test your sensor for dirt

[reemas]

at a local photo shop the guy tested my sensor for dirt. they swapped out my first rebel XT because the dust level was extremely high for a new camera. (rocket blower didn't work.)

anyways here's the test:
shot a white wall at MAX aperture (f/29 - f/32) in Av mode. make sure the lens is completely out of focus, IS is turned off, etc.

take that photo into Photoshop and run AUTO LEVELS.

you'll see the dirt. please post back pics ( especially if you have a new rebel XT!!)

thanks.

[George Chew]

Greetings. tested on my new 350D.

[Dannes]

at a local photo shop the guy tested my sensor for dirt. they swapped out my first rebel XT because the dust level was extremely high for a new camera. (rocket blower didn't work.)

anyways here's the test:
shot a white wall at MAX aperture (f/29 - f/32) in Av mode. make sure the lens is completely out of focus, IS is turned off, etc.

take that photo into Photoshop and run AUTO LEVELS.

you'll see the dirt. please post back pics ( especially if you have a new rebel XT!!)

thanks.

Hi, here is a photograph of the dirt i had on my 20D recently. Dust is a common problem if you chance lenses. I got so frustrated that i almost put the vacuum cleaner in my 20D. Now i clean it with sensor swab.

[lmelendez]

I would love to see a picture of a clean sensor :)

I cleaned mine a few weeks back... after trying three times... I could not get it a 100% clean.... but it is good enough so the dust doesn't show in the pictures (or at least... I don't see it).

Leo.

[reemas]

mine looks identical to george chew's - and mine is brand new. seems normal for a new camera i guess.

[gasrocks]

I got my cleaning kit from micro-tools.com = great! Works and it didn't cost too much. I have a test I do of my sensor "on the go" (w/o Photoshop.) I've posted it before - send me a PM if you want to hear my method.

[Tomsk]

mine looks identical to george chew's - and mine is brand new. seems normal for a new camera i guess.

Must be careless shop staff.

Both my 300D (18 months old) and 20D (2 months old) had less dirt than the first couple of pictures. And that's after a few of lens changes. Both my cameras were purchased mail order over the internet BTW.

[blue_max]

Does anyone actually see these "blemishes" in real world pictures?

I feel sure that these cameras will be laughed at within a few short years, so why stress it. I feel like selling my camera right now after seeing these images.

Graham

[BrandonSi]

at a local photo shop the guy tested my sensor for dirt. they swapped out my first rebel XT because the dust level was extremely high for a new camera. (rocket blower didn't work.)

anyways here's the test:
shot a white wall at MAX aperture (f/29 - f/32) in Av mode. make sure the lens is completely out of focus, IS is turned off, etc.

take that photo into Photoshop and run AUTO LEVELS.

you'll see the dirt. please post back pics ( especially if you have a new rebel XT!!)

thanks.

bump for a great, quick way to test for sensor dust for those who haven't seen it.

[Mark_Cohran]

Does anyone actually see these "blemishes" in real world pictures?

I feel sure that these cameras will be laughed at within a few short years, so why stress it. I feel like selling my camera right now after seeing these images.

Graham

Generally not. Dust becomes an issue typically when the particles are very large, or when you're shooting a small apertures where there are areas of smooth, even color. At large apertures, you're not going to see dust. Even then, it's pretty easy to clean.

Mark