Nikon d40 dust help?

Question:hi
All my images i have taken have a little black dot on them i have looked at the sensor and does not seem to have anything on it.I have also tryed cleaning the lens but the dot is still there.

How do i stop this on my Nikon D40

Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: hi
All my images i have taken have a little black dot on them i have looked at the sensor and does not seem to have anything on it.I have also tryed cleaning the lens but the dot is still there.

How do i stop this on my Nikon D40

Thanks

Sounds like you have dust on the sensor, but you might have dead pixels. If the dot is really well defined it's dead pixels, if it a 'blob' usually in the skies it's sensor dust.

This technique will show them all. In Photoshop or similar, pull up a blank canvas and fill the screen (press the 'F' key twice in Photoshop) all you need is a white screen you can use a blank Word document or whatever. Set your camera to Av aperture priority and a small aperture f22 or so, take a picture while moving the camera around the screen, the focus is unimportant. Import your picture and make it large, you'll see every piece of dust, every hair and every dead pixel, they're the really well defined ones.

If you find dust (and you probably will) take off the lens, go into sensor clean in the menu, and holding the camera upside down try a Rocket blower, no more than that, don't used canned air they have contaminants in them.

Cleaning sensors is not as hard as people make out, make sure your battery is full (so the shutter doesn't close on you without warning) and use these pads the correct Eclipse fluid and follow the instructions. Available (UK) here.

http://www.cameraclean.co.uk/

If it's dead pixels and the camera is still under guarantee take it back and let them change the sensor.

Chris

I had the same issue with my Canon. You may not see it, but that little black dot is dust. You have several options:
-Try the self-cleaning function if the D40 has it. I own a Canon that has a self-cleaning function.
-You can buy a sensor cleaning kit to do it.
-You can bring it to a camera shop and pay them to do it.
-You might see if there's a local Nikon service center. I was able to bring my Canon to them for a free sensor cleaning.

NOTE: You definitely do not want to use compressed air.

The D40 does not have a self cleaning function but this often works,is non invasive and is the first thing to try. In a clean area, take the lens off and hold the camera facing downwards. Shoot off 2 or 3 shots. Check the rear of the lens is clean of dust,a soft brush does no harm,I usually just blow gently. Replace the lens.If you have shot a sheet of light paper transfer your last shot to the computer.Magnify the blank image and look for any dust.It has usually gone. Check out EarthBoundLight....it's a USA sight full of helpful tips for Nikon users their archive has detailed advice for further cleaning tips.