I'm just curious if anyone cleans their sensor. If so, how often and do you do it and do you have a professional do it? If you do it yourself is it easy to do?
The reason I'm asking is my shots just don't seem as crisp as they used to. I was wondering if it was because I have never cleaned my sensor?
This is something I have wanted to know as well - especially after taking my camera to a shop and having it come back with more dust than it went in with! While I haven't made any more progress on actually cleaning the sensor, I've about decided to do it myself after browsing the following web site. I'll be interested to see what other 365ers have to say! www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com
I get mine done. At least, while my cameras are in warranty. If the sensor gets broken and it isn't my fault, it won't cost me hundreds of dollars to fix.
Some places do it better than others. I have two people I use (besides Canon Australia if I send my gear away for repair) and they both do an excellent job, at a good price point and quite quickly, so I don't see any need to go through the hassle myself. These guys are doing it every day, whereas I'd only be doing it every few months...
Weird - I just had this issue yesterday as well! My pictures ended up with black dots, even after the lens and UV filters were cleaned. Many DSLRs have sensor self-cleaning mechanisms that deliver a pulsed vibration intended to knock off any dust particles - I did this and it solved my problem. From what I read on line, I wold probably be too afraid to do any more than that since most sites recommend that you bring the camera in for cleaning.
I have had mine done professionally, cost $25- and resolved a problem caused by a drop of moisture getting on sensor whilst changing lenses. Wish I could have less dust with film SLRs though. Drives me nuts!
I do my own. I live too far away from anywhere to have it done conveniently. I use a special brush and a blower. Blow air through the brush to electrostatically charge it and then pass the brush over the sensor...wothout actually touching the sensor. The charged brush attracts any dust particles towards it and leaves the sensor clean.
I've been cleaning my own every few months since 2005. I wet clean them with eclipse liquid, pec pads and sensor swabs. It scary at first, but really as long as you properly lock up the mirror, you're not likely to do any damage. There's an IR blocking filter that sits on top of the sensor that is pretty resistant to scratches. And the filter can be replaced if you really screw it up.
Cleaning my own has really saved me a lot of money over the years.
I've used a rocket blower every so often, when I notice something. I haven't felt a need to do anything more, but probably should.
@swilde I've always been a bit worried about using one of the special brushes, I'm enough of a klutz that I wouldn't be able to not touch the surface. Am I worrying unnecessarily? What type of brush do you use? I'm potentially more interested in that method than doing a wet clean. I can't seem to clean a lens without streaking it.
@mtngal The brush looks like taklon or similar. It's German and made especially for the job, (the brand is Dust Patrol if that helps). My big blower is a Giottos. I do have wet cleaner which I bought in the original kit, but Ive never needed it.
@catwhiskers Actually, If your shots aren't crisp it probably isn't the sensor. Sensor dirt tends to leave a specific mark in the same place on each shot. Try cleaning the back of your lens as well as the front.
I change lenses a lot, often while out hiking. When I start seeing dust spots showing up in the sky at small apertures, I know it's time for a cleaning. I use a blower and Lenspen SensorKlear, haven't had to wet clean my sensor yet in10 months and ~35000 shots.
One thing to do to avoid getting dust on the sensor in the first place is to make sure the camera is switched off before you change the lens, the mechanics create a static discharge which attracts fine dust particles. And make sure the lens is connection end down on a flat surface until you put the cap on. : )
@peterdegraaff I may have to do that. My main concern was a film on the sensor not dust. I was wondering if my sensor could get a film on it like when you shooting in the fog and getting haze on the lens?
@mikew I have a blower and that works great for dust specks. My bigger concern was does a sensor ever get a film on on it like a lens does? I can't seem to find an answer to that question. I guess I could get it cleaned and see if that made a difference. Thanks for your input
@catwhiskers I had change lense near the ocean and a drop of spray must have got on sensor. I could tell because when I enlarged a digital photo in processing I noticed that there was a circle in blue sky (and was most noticeable against blue), like a drop had been on lenses. After checking lens and finding nothing I opened camera and under strong light could see a tiny dried moisture drop on sensor. A magnifying glass would have helped. took and get cleaned. Easy peasy
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Some places do it better than others. I have two people I use (besides Canon Australia if I send my gear away for repair) and they both do an excellent job, at a good price point and quite quickly, so I don't see any need to go through the hassle myself. These guys are doing it every day, whereas I'd only be doing it every few months...
Cleaning my own has really saved me a lot of money over the years.
@swilde I've always been a bit worried about using one of the special brushes, I'm enough of a klutz that I wouldn't be able to not touch the surface. Am I worrying unnecessarily? What type of brush do you use? I'm potentially more interested in that method than doing a wet clean. I can't seem to clean a lens without streaking it.
http://365project.org/sleepdozer57/365/2011-09-03
There are several YouTube links for different cameras..
Bit of bravery and curiosity helps. Best of luck'nan. .