Canon 300d - Mirror = "Image Sensor" ??

[shaneaust]

Hi all:

My Canon EOS 300D user manual has a drawing of the insides of my camera - there is an arrow pointing to the mirror, and the text references Page 34 of the user manual for more info.

Page 34 talks about the "Image Sensor". Is this the mirror??

Reason for asking all this is that the mirror is in pieces! It must have come loose inside the camera, as when I took my lens off to investigate a clink-clink sound from inside the cam, the mirror came out, busted into pieces.

So....if the mirror is indeed the image sensor, is this part difficult to get, does anyone know?

Thx!

Mick

[CometGuy]

Mick,

No the image sensor is behind the shutter, which is in turn behind the mirror.

Terry

[Astroman]

The mirror is in front of the sensor. The sensor is behind a shutter behind this mirror. You may be able to source a damaged 300D and replace the mirror, or it might cost you to get it replaced., and would cost more if more was broken other than the mirror.

[shaneaust]

Thanks, guys - next question - is the mirror, then, necessary in order to take photos with this camera??

Ta (again)

Mick

[Astroman]

It is if you want to look through the view finder, but not necessary to take images. The sole purpose of the mirror is just to redirect the incoming light through to the viewfinder.

Oh must add some cameras also use the mirror help with metering, but if you just intend to use the camera for Astronomical use in manual mode, then it has no use. Better than modding the firmware for mirror lock up :)

[CometGuy]

One other thing, autofocus will also not work as it relies on the mirror.

Terry

[shaneaust]

Many thanks! The only thing I use this camera for is astrophotography, and I use it solely in manual mode, anyway....

Good news.