Nikon has produced hundreds of camera models over the past few decades, ranging from the simplest digital point-and-shoot to high-end, professional SLR film and digital (DSLR) cameras. Each Nikon camera comes with a user guide, and most of the newer user guides include a troubleshooting section with camera-specific issues and fixes. Troubleshooting digital point-and-shoot cameras requires different methods than troubleshooting DSLR cameras with changeable lenses.
Instructions
Spots on the Image on a Point-and-Shoot Digital
1. Turn off the flash. If the photo you are taking appears on the LCD screen with big, discolored spots, the flash is picking up and lighting up particles in the air that aren't visible to the naked eye. Disabling the flash is the first step to getting rid of these spots.
2. Use a longer exposure mode. Most Nikon point-and-shoot cameras have scene modes for low light shooting that don't need or use the flash. Put the camera on a tripod and set the shutter speed for a longer time (1 second or longer). For cameras without shutter speed control. try adjusting the ISO to a lower number and using the self timer to take the shot, which will assure good light and less blur.
3. Relocate. Some settings just don't work for point-and-shoot photography. If the camera decides the flash is required and having the flash off makes the shots too dark or blurry, you may have to move. Dust and moisture in the air can be caught by the flash and result in poor shots.
Black Spots on Photos with DSLR Cameras
4. Change lenses in clean environments. Most spots that appear on photos are small dust particles that are caught on either the lens of the image sensor, a result of changing the lens in a dusty environment. If you can't find a safe environment, change lens with the camera body pointing down so gravity is on your side. Always check the rear element of the lens before connecting it to the camera.
5. Remove dust and particles from the filter. Depending on the model of Nikon DSLR camera, this process goes a little differently. Newer models have an auto-cleaning program that can be accessed through the menu.
6. Clean the low-pass filter, a protective covering over the camera's sensor. There are different ways to do this. Nikon advises plugging the camera into AC power, but having a full battery will work just as well. Access the menu and enable cleaning mode (called "Lock Mirror Up" on some older models and "Clean Now" or newer models). This will cause the camera's mirror to stay up (shutter open) so you can access the low-pass filter and sensor. Hold the camera upright with the lens off and examine the sensor. You should be able to see the dust or dirt. Use an air blower to remove the dirt. If the air blower doesn't remove the dirt, you can use sensor wipes or a liquid cleaner than can be purchased at any camera store. Use specialty products and not common household items like facial tissue!
Tags: digital point-and-shoot, dirt blower, DSLR cameras, dust particles, low-pass filter, particles that
