Sensor Cleaning

[T-Bird76]

As we all know the most common compliant about DSLRs is dust spots. I've read god knows how many articles about sensor cleaning and the various methods. After chatting with some JP.net screeners who have 30Ds I tried their method with great success. Using a tightly wrapped cotton swab I gently go over the sensor and then simply take the hurricane blower and blow the dust away. I was shocked at the results, after my trip to IAD, no dust spots at all.

Now I'm not saying everyone should use this method, the 30D has a protective screen over the sensor, your camera my not have that. Also I use swabs from the camera store since they are tightly wrapped, Qtips run the risk of leaving particles behind. I'm sure some of you will freak when you read this but I see no reason now to send my camera in for a so called "professional" cleaning when this works great.

[Matt Molnar]

A friend of mine got a cleaning kit for her 300D which involves some kind of solution along with a swab. She says it works great but I'm a little scared to use something like that. Somehow I have dust problems with mine already so I need to do something.

[uplander]

I had terrible dust problems with my camera right away. I finally got one of them hurricane blowers (something like this http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... reId=10001 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplay?dest=frames.jsp&currency=CAD&storeId=10001) but with a built-in filter) and that alone resolved the problem.

I've had a few people tell me "no touch".

[T-Bird76]

I had terrible dust problems with my camera right away. I finally got one of them hurricane blowers (something like this http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... reId=10001 (http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/PageDisplay?dest=frames.jsp&currency=CAD&storeId=10001) but with a built-in filter) and that alone resolved the problem.

I've had a few people tell me "no touch".

The problem with using only a hurricane blower is the dust that is stuck to the sensor. Using a swab lifts the dust off the sensor so the blower can bow it away.

[nwafan20]

One of the reasons why I choose the XTi over the cheaper XT (apart from the jump in MP) is the 3 stage cleaning system. Hopefully I won't have to worry much about dust spots.

[mirrodie]

and the funny thing about that "professional cleaning" is that....they use the same swab you use ;)


Nah, all kidding aside, what elements are the sensors made of? I can't imagine cotton swabs "scratching" the sensor surface and that might be my only fear.

[TallDutch]

maybe a stupid question from a non-native English speaker, but what is a swab ?

[T-Bird76]

maybe a stupid question from a non-native English speaker, but what is a swab ?

It looks like one of those things you clean yours ears out with.

[nwafan20]

http://www.sennacosmetics.com/catalog/Cotton-Swab1.gif
-Swab

[FlyingColors]

I'm more then ready for "self cleaning" or "dust repellent design"

Would love if you could "rinse in clear water after use and let air dry"

Cleaning--please. That's just one more hobby in my hobby I don't want.