Help.. Unidentified object on photograph?

  • Thread starter Thread starter angelo
  • Start date Start date
A

angelo

Guest
I have just bought this camera a few weeks ago (not even a month) Its a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 lens (no VR)
My problem is:
some images i took had some "dust" looking object while others don't have.

Guys I need your opinion on what this is..
Kindly check my flicker:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gelosbox/2349055302/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gelosbox/2340079085/

Note that the unidentified thing seems to be at the same spot on both photos, while the other photos don't have.

Should I be alarmed?

What causes this?

Appreciate our input on this.
oh I'm using a HOYA UV- guard filter..
 
It could be dirt on the lens element or sensor dust.

Some images may or may not have it, depends on the depth of field of the image. If you have a large DOF, then you will notice it, a small DOF, you might not....but the dust would still be there.

I recommend a sensor cleaning with a blower first, then if that doesn't work try a sensor cleaning kit if you feel comfortable doing so. If not, take it to a photo store and see what they charge for a DSLR cleaning.
 
If there is dust on your CCD (and I can't tell from those photos if this is the case), you will see a speck in the same place regardless of lens or focal length. If it is a smudge on your lens or on your filters, it will change size, *and* it might not be visible if the lens is at a wider aperture. This is because the depth of focus varies along with f-stop, so a smudge that will be out of focus at one stop might creep in when you're stopped down.

Edit: Grr, Gryphon beat me to it -- we were both answering at the same time!
 
I can't see anything in those small. low res photos. You will need to upload some large hi res photos.

But concerning dust, it "sounds" like that is probably what you are seeing. The best test is to shoot a blue sky at a small aperture (largel f stop number). Even better, move the camera as you shoot. Sensor dust will remain sharp and in the same spot in each photo.

It is not unusual for a new camera to have some dust on the sensor. Since you only mention having the one lens, you have probably not been doing a lot of lens changing. However, any time you do change lenses in the future, turn the camera off to remove charge from the sensor, and hold the camera body down to help prevent dust from getting into the camera. Also, of course, try to never change lenses in a dusty environment.

If you have dust on your sensor now, you do not have to believe all the scare stories about cleaning it yourself. It just takes a gentle and caring touch. If you are a total ham fisted clod, then don't do it, otherwise get a good cleaning kit and clean the sensor yourself.

I use the Copper Hill kit on mine.... and I have done MANY successful cleanings of my sensor;

http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=Tutorials

steve
 
I believe that this is most likely dust on the sensor. It looks absolutely the same in both images, which are quite different from each other.

It appeared on March 17, but it is not visible in all of your pictures because it is hidden under vary dark parts of the image in those images.

Try this. Set the lens on infinity using manual focus. Take a picture of a white piece of paper from about 10-12" away. Do you still see the dust? If you do, it's on your sensor.

See Gryphon's answer for recommendations about cleaning the sensor.
 
Looks like there maybe dust or a mark on the lens seeing as the marks in the same position in both photo's , best give it a soft dry wipe over.
 
Your landscape of the sunset has some lens flare, but that happens anytime you point the camera at a light source.

Make sure your UV or skylight filter is clean (the filter you have on your lens to protect it from damage)
 
Back
Top