Thoughts about keeping dust off PowerShot sensors or going mirrorless instead?

Hi, there.

Welcoming input on this.

Ever since I started using PowerShots (the A720, S95, and more recently, the g9x II), I’ve loved what they can do. But with the latter two, I’ve run into issues with dust on the sensor, and the complication that comes with needing to bring it to a repair shop since opening it up myself isn’t an option. Probably one of the reasons this has happened is that I like to keep the cameras in my pocket; that’s why I chose these particular models over others. It’s only happened once with each camera, but now I’m beginning to wonder about switching things up. Maybe going mirrorless to enjoy the benefit of interchangeable lenses. But, again, what I love about a pocketable camera is that it’s never a hassle to take it with me when I step out the door.

So I guess a couple of questions:

If I keep going pocketable, any suggestions for something I can do to keep the dust out? Maybe some kind of pouch that will keep things pocketable?

And for those who live in the dual realms of compact and mirrorless/DSLR, if you had to choose one or the other, which would it be and why?

Thanks,

LorneBMT

With all my cameras.... I buy a filter...................... and keep it in a good camera bag............................  get at Staples , best buy or at the mall :)))

LorneBMT wrote:

Hi, there.

Welcoming input on this.

Ever since I started using PowerShots (the A720, S95, and more recently, the g9x II), I’ve loved what they can do. But with the latter two, I’ve run into issues with dust on the sensor, and the complication that comes with needing to bring it to a repair shop since opening it up myself isn’t an option. Probably one of the reasons this has happened is that I like to keep the cameras in my pocket; that’s why I chose these particular models over others. It’s only happened once with each camera, but now I’m beginning to wonder about switching things up. Maybe going mirrorless to enjoy the benefit of interchangeable lenses. But, again, what I love about a pocketable camera is that it’s never a hassle to take it with me when I step out the door.

So I guess a couple of questions:

If I keep going pocketable, any suggestions for something I can do to keep the dust out? Maybe some kind of pouch that will keep things pocketable?

And for those who live in the dual realms of compact and mirrorless/DSLR, if you had to choose one or the other, which would it be and why?

Thanks,

LorneBMT

I've never had this problem with any of my power shots, but possibly that is because I have been fairly careful about getting a good protective case for all of them and not letting the bare cameras rattle around in my pocket or in a bag where it might be subject to dust etc. A small padded zip case never seemed to add all that much bulk to the camera.

As I remember when I first got my S95, there were a fair number of complaints about the lens having retraction problems.  I don't know if that was ever resolved, but it might have had to do with dust or other matter getting into the lens area.  Just from looking at these various powershot cameras, the lens looks rather fragile and prone to damage IMO.  Early on I found a cap to cover the S95 lens area, but I found it to be a nuisance and didn't use it much.  I just stuck to the lens case as protection when not shooting with it.

1gregory1 wrote:

I have a pocketable camera that will never go in the pocket without a case. Actually it can fit in the pocket with the case on but is then an uncomfortable bulge. Dirt and fear of damaging the lens cover blades is my reasoning. My power shots are getting quite old and I have been waiting for something to replace them for some time. Not very much in the compact sphere appeals to me these days for several reasons. No viewfinder is a HUGE deal breaker for me. No reach with a decent size sensor is another. The third is the cost of a camera without those two features doesn't make sense to me. So ---- I am looking seriously at an M50. Quite small, has a viewfinder and possibly pocketable with just a body cap. I am just waiting for a probable successor as it is over 2 yrs in the marketplace now. But if it looks like that isn't happening in a few months I may just get it anyway.

It's quite cheap (M50), capable, and is small, at least with a 22mm pancake attached. The M series is essentially APS-C Point and shoot with interchangeable lenses in my book which is both a pro (ability to swap lenses, powerful ones at that) and a con (having to switch lenses at all, size).

You're correct though; it's overdue for refresh. I suspect the new R5/R6 are to blame meshed with COVID, it may be too much of a reach for even the almighty Canon to do everything at once. Both the new 90D sensor and DIGICX are now available which one or both may make their way into an M50 II.

Never had any issues with any of the Canon point and shoots and dust on the sensor over the years, any of em (4).

No text.

Sue Anne Rush wrote:

.... I buy a filter......................

With PowerShot compact cameras, how will a filter prevent dust on sensor?

With telescoping lens sections the main source of dust intrusion at the telescoping lens sections.

Dust is drawn into lens/ camera whenever lens extended (turning on/ zooming to longer focal length).

Hi, there.

Welcoming input on this.

Ever since I started using PowerShots (the A720, S95, and more recently, the g9x II), I’ve loved what they can do. But with the latter two, I’ve run into issues with dust on the sensor, and the complication that comes with needing to bring it to a repair shop since opening it up myself isn’t an option. Probably one of the reasons this has happened is that I like to keep the cameras in my pocket; that’s why I chose these particular models over others. It’s only happened once with each camera, but now I’m beginning to wonder about switching things up. Maybe going mirrorless to enjoy the benefit of interchangeable lenses. But, again, what I love about a pocketable camera is that it’s never a hassle to take it with me when I step out the door.

So I guess a couple of questions:

If I keep going pocketable, any suggestions for something I can do to keep the dust out? Maybe some kind of pouch that will keep things pocketable?

And for those who live in the dual realms of compact and mirrorless/DSLR, if you had to choose one or the other, which would it be and why?

Thanks,

LorneBMT