Cleaning Requirements for dSLRs

by CindyinAtl May 19, 2007 11:18PM PDT

I've decided on purchasing a Nikon D40x and will be etting it from my local Wolf store since they have good prices and offer free photography classes when you buy from them. The salesman there helped me determine the price of everything I would need since I'm new to the hobby (memory, card reader, filter). He also wanted to sell me the extended service contract. It adds over $300 to the purchase which could be spent on another lens. His 'push' on the importance of it was that it covered 3 cleanings a year that normally cost $100 each. Why would I need to clean my camera 3 times a year? Is an annual cleaning even necessary if I am not shooting in dusty environments? I trust that Wolf would deliver on this contract (I've read it) but $353 to extend the coverage to 3 years? It covers accidental damage also. But, I'm not one to drop something like this. Although I did drop my little HP point and shoot digital camera. It took a beating and kept on ticking. Way different scenario, though.

I am interested in your thoughts....

Discussion is locked

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Cleaning DSLR

by snapshot2 Forum moderator May 20, 2007 1:15AM PDT

I assume the cleaning is to clean the CCD sensor (if necessary).

When you change lenses on the DSLR it is open to the possibility of dust getting inside and settling on the CCD sensor.

Most cleaning instructions for DSLR owners is to use a rubber bulb to blow some air inside. You should never use anything that can touch the CCD sensor.

Sometimes the air does not dislodge the dust particle and it will show on your pictures. Then you need a professional to clean it.

If you do not change lenses, no dust can get inside.

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Do you need extended coverage?

Only if your camera breaks.

Will it break?
Perhaps - Perhaps not.

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Frequency of cleaning

by CindyinAtl May 20, 2007 10:02PM PDT

Thanks for the explanation. I am trying to understand what an average frequency is for cleanning the CCD. The camera shop is trying to tell me the extended warranty is a deal since 3 cleanings during the year at $100 a piece equals the cost of the 2 year extension. Is three cleanings a year typical for someone who doesn't change lenses very often and does not do it in a particularly dusty or outdoor environment?

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The camera store is padding their profit.

by Desperado JC May 20, 2007 11:03PM PDT

My camera is several years old, and the lense is changed frequently. I have blown it out, with a bulb blower, a few times, but it has never been cleaned. It has a few dust spots which are seen on bright, blue sky which, when seen, are dispatched with Photoshop.

If it ever needs to be cleaned, I will clean it. I recently read the tale of woe by someone who took their expensive camera into a store to be cleaned. I will research cleaning methods, and do it myself IF it becomes necessary.

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CCD cleaning

by snapshot2 Forum moderator May 20, 2007 11:38PM PDT

I have a 3 year old DSLR and do not change lenses often.
It has never needed cleaning.

3 cleanings a year is excessive for an average DSLR user.

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heh

by fionndruinne May 21, 2007 8:35AM PDT

I would say... NOOO. You may well need to clean your camera's sensor three times a year, but that is easily done with a manual air blower (rubber bulb and tube) which can be had for under $20. Just wipe or blow surface dust from the outside of the camera, then, in a dust-free location, use mirror lock-up, remove the lens, tilt the camera so the opening faces down, and blow some air in there. As long as you don't introduce more foreign matter into the camera's inside, it's a safe process.

Remember it only needs to be done if you have visible (and obtrusive) dark spots in your pictures.

$300 is a hell of a lot to ask for a service plan. Accidental damage might be of use, but that's something you have to decide on. Any non-user-caused damage will be handled at no cost (except shipping) by Nikon.

Just out of curiosity, why the D40x over the D40? Aside from one lower ISO setting, slightly faster continuous mode, a few more shots per battery charge (not a problem anyway, as the D40 gives me many hundreds of shots per charge), and higher megapixels (useless unless you're going to do a lot of cropping, or print some crazy-large photos), it's the same camera, only some $200 more (which is almost enough for another lens right there).

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heh

by fionndruinne May 21, 2007 8:35AM PDT

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Sorry for the dual post...

by fionndruinne May 21, 2007 8:37AM PDT

Forums were having some difficulty, and told me my post didn't go through. Heh.

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Sensor cleaning

by hjfok May 21, 2007 11:11AM PDT

The quick answer: No, don't waste that $300. That is an outrageous equipment extended warranty. The camera body is sold for $695 at B and H, and this warranty is half the price of your camera body! Even Lexus' 5 year prepaid full car maintaince service do not cost half the price of my car! How do you know that they actually clean your sensor? Cleaning 3 times a year is quite excessive. Don't let them make money off your paranoia.

Longer answer: You only need sensor cleaning when it gets dirty and affects your image. If you seldom change your lenses and don't change in dusty environment, then you may not need sensor cleaning for quite a long time. Some people suggest once a year, but this depends on how often you change lenses and how you use the camera. If you want to inspect your sensor closely, there is sensor scope that will magnify the sensor area to see any dust or dirt on it.
Here is a link regarding checking sensor and cleaning it:
http://www.dmcphoto.com/Articles/SensorBrushes/

Trust your common sense and instinct.

Cleaning Requirements for dSLRs

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