Dark drop shaped shadow at pics with blue skies

[amokkoma]

Hi,

I just bought my 20D and love it. However I discovered that pictures of blue skies show a dark drop shaped shadow allways at the same spot. (see picture)

This is really frustrating.

What can I do to resolve this issue? Any help is greatly apreciated!

[RJSorensen]

The spot above the top point of the what ever it is is dust on your sensor. To get it off you must clean it. Read your manual on the recommended method via Canon. Then look up the Copper Hill method of sensor cleaning and get used to doing so if you change lens very often and sometimes even if you don't. New cameras come from the factory this way.

Link to Copper Hill: http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

[Bodog]

Are you referring to the spot about an inch above/right of the tower? Looks like dust on you sensor.

[amokkoma]

Yes ther are two spots one above the tower and on the left side of the picture is another one.

[amokkoma]

The spot above the top point of the what ever it is is dust on your sensor. To get it off you must clean it. Read your manual on the recommended method via Canon. Then look up the Copper Hill method of sensor cleaning and get used to doing so if you change lens very often and sometimes even if you don't. New cameras come from the factory this way.

Link to Copper Hill: http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

Thank you for the info - how often are you cleaning your camera?

[Bodog]

I think I have cleaned mine twice since new. (about 18 mos). Bought cleaning pads and solution, but so far a couple puffs of air has done the job.

[amokkoma]

I think I have cleaned mine twice since new. (about 18 mos). Bought cleaning pads and solution, but so far a couple puffs of air has done the job.

Could you see dirt on the sensor?

[RJSorensen]

Yes try the air method first, blow it off first . . . but then you must resort to the swabs with the CH method or other such. I clean my sensor every thousand shots or so now. I was scared at first . . . but it is nothing and quick and easy. So don't stress over it. Live with it as best you can and then when you have had enough, do it.

[amokkoma]

Yes try the air method first, blow it off first . . . but then you must resort to the swabs with the CH method or other such. I clean my sensor every thousand shots or so now. I was scared at first . . . but it is nothing and quick and easy. So don't stress over it. Live with it as best you can and then when you have had enough, do it.

Thank you again - yes I believe the main hurdle to take is in the one in my head. Just thinking about damaging makes me sick - you see I really love this camera.
Take care

[Chazs]

Thank you again - yes I believe the main hurdle to take is in the one in my head. Just thinking about damaging makes me sick - you see I really love this camera.
Take care

I had teh DRebel for about 10 months and never cleaned; I just religously used a a blower to remove the dust. Three weeks ago I bought the 20D. My first sky shot had about 20 of those nasty dots, but several good puffs of air cleaned it out 99%.

[robertwgross]

how often are you cleaning your camera?

Every time that it shows dust like this.

---Bob Gross---

[birders]

I suggest you consult your dealer quickly. I had the same problem - the specs could be seen on the sensor through a magnifying glass and they appeared to be under the top surface. My dealer gently brushed the sensor and the specs moved, but they could not be removed. He immediately replaced the camera with a brand new one. First shot showed a "blob" and inspection revealed it to be a tiny hair. I blew it away and now everything is absolutely perfect. However, it shows very little for Canon quality control with which I am sadly disappointed. However, the camera is fine now.

[tim]

It's best not to blow on the camera with your mouth, it's better to use a blower. When my camera has spots like this I use the copperhill method, link above.

[danphoto1]

Here is another new cleaning system that does not use any liquid. It's atleast worth looking at. It seem impressive but. I have not tried it as of yet . I hav edone the eclipse solvent wint the swabs and also use the rocket type blower and they both have been excellet for clenaing the camera.
http://www.intemos.com/

[mjordan]

Just make sure y ou read the instructions and ALL the warnings before you start doing this. You can damage the sensor (or at least the filter that is over the sensor) if done improperly... and even if done following all the instructions and heading the warnings. It really is NOT a piece of cake like some say, but it's also something that most people can do if they are carefull and get as much information on how to do it before they do. If you do damage it and have to send it to Canon, it won't be covered under warranty and it's not cheap to replace.

Mike

Mike