Digital cameras use a sensor known as CCD in order to convert light energy to pixels. Dust that accumulates on the CCD can result in black pixels or imperfections in the photo as it blocks light energy from hitting parts of the CCD. We will go over a few solutions for eliminating dust on the CCD.

The CCD sensor is located behind the reflex mirror in a digital SLR camera. Most of the time the camera is closed and dust can not penetrate it. Some cameras might not be completely sealed against dust resulting in dust penetrating he camera’s body even with the lenses installed. During that time the camera is open and exposed to air and dust.

In order to minimize dust on the CCD make sure that you minimize the time in which the camera is open and exposed to air. Even with careful care dust will eventually find its way into the camera and on the CCD.

Active dust removal: Most new SLR cameras include some sort of active dust removal mechanism. The most common one is anti dust vibration. Vibrating the CCD will result in dust falling off the CCD or “dancing its way” from the CCD. Different cameras turn the anti dust vibration at different times. Other cameras turn the vibration on periodically or let the user turn it manually.

Passive dust prevention: Passive solution that tries to eliminate some of the causes for dust accumulating on the CCD. The main reason that draws dust to the CCD is static charge.

Manual dust removal: Manual removal is simply a way for you to manually clean the CCD. All dust removal methods have their limitations. Adhesive dust or other material is either very hard to clean or impossible to clean. Eliminating dust completely from the CCD is impossible but by applying care and the mentioned features most of the dust that results in photo imperfections can be avoided.