After reading “Capture 720P HD With Any LiveView Capable Canon Camera,” I wanted to try recording a simple video to see if it works.
It really does!
Why is this relevant? Only a few Canon digital SLR cameras record video, regardless of Live View. EOS Camera Movie Record allows any Live View-capable Canon DSLR camera to record video onto a connected computer.
After being disappointed with Canon’s sensor cleaning, I finally did it myself.
I bought Sensor Swabs[1. Type 2 for my Canon EOS 40D.] and Eclipse E2 sensor cleaner. After watching a video of Thomas Hawk cleaning his sensor, I carefully followed suit.
I took a before photo, made one pass with a fresh swab, took another test photo, made a second pass, then a last test photo. Finally, I took the above photo of the box of Sensor Swabs and Eclipse E2.
There’s still a couple dust spots around the edges, but I’m 99% sure it’s because I didn’t emphasize those areas in my swabbing.
Don’t be scared. It really is simple. Just exercise caution and you’ll be awesome[2. Disclaimer: I'm not responsible for any damage you cause to your camera.].
[amtap amazon:asin=B0001HMFIC]
[amtap amazon:asin=B00104QMQ6]
While I was in Irvine yesterday, I stopped by Canon Factory Service Center to get my 40D sensor cleaned for free. (via Chris Lin)
The process was a breeze. They told me I could pick it up in two hours, which wasn’t a problem.
I returned a few hours later and it was ready to go, wrapped inside a bag with a plastic temporary body cap and a tag with the technician’s initials. Attention to detail has to mean it’s pristine, right?
When I got home to check out the sensor:
View on Flickr
50mm, 3.2 sec at f/22, ISO 100
Um, what happened? If I had to ship my camera in for this service, I would be way more upset.
It looks like I’ll be going the DIY route in the future. (Marcus recommends the Copperhill method.)
