Self-cleaning Sensor Unit removes dust from the image sensor
New for the D300 is Nikon's ultrasonic Self-cleaning Sensor Unit, which employs four different resonance frequencies to vibrate the optical low-pass filter and shake dust away from the sensor. Image sensor cleaning can be set to operate automatically when the camera is turned off or on, or can be operated from the camera's menu.
Nikon D300 Integrated Dust Reduction System
Nikon goes beyond the cleaning function of the Self-cleaning Sensor Unit to implement a comprehensive system that helps reduce dust, from minimizing dust generated from within the camera through the removal process. (1) Internal mechanisms that generate as little dust as possible in operation. The shutter unit and all moving parts are designed to minimize dust generation, and are operated adequately before mounting within the camera so that they do not disperse dust following camera assembly. The mechanisms are then operated again after assembly to further ensure that they do not generate dust. (2) Dust doesn't easily adhere to internal surfaces. Anti-static finishing is used around the image sensor and optical low-pass filter (OLPF), while surrounding areas are specially treated such that dirt particles adhere to them easily. In addition, the space between the OLPF and image sensor is sealed to prevent dust particles from entering the assembly. (3) Dust doesn't easily appear in images. Enough distance is left between the OLPF and image sensor that dust is less likely to affect the final image. (4) Dust reduction in software. The effects of dust can be reduced for images shot in NEF (RAW) format by using the Dust Off feature in Capture NX, Nikon's optional photofinishing software.
