Quote - @Steve;
Yes...and no...
You are correct in the fact that the Oly's do not "shake" the sensor/filter assembly itself.  Oly uses an extra SSWF (Supersonic wave filter) that vibrates at several thousand hertz in the ultrasonic range.  This SSWF sits in front of the CCD and low pass filter assembly...so it still is possible for dust to eventually find it's way to the CCD/low pass filter.

I suppose it's possible, but I've yet to read a report on it.  So far, the only internal dust reported is on the prism, which while annoying, does not affect the photograph.

Quote - Also note that the SSWF will not remove things like pollen or shutter fluid....both are known to make their way onto the filter assemblies.

Absolutely.  I have read a few stories where people, intent on cleaning the cameras themselves instead of sending it in for routine service, have left water and grease on the filter.  But I've yet to read of this happening (other than because of some clumsy bloke trying to clean things himself) on an E-1, which has been on the market for three years now.  With that said, it doesn't mean it hasn't happened, I've just never heard of it reported on any of the forums I belong to.  But then again, how many camera owners join specific camera forums?  10 percent?  Who knows what isn't reported.

Quote - I will agree with you that all that I have read about the Oly dust removal system has been POSITIVE...Your obvious experience with their product speaks volumes, and as I stated the rumors of sensor issues are unconfirmed...they probably came from a Canon guy...LOL!

LMAO!  Canon people are the worst!  Even worse than Nikon users!  Us poor Oly users...well...we're just a sorry bunch who face sneers and ridicule, but are extremely thrilled with our equipment nonetheless.  I'm STILL waiting for the E-3.

Quote - And I will also agree with you about dust issues on Canon/Nikon DSLR's....I have loads of first hand experience...you are correct...it aint pretty!

Sensor dust was the primary reason I hopped into the Oly camp.  I did a lot of research on Canon, Nikon and Oly, and while ALL cameras have their strong and weak points, I felt Oly's SSWF was enough of an intelligent and useful component that I based my purchase on it.  But I'd still kill for a Canon 5D. 

Quote - Where I have to disagree with you is on the Sony Alpha...the subject of this thread.  The anti-dust system used by Sony is not the same one used by OLY...so, it is not their patent.

Perhaps I wrote that in a manner that wasn't entirely clear.  Yes, I know Sony uses an entirely different system, and that is why I said, "God only knows what Sony is using..."

Quote - "Anti-Dust Technology.
Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, the Sony® α (alpha) DSLR-A100 camera utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the CCD to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off."

And this is certainly supports your concern about sensor mis-alignment, but I would think Sony, as inept as they are, would have figured  this out.  Only time will tell.  Can you tell I'm not a Sony fanboy?  To me, the only thing more embarrasing than a camera strap that has Sony written on it is a camera strap that has Olympus written on it - LOL :)

Quote - So, here it clearly states that they are SHAKING the CCD....back to my original comment....I don't think that's something you want to do to your sensitve electronic components.

You should see how I bang my two E-1s around scambling up and down hillsides.  In the rain, no less.

Just a quick comment on your Terragen work: Superb!  Every image you post is better than the one before it.  I've always admired your talent with the software.  As you probably know, I used to create Terragen images...until I became completely burnt out with it.  I just don't have the patience for it, although after seeing your gallery and what you're producing lately I'm getting the itch...God help me...NO!

Nice chatting with ya :)

Kind Regards,

Steve