Article

How to Use the Camera to Check for Dust

This is a two stage process, take an image and then inspect for dust.

In order to clear an image of the dust we set the camera using the following options,

• Slowest ISO (100 or 200)
• Aperture priority mode  (mode=A)
• Aperture set to smallest hole  (i.e. f22)
• White balance set to auto
• Focus set to manual
• Lens zoomed to its longest setting
• Focus set to infinity (i.e. 30ft plus)

Now take an image of a white item, i.e. piece of white paper, white area of a computer screen etc. (it may take a few seconds to take, this is OK).

Inspecting for dust:

• Show the image to the rear panel
• Use zoom to zoom in to see a part of the image
• Use the control next to the rear panel to move the section you are looking at about, so you move from side to side in strips.

You will see the dust easily as its moving, where dust on the screen or protector is stationary.

On all except the D300 and D60, you should expect to see some dust, even if you clean it, you are unlikely to get it all off.  Check it often, not only so that you can identify when dust is present but also so you get used to the level of dust that is acceptable to you.

See also other related DSLR and Dust articles by taking each of these links:

• Dust and the Nikon DSLR Overview

• Dust and the Nikon D300 and D60 cameras

• Cleaning the Nikon DSLR Filter

• Using Capture NX to remove dust from images