8 macro, tamron 75-300 and canon 50mm 1.8) I was so convinced it was a dirty sensor I exchanged the camera. ( I am now a believer in Best Buy’s warranty). The brand new one does the same thing . All the lenses are clean and 2 are only 2 weeks old. Could this be internal lens dust or is this a problem with the 10d. Help appreciated.

[drisley]

I'm no expert, from what I've read here, it sounds like dust on the sensor.

[pmarz]

Well thats what I thought it was but I exchaged it for a new one last night so this 10d is brand new.

[PacAce]

Well thats what I thought it was but I exchaged it for a new one last night so this 10d is brand new.

Are the spots at the same location as the other camera you exchanged? Brand new cameras have been known to come with dust in them already. Or you might think they're brand new but are, in fact, items that were returned even thought there's nothing wrong with them.

[pmarz]

I just tested 3 different lenses on the new camera, the spots were in the same place. Amazing how this is shipped with crap on the sensor

[defordphoto]

It's not crap on the sensor, but minute particles of dust. It happens. Clean the sensor off and move on, You will have to clean it again. It's part of the dSLR world we all live in.

[pmarz]

I understand that but I was surprised to have this problem with a new camera. Whats your preferred method for dust.

[defordphoto]

It's not unusual to have dust on the sensor of a new camera. The best way to remove it is according to the manual's instructions and use a bulb-type blower to blow the dust off the sensor. If you have particularly stubborn spots then you can use Eclipse solution and Pec-Pads which are designed specifically for that purpose. Some people use simple isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.

[evilenglishman]

It's not crap on the sensor, but minute particles of dust. It happens. Clean the sensor off and move on, You will have to clean it again. It's part of the dSLR world we all live in.


Is this a problem that is more evident with the 10D?
The reason I ask is that I bought my D60 second hand and I must have had it for 8 months now with a lot of use/lens swapping.

I've never had to clean the sensor and there isn't 1 bit of dirt on it that I can see with my photos.
I also live in quite an above average dusty environment as we have a natural fire which uses coal and that is very dusty (my computer inside is a nightmare).

[defordphoto]

It's not crap on the sensor, but minute particles of dust. It happens. Clean the sensor off and move on, You will have to clean it again. It's part of the dSLR world we all live in.


Is this a problem that is more evident with the 10D?
The reason I ask is that I bought my D60 second hand and I must have had it for 8 months now with a lot of use/lens swapping.


No. I have both cameras and I clean both of them about the same. Once or twice a year is about it. I try to be diligent about the environment when changing my lenses, but I'm not overly paranoid either.

[AndyDe]

Some people use simple isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.
Isn't methanol better ?

[Jim_T]

No. I have both cameras and I clean both of them about the same. Once or twice a year is about it. I try to be diligent about the environment when changing my lenses, but I'm not overly paranoid either.

FWIW, I've had my 10D since last June.. I change lenses frequently. I just cleaned the sensor last week.. That's only the second time I've had to do it... So count me in the twice a year club :)

I use Photosol's sensor swabs and eclipse fluid.. The swabs are WAY overpriced, but they work so well.. They're shaped to cover the whole sensor in one swipe. This avoids any streaking..

You get 12 swabs in a pack and at two cleanings a year, you have six years worth :)