Dust issues need to be qualified by whether the photographer typically
uses a high F stop or not. Dust is not usually visible at lower F
stops. Since DOF of a full frame sensor at F16 is similar to the E-1
sensor at F8, higher F stops are going to be used more often with a
Full Frame sensor than a 1/2 sized E-1 sensor. Dust must really be a
bugger for medium format backs.
I've been using a Canon 5D since October. I have run into the dust
issue. I have an OK solution for the dust and my 5D. (below)
Dust on the 5D is just like any camera, it depends on the F stop used
to make it visible. If the photographer shoots at F11 or above
then the shadow of the dust will be sharper, and more of a problem. So,
we need to qualify dust problem reports with F stop used. If the
photographer shoots a lot of macro, then dust is going to be a problem.
For example here is a macro shot with the 5D:
http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/view?id=1722932
If you look close, you can see specs of dust. I made no attempt to
remove them. So, if you shoot at F16 a lot, any camera will have a
problem, including the E-1. And the larger the sensor the more
likely a high F stop is used and will show dust.
-dust solution-
My solution to the 5D dust is a quick spray with a "CO2 Duster".
This gets rid of 80-90% of the dust. Sometimes some dust is stubborn
and I have to do the next step. (E-1 has same problem with this
remainder dust, as it sticks. These are usually the smaller specks.)
On occasion, I use a PecPad wrapped around a thin cut plastic (made
from stiff bubble pack plastic, the flat sections. You know, the
packages you can hardly open and nearly slice you finger off when
trying?). For the 5D I make it about 22-23mm and taper down from there.
Then I wrap a PecPad at the wide end, careful not to make it too thick
on the edges as that limits the ability to wipe next to the edge of the
sensor. This is done by folding and taping the PecPad with minimal
wrapping around the edges of the plastic. Keep oily fingers away from
the wiping edge when wrapping.
Next, use 2 drops of methanol, wipe immediately in one direction, one
time only. Then a couple of blasts with CO2 duster to get the loose
stuff out. Most of the time is spend taking a picture of a blue screen
monitor and loading into the computer to see if I got it all. Repeat
if necessary, once you get the hang of it, once is usually enough.
-*-
Because F stop determines the visibility of dust, any data as to
whether dust is a problem, you have to ask, "at what F stop" or you
will not get a meaningful correlation between different peoples
experience with dust. But the dust is not unmanageable. The CO2
duster takes care of 80-90% of the problem for me, and is quick
and easy to do in the field.
Low noise is a nice feature of the 5D. Here is a shot at 1600.
http://www.airsprite.net/5D/w6x9_MG_2861.jpg
and 100% crop of that shot:
http://www.airsprite.net/5D/w_100crop_MG_2861.jpg
F5.6 at 1/10sec, 173mm with IS.
Here is another shot, 1600, F4, 1/2sec, 24-105 IS lens @60mm
http://www.airsprite.net/5D/wM_MG_3006.jpg
all shots handheld, and taken here:
http://www.airsprite.net/5D/wRoll_6x9_MG_2848.jpg
1600, F5.6, 1/15sec, 50mm 5D
So, if you like high ISO shooting, ...
WayneS
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