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How does a sensor get dirty?
Contaminants can enter your digital SLR camera in various forms
and in many different ways, but they all affect the quality of
your photographs. Some contaminants come from internal man
made sources within the camera such as chamber lubricant and
manufacturing dust that become shaken out, and others from external
sources in the environment such as pollen, small fi bers from clothing,
dew and organic dust.
How does this affect my photographs?
When contaminants are present on the low pass fi lter that sits in
between the sensor and mirror, the sensor pixels are blocked from
receiving that portion of the image and show up as artifacts or dark
spots and lines on your photographs. Depending on the size of the
debris, these artifacts can be barely noticeable or can potentially ruin
your image.
How do I keep my sensor clean?
Every time you change your lens you are exposing your sensor to
external contaminants. Because your sensor is an electronically
controlled component of the camera, it becomes magnetically
charged during normal operation. This magnetic charge literally
draws both internal and external debris onto the sensor and fi lter
surface and holds it there until it is manually removed. Many times the
debris becomes chemically bonded onto the sensor or fi lter surface.
Always use a lens mount cap when the lens is removed to prevent
dust from entering the camera. It is recommended that you change
your camera lens indoors. However, there are many times when you
need to change your lens outside. Make sure you change your lens
quickly and protect the camera as much as possible from dust and
other contaminants.
Refer to your camera’s manual for recommended techniques on
changing lenses.
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