Digital cameras use a CCD sensor to convert light energy known in pixels. The dust that accumulates on the CCD pixels can result in blacks or imperfections in the picture as blocks of energy from light that strikes the parts of the CCD. I will review some solutions to eliminate dust on the CCD.

The CCD is located behind the mirror in a digital SLR camera SLR. When you take a picture of the mirror moves and lets the light through the lens strikes the CCD, which converts light into a series of pixels with digital photography. Most of the time the camera is closed and the dust can not enter. Some cameras can not be completely sealed against dust ingress of dust resulting from that body even with the camera lens installed. However, in many cases, the majority of exposure to dust and when the lenses are replaced. Meanwhile, the device is open and exposed to air and dust.

To minimize dust on the CCD sure to reduce the time in which the device is open and exposed to air. For example when changing lenses make sure that you are in a relatively clean environment and that you have the second lenses handy. Try to avoid changing lenses in windy or dusty. Do not take the lens of a camera and leave the body open and exposed, either install additional lenses or put a seal on the body to prevent the ingress of dust.

Even with care the dust will eventually find its way into the camera and the CCD. There are several ways to get rid of this dust. Depending on the camera some of them will not be available for you.

Active dust removal:

Most SLR cameras include a new kind of active mechanism of removal of dust. The most common is the anti-dust vibration. This solution eliminates the vibration sensor dust in high frequency for a short period of time. Vibrates the CCD will fall dust off the CCD or “dancing its way” from the CCD. Several cameras turn the anti-dust vibration at different times. Some cameras turn on whenever the camera is turned on, a certain period of time each is idle and sometimes when the camera is turned on and off switch. Other cameras turn vibration periodically or allow the user to activate it manually.

Cameras include an image stabilizer based on the movement of the vibration sensor typically include dust, because they already understand the mechanical part: a motor that can move the sensor and then the anti-vibration, the powder is added only software.

Passive dust prevention:

Passive solution that attempts to eliminate some of the causes of accumulation of dust on the CCD. The main reason that attracts dust to the CCD is static. Some manufacturers add an anti-static coating on the outer layer of the CCD (the level is generally low-pass filter). With the CCD is less likely to attract dust due to its static.

Manual dust removal:

Manual removal is simply a way to manually clean the CCD. When placed in manual wipe the camera moves the mirror and keeps it in a position where the CCD is exposed and is accessible. Right now, you can try to blow the dust from the CCD, for example using an air compressor. You can also use a special cloth to clean the CCD, but be very careful when you do it and be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean the CCD with no damage. Unless you know how to clean the CCD, it is preferable not to try to clean as it can be easily damaged.

All methods of dust control have their limitations. Dust or other material or adhesive is very difficult to clean, if not impossible to clean. The removal of dust from the CCD is completely impossible, but applying the treatment and the characteristics of dusts from imperfections which photos can be avoided. For the casual photographer, built-in active or passive anti dust features should be sufficient and manual cleaning won’t be needed.

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