From the design stage, Nikon takes steps to prevent dust — which would otherwise mar image quality — from adhering to the low-pass filter. One of these measures is an improved system for cleaning the imaging sensor of the Nikon D300.
Does not generate dust
The drive mechanism for the shutter unit is designed to generate less dust. Moreover, prior to camera body assembly, components are preconditioned to prevent the incidence of mechanical dust within the camera.
Impedes dust adhesion
The imaging sensor and low-pass filter units are static-resistant to prevent dust from sticking to them. Furthermore, surrounding components are treated to absorb dust, and a seal prevents dust from entering via the rear surface of the sensor.
Visual softening of dust in the image
Widening the distance between the low-pass filter and the sensor prevents dust from appearing in sharp detail in the image.
Reduces dust
The effect of dust on images (for RAW files only) can be effectively reduced in a PC using the Image Dust Off feature of the Capture NX.
Furthermore, the Nikon D300’s Integrated Dust Reduction System includes a new Image Sensor Cleaning function that removes dust using piezo-electric elements to vibrate the entire low-pass filter at four different frequencies. This strategy has proven to be far more thorough than systems that only use a single frequency to vibrate a limited area. Nikon took a comprehensive approach to the challenge of dust removal, collecting dust and sand samples from around the world to evaluate the efficacy and reliability of its dust reduction system’s performance at various temperatures, different levels of humidity and with numerous shutter release tests.
Images captured by the camera after the low-path filter vibration were carefully evaluated to ensure that the process did not adversely affect image quality. Image Sensor Cleaning can be set for automatic activation when the camera is turned on and off, or can be selected from a menu.
Dust removal
The Nikon Cleaning Kit Pro is excellent for removing dust from the low-pass filter.
