Sensor Cleaning Even if you are careful changing lenses on your DSLR and it has a dust removal mechanism, eventually you may find that some dust has lodged on the sensor. If it's just a couple of spots, you can easily clone them out in your photo editor, but if you have multiple spots, then it's time to consider cleaning the sensor. This can be scary the first time you attempt it, but it's really not that hard if you follow the instructions for the products you are using. There are quite a few kits and tools for cleaning sensors available online. It's a good idea to purchase a blower like the Rocket blower to blow off loose dust. Many photographers use Eclipse or Eclipse 2 and Pec*Pads to clean off stubborn spots, it's a wet method. If you can't remove the dust with a blower or special sensor cleaning brush or Sensor Klear tool, then you must use the wet method. If you don't know if your sensor is dirty, and want to check it, here is how: Put a lens on your camera, set exposure compensation to +1, use Aperture mode (A or Av) and set the aperture to its smallest value (largest number), preferably f22. Point the camera toward the sky, focus and take a shot. Transfer the photo to the computer and look at the image. If you see dark spots, you have dust. There are numerous articles online about sensor cleaning and here are a few: Ben Long, photography
guru and author, has written 2 articles for Creative
Prose: Cleaning Digital Cameras This site covers sensor cleaning from A to Z! Please note that the Sony Alpha, Olympus E Series and Rebel XTi, 40D require Eclipse 2 instead of regular Eclipse as they are coated with tin oxide! The latest Canon models may go back to Eclipse. This is true of the new 50D. Products: Sensor Klear by Lens Pen. A sensor cleaning tool that uses a dry method. Especially good to have along on trips for cleaning in the field. The instructions say to gently tap the edge of the SensorKlear tip on a clean surface to remove any loose carbon before each use. After sensor cleaning, replace the cap and give the shaft a twist while holding the cap. This cleans the SensorKlear and you're ready for the next cleaning operation. How to use Sensor Klear tutorial from LensPen.com. MicroTools Source for all above mentioned cleaning products and others. Basic instructions: Have all the tools/products on hand in a dust-free, draft-free room with good lighting. An LED headlamp helps but not critical. Wipe the camera with a clean, dust free cloth to remove any dust particles that might get into the camera. READ the manual to find out how to put the camera in cleaning mode with the mirror locked up so you can get to the sensor. MAKE SURE you batteries have a good charge before beginning! NEVER use canned air as it contains liquid propellants. A large bulb or battery operated blower can then be used with the camera opening facing DOWN to remove any loose particles so that the dust falls out. Use whatever tools or products you have chosen following the instructions carefully. Set the camera back to picture-taking mode and attach your lens. Repeat the sky photo to see the results of your cleaning. if you see spots, then clean it again. Keep your camera bag vacuumed out and your camera and lenses stored away from dust to prevent dust from entering the lenses when not using them regularly. Try to change lenses only in clean environments, if possible. Of course you can send in the camera to have it cleaned as recommended by manufacturers but very few people do this as it's expensive! I have seen $75 mentioned... |