Cleaning Your Camera's Sensor

by Adrienne Cleveland

Except for the incredibly careful and lucky, all dSLR users get dust on their cameras' sensors. Dust shows up most when you use small apertures, and in smooth areas, such as the sky. When you get so many spots that you tire of cloning them out, it's time to clean your sensor. You can take your camera to an authorized dealer, or you can clean it yourself.

Dust Visible in Image at 100% Magnification

Here are some links that will help you:

• Cleaning Digital Cameras, an excellent discussion of the topic.
  
  
• The Copperhill Method, with tips and cleaning tools available for purchase.
  
  
• Imaging Spectrum, which sells Eclipse fluid, sensor swabs, and pec pads.
  
  
• The Filter Connection, which sells Eclipse fluid, sensor swabs, Giottos Rockets (for blowing dust off the sensor), and other sensor cleaning products.
  
  
• American Recorder, which sells CO2 Dusters.
  
  
• Visible Dust, various products for sensor cleaning, including sensor brushes .