Mirrorless Cameras and Sensor Dust: I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP camera. While playing with one in the local camera store and turning the power switch to the off...

Ron29 Loc: Webster, NY

I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP camera. While playing with one in the local camera store and turning the power switch to the off position, the auto sensor cleaning symbol shows up on the LCD. I got to thinking about the close proximity of the camera sensor with the rear most lens element. Where does this dust go? Does it find it’s way to the rear element of the attached lens? Not sure how the dust sensor technology works. In the case of the Canon RP I have read some reports that the shutter blades can create some dust.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good question. The inside of the camera is a closed environment. I think that dust on the sensor is more serious than dust on the lens, though.

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches
Inside-
http://photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens

Jazztrader

Very interesting articles, about a topic I've often wondered about. My daughter recently left her Olympus mirrorless with me to use indefinitely, and I noticed spots on the lenses that don't seem to affect images. Looks like I should just keep happily snapping away! :-)

rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

Ron29 wrote:

I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP... (show quote)

I believe there is a sticky strip around the sensor that holds the dust vibrated off during the cleaning cycle. Probably could Google "how does sensor clean cycle work"

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Ron29 wrote:

I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP... (show quote)

With any luck the dust will end up on the lens element. Much easier to brush or blow dust off of the lens then to clean the sensor and inside of the camera.

repleo Loc: Boston

I think the dust keeps floating around in the chamber until you blow it out with a blower. I have a tiny USB powered vacuum. I've only used it once, but maybe I should use it more often to suck the dust out of the corners of the box.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

My first option for sensor cleaning is a Giotto Rocket Blower (link to B&H). This cheap tools works even easier with a mirrorless camera as there is no need for mirror lock-up. Most dust can be cleaned off this way. Here's an example of the results: An exercise in sensor cleaning

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

My Olympus cameras have an ultrasonic sensor shake that removes dust. No problems here.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

My Olympus cameras have an ultrasonic sensor shake that removes dust. No problems here.

Bill_de Loc: US

n3eg wrote:

My Olympus cameras have an ultrasonic sensor shake that removes dust. No problems here.

I think the question the OP is asking, Removes it to where?

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zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Dust in your camera always is a concern. In mirrorless cameras, dust sometimes often settles on the sensor. A rocket blower takes care of the problem 99% of the time. I carry one in my camera bag at all times, and I use the blower every time I come home after using my camera. Keep the camera opening down when using the blower so the dust will fall out of the camera.

tcthome Loc: NJ

jerryc41 wrote:

Very good question. The inside of the camera is a closed environment. I think that dust on the sensor is more serious than dust on the lens, though.

http://kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches
Inside-
http://photographylife.com/what-to-do-with-dust-inside-lens

tcthome Loc: NJ

zug55 wrote:

Dust in your camera always is a concern. In mirrorless cameras, dust sometimes often settles on the sensor. A rocket blower takes care of the problem 99% of the time. I carry one in my camera bag at all times, and I use the blower every time I come home after using my camera. Keep the camera opening down when using the blower so the dust will fall out of the camera.

This is what I would suggest ( lens mount facing down ) if using the rocket blower. Hopefully the dust will settle down & out of the camera

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Ron29 wrote:

I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP... (show quote)

I purchased my Canon RP shortly after they were available to the public.
No problems with my RP concerning sensor dust, short battery life, RF lenses, 4K, etc.
https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/rp.htm
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/62349089
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4375361
I can't say that the Canon RP is a perfect camera (no camera is perfect) but for my use, it is pretty good and trouble-free, so far.
I also have a 7D, 6D, and a 5DIV, so you can see that I'm still searching for that "perfect camera" that comes pre-loaded with award-winning pics. Grin.

Also, please refer to the CHG_CANON response to your question. He is always a source of good info.
Enjoy your photographic journey.
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Ron29 wrote:

I have been considering the purchase of a Canon RP... (show quote)

Actually the Canon R series closes the shutter when the camera is powered down, reading a review the reviewer said that it was the only mirrorless he had used that did not collect dust and suggested that the possible cause was the closed curtain protecting the sensor from dust. I am not sure that totally makes sense but there is no mirror there to protect the sensor from the debris that can collect from lens changes or even a lens that is carrying dust.

Two things I know are that one, I never seemed to have a problem with my Fuji mirrorless systems, and two, I handle my Canon R with care.