What is this spot?

[ChiSoxKeith]

Ok, please ignore the fact that this shot is very noisy. I selected this shot because the problem is most apparent here.

What is this spot?

It shows up from time to time in my images. In pretty much the exact same location. But it's not always there. Before going out to shoot yesterday I cleaned my lenses and the camera.

I'm shooting on a Canon 300D on the kit lens that came with it (18-55mm). If I look at the real resolution image......I can notice a couple other spots just like it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[gokenin]

its the dreaded red X since i can't see the picture I would guess that it may be something on your sensor. but I cant be sure without seeing it

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Sorry. Fixed now. For some reason my webhost was obliterating the file right after I uploaded it.

 

[gokenin]

yep looks like you got some dust on your sensor you just have to clean it hopefully it should be an easy thing to do.

 

[figment_jii]

Like the PP said, it looks like dust on your sensor. I learned a trick from a photography class that I took to find out if you have dust on the sensor. Pick a blank white place (like a projector screen or even a piece of paper as long as there are no other marks or shadows on it). Then take a picture and look at it in the greatest zoom that you can. If you see little grey splots, those are usually dusts. It was very interesting to see just how many had accumulated over the years.

Many camera shops can clean the sensor, usually for a fee.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks.

I've never actually had my camera serviced in the six years I owned the camera. Looks like I should go ahead and do that.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Be careful and make sure you know what you're doing before you attempt to clean it yourself, as you can damage it. I'd second taking it to a camera shop.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Thanks for the tip on the white paper. I'll give that a shot.

 

[photo_chick]

Might want to clean the lens thoroughly before you jump to the sensor. You never know...

 

[disneyboy2003]

Although there are tons of places that give instructions on how to clean your sensor, I, personally, am terrified of touching my own camera's sensor.

That's why I bring my camera to my local camera shop (no, it's not a Best Buy). They clean camera sensors for $40. They take pictures of the sensor dust, as described above, and they give me a before-and-after photo. I'm always SHOCKED at what the before picture looks like. They point the camera at a bright white lighted screen and set the aperture at f/22. This is supposed to show any dust on your sensor.

Do-it-yourself sensor cleaning kits are like $40, and I believe they last for many many sensor cleanings. So I know I'm spending way too much on sensor cleaning.

I usually take my camera in once every few months to get my sensor cleaned...which reminds me, I think my camera's due for another cleaning...

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I've got a Calumet Photo near by, so I'll probably just take it in there and have it looked over.

There is a smaller local shop closer to my house, but they have really gone down hill over the years and I don't think I trust them anymore.

k

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Might want to clean the lens thoroughly before you jump to the sensor. You never know...

I double checked the lens and I don't see anything. But thanks for the tip.