I started shooting in 2004 with a 6 megapixel Canon Digital Rebel, and that first DSLR taught me the value of a sealed view into the lens. Since 2012, I switched to mirrorless cameras and spent many years testing different systems. Over time I noticed one clear pattern: the open design lets dust reach the …

I often get the question about whether dead pixels vs hot pixels are the same thing. I explain this a lot because photographers worry when a tiny spot shows up in their images. In short: a true dead pixel usually defaults to an “off” state, while a hot pixel stays stuck in an “all-on” state. …

I’ve spent years studying how intense light affects photography gear. In my work I’ve seen a single beam leave lasting artifacts and, in rare cases, force full replacement of a camera sensor. Understanding the difference between a temporary flare and true permanent harm is one of the top questions I get. I’ll explain why a …

I’m Rick McEvoy, a professional photographer in England, and I learned early that a clean sensor matters for every shot. When I change a lens I take small, careful steps to avoid dust entering the body. Those steps saved me time and frustration over the years. The first time I had to clean my sensor, …

I own an interchangeable camera and I know that dust finds its way inside no matter how careful I am. I hold my body facing down when I swap a lens, which cuts the chance of dirt drifting in. Modern software makes removing dust spots easy, but a tidy sensor keeps my workflow fast and …