Clean camera sensor
When to clean
First check if the sensor needs to be cleaned. Avoid doing this operation if is not needed.
Dust on sensor looks like this:
If you are in doubt whether the sensor needs to be cleaned, shoot a light surface such as a wall or the sky with a small aperture (f14 and above). If dust is present you will see particles like the picture above.
Tools
Cleaning swabs
Cleaning solution designed for camera sensors.
Bulb blower for manually puffing dust away with air.
Flashlight or headlamp to see inside the camera and inspect the body.
Step by step
Brush off any dust around the camera mount using a little brush. Keep body cap mounted on the camera for now.
Remove body cap and tilt the camera facing down, use a bulb blower and blow air into the sensor. The dust will fall out.
Be extremely careful NOT to touch the sensor with the tip of the blower. DO NOT use compressed air as this is too powerful and may damage the camera.
Grab the cleaning swab and add 2-3 drops of sensor cleaning solution. Do not oversaturate the swab or you will leave streaks on the sensor. Less is definitely more in this case!
With great care place the swab onto one side of the sensor and with not too much force, gently move the swab across the sensor in one smooth motion. When you get to the other side, turn the swab over and repeat the process starting from the far side back to where you started. Again, do this in one smooth motion with no great force.
inspect the sensor to see if the dust has been removed. If you are not sure, shoot a picture/ video against a bright surface again.
Use the swab only once!! If you need to clean the sensor again, use a new swab.
