Ever since SLRs went digital, companies have been trying to come up with more effective way to prevent or remove sensor dust. Blowers seem like the best answer, but the problem with blowers is that they are made from rubber, which increases static charges, causing dust to actually cling more tenaciously to the sensor. Visible Dust’s new Zeeion looks like a typical blower, but is made from Silicon-RX, a compound with negative charges that neutralizes the positive-charged dust, and loostens the dust more effectively, according to the manufacturer.
For details, read the Visible Dust press release:
Visible Dust Launches Zeeion Anti-Static Dust Removal Device for DSLR Cameras
April 21 ,2009 – Designed for DSLR users at all levels, the new Zeeion compliments Visible Dust’s famous Arctic Butterfly in the “dust removal” segment of the simple 3 stage sensor cleaning workflow (1: Check with a Sensor Loupe, 2: Remove dry/sharp dust 3: Wet Clean).
Where ordinary blowers are made from rubber which increases static charges, Zeeion is made from Silicon-RX – a unique compound with an anti-static property. When squeezed, the air emitted is negatively charged – it neutralises the positive charge on the sensor, making dust removal easier and actually helping to prevent re-attraction of dust particles.
Recognizing that “ordinary” blowers recirculate dirty air by sucking in much of the dust disturbed and then blowing back at the sensor, Visible Dust has cleverly designed the Zeeion with a one-way valve in the nozzle. Only “new” air from the back of the Zeeion reaches your sensor, having passed through two renewable microscopic filters, ensuring the air is completely clean.
For total peace of mind, the Zeeion design even includes a soft cap, preventing damage if it should accidently come into contact with your sensor. Compact in size, the Zeeion neatly fits a pocket on your camera bag, and battery-free operation means you’ll never be short of a cleaning tool wherever your travels take you.
The new VisibleDust Zeeion is available now at $37.33 (U.S.).