CCD cleaning

[jasutton]

I am so scared to do this...i get about 4 different opinions from as many people.

Any suggestions what has worked for y'all

thanks
jamie

[BubbaWPB]

duh... what is CCD? (Bubba can be dense sometimes.)

[jasutton]

CCD is the sensor...i forget the actual acronym. It acts as the film.

[Poseidon]

Here is the most recommended cleaning kit on most of the photo boards I go too. I have cleaned the sensor on my 10D and 20D several times with good results.

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

[smidoid]

Good choice. Most of the guys at our club use Sensorswipe.

BTW, when you have cleaned it, don't take the lens off! Seriously - if you don't NEED to swap lenses, don't take them off. I keep a 28-135 on the 10D just about all the time and when I do swap lenses, I clean the REAR element (of the new lens) first. A pro (www.mikekipling.com) put me on to this method and I really haven't looked back.

[smidoid]

CCD is the sensor...i forget the actual acronym. It acts as the film.

CCD = Charge Coupled Device.

Actually, I don't think that modern digicams use classic CMOS (complementary metal oxide seminductor) CCDs anymore; it's a bit like calling a vacuum cleaner a Hoover. I think that they actually use photodiodes which operate in a slightly different way. Course, this is from memory - I really should go look it up!

From what I remember - you "charge" a CCD cell (pixel), expose it to light and then test the remaining charge. Something to do with photons knocking electrons out of orbits... or some such. The photodiode takes an instantaneous measurement - i.e. it doesn't need the precharge. (This is probably why I failed my electronics degree.) LOL ;-)

Safe bet is to call it the "sensor" that way, you can't be wrong! He he!