Do sensors degrade with age?

Jonny69 · 23-05-2011, 12:12

As you're probably already only too aware about, I've been complaining about the picture quality on my EOS 350D for some time now. The problem is how it handles light and dark in the same picture - completely overexposing the light parts and leaving no detail in the dark.

I had to take a load of shots for eBay at the weekend and I have to admit they have come out shockingly badly, probably the worst set of pictures I've seen from the camera. I'm wondering now if it's the sensor degrading. Do these things have a lifetime or a maximum number of pictures? Also, because of the garage and kitchen shots I take without the flash I've taken a huge number of pictures at high ISO. Is that likely to have taken its toll on the sensor long term.

Anyway, whatever the problem is my mind is made up to replace the camera now. It's fine for the garage but not reliable enough to take out anywhere. Shame. It's about 5 years old now and otherwise I've been very impressed with it.

Mark · 23-05-2011, 21:20

Have you done a check for dust? ISO 100, flash off, Av, stop the aperture down as far as it'll go (at least F22) and then point the camera at a clean, empty wall and shoot. This is the one case where camera shake is helpful so I deliberately move the camera about. Examine the resulting image at 100% and dust will show up very clearly.

Shutters have a finite life, but they're mechanical. All electronics can degrade but not sure about sensors specifically.

volospian · 24-05-2011, 08:20

Interestingly, my 350D is starting to degrade. I was disappointed with a lot of the shots I took in SA last year. However, mine is dusty and really needs a good clean (it's been on safari twice, and the dust that kicks up gets everywhere, let alone the normal use it's had over the last 5 years or so).

I have been meaning to get it cleaned professionally, but I'm not sure where to take it. I need a good photographers, I suppose... any advice, anyone?

Jonny69 · 24-05-2011, 14:55

I checked it for dust. Seems to be clear enough, just the specs that I knew were there from other pictures. Gave the sensor, mirror and inside of the lens a clean anyway.

I've taken a series of shots with the contrast going from high to low and I wonder if the contrast settings are just a bit skewed on this camera. I've currently got the contrast on its lowest setting and the sharpness, saturation and tone cranked up to compensate.

Dymetrie · 24-05-2011, 18:36

Yes, sensors definitely degrade over time.

I can confirm this as I have some cameras which are older than time itself*!

*this may be a slight exaggeration...

23-05-2011, 12:12	#1
Jonny69 Noob Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Socialist Republik of Kent Posts: 5,032	Do sensors degrade with age? As you're probably already only too aware about, I've been complaining about the picture quality on my EOS 350D for some time now. The problem is how it handles light and dark in the same picture - completely overexposing the light parts and leaving no detail in the dark. I had to take a load of shots for eBay at the weekend and I have to admit they have come out shockingly badly, probably the worst set of pictures I've seen from the camera. I'm wondering now if it's the sensor degrading. Do these things have a lifetime or a maximum number of pictures? Also, because of the garage and kitchen shots I take without the flash I've taken a huge number of pictures at high ISO. Is that likely to have taken its toll on the sensor long term. Anyway, whatever the problem is my mind is made up to replace the camera now. It's fine for the garage but not reliable enough to take out anywhere. Shame. It's about 5 years old now and otherwise I've been very impressed with it. __________________

24-05-2011, 14:55	#4
Jonny69 Noob Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Socialist Republik of Kent Posts: 5,032	I checked it for dust. Seems to be clear enough, just the specs that I knew were there from other pictures. Gave the sensor, mirror and inside of the lens a clean anyway. I've taken a series of shots with the contrast going from high to low and I wonder if the contrast settings are just a bit skewed on this camera. I've currently got the contrast on its lowest setting and the sharpness, saturation and tone cranked up to compensate. __________________

24-05-2011, 18:36	#5
Dymetrie A large glass of Merlot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Letchworth with a Lightsaber Posts: 5,819	Yes, sensors definitely degrade over time. I can confirm this as I have some cameras which are older than time itself! this may be a slight exaggeration... __________________ Khef, Ka and Ka-Tet....

23-05-2011, 21:20	#2
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	Have you done a check for dust? ISO 100, flash off, Av, stop the aperture down as far as it'll go (at least F22) and then point the camera at a clean, empty wall and shoot. This is the one case where camera shake is helpful so I deliberately move the camera about. Examine the resulting image at 100% and dust will show up very clearly. Shutters have a finite life, but they're mechanical. All electronics can degrade but not sure about sensors specifically.

24-05-2011, 08:20	#3
volospian Vodka Martini Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 786	Interestingly, my 350D is starting to degrade. I was disappointed with a lot of the shots I took in SA last year. However, mine is dusty and really needs a good clean (it's been on safari twice, and the dust that kicks up gets everywhere, let alone the normal use it's had over the last 5 years or so). I have been meaning to get it cleaned professionally, but I'm not sure where to take it. I need a good photographers, I suppose... any advice, anyone?