Dirty Sensors
Do you ever get random little dots in your pictures? Especially when shooting pictures that have a blue sky as a background? Those little dots and yuckiness means that you, my friend, have a dirty sensor!
I was scared to death to clean my sensor. Instead of doing it myself I would drive it to the Canon repair center and have them do it for me. This worked out great until they started charging to clean sensors. I figured I should learn how to do it myself. And you know what? It’s not that hard. And I think I do a better job then Canon does. Here’s how you do it:
1) Buy some sensor cleaning stuff. I use the Sensor Swab Type 3 and the Eclipse cleaning solution.
2) Take off your lens
3) Turn your camera on and go to the “Clean Sensor” option in the menu.
4) Lay the camera down flat so you can access the sensor.
5) Put a couple of drops directly onto the sensor swab.
6) Slide the swab firmly across the sensor. Repeat in the opposite direction.
7) Turn your camera off and you’re done!
And just in case you still need help here’s some guidance via You Tube.
To avoid getting dust on your sensor always change lenses as quickly as possible and hold the camera with your sensor pointing to the ground when you have the lens off. If you have the sensor pointing to the sky you are more likely to have dust fall into it. Good luck and don’t be scared! I promise it’s not hard!
Remember the Clickin Moms contest I had awhile back? So many of you were disappointed that you didn’t win. Well, they are offering a 10% off discount for all new members! Just enter in the discount code “FRIEND” at checkout. Go check it out!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Thank you thank you thank you for the info, I had no idea and soooo scared to clean my sensor also I joined clickin moms the last time, it is amazing!!
Fabulous post:) Those yucky little dirty spots on my images are driving me crazy. I also joined clickin moms after your first post. LOVE IT!
Still scared but I might work up the courage to try it.
I am trying not be jealous of your 70 degree day as I shiver in the snow here in New England. 
.-= keprunty´s last blog ..Belated Chinese New Year photos… =-.
great info! Thank you!!!
Okay, how did you know I needed this info?? LOL
I have a little squigly showing up on all my pics. It doesn’t look like a crack. But I haven’t been using my camera because of it.
I’m crossing my fingers it’s just a tad of dust or something. So I’m going to follow your cleaning process and hope for the best!
Thank you! Thank you!
.-= Bre´s last blog ..Valentine’s =-.
Wow – you make it sound so easy! Thank you for the instructions, hopefully I won’t have to do this for awhile still. About how often do you clean your sensor?
.-= Mindy´s last blog ..Excited! =-.
Thanks for this, Drew! I hadn’t realized that Canon started charging for the service.
.-= Jen Imus´s last blog ..Love this Location! =-.
Hi Drew! Thank you soooo much for this info! I need to comment more on your blog – I read every single one and love that you give out such practical information. I need to go back through from the beginning and write down all of your tips. Like right now I’m thinking that I need one of those card holders you talked about … I should’ve written it down before. And I need rechargeable batteries for my flash (because it EATS them)!
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..baby m’s newborn photos =-.
I agree Sensor Swab plus with eclipse is a lifesaver and the “how to” video was so helpful. I was nervous at first because I was afraid it would take too much time and would be diffcult. As a mom my time is limited, but it was so easy! I highly recommend the product. FYI – I also noticed that the company that makes the product just started a Facebook page. Photographic Solutions shares some great information about their products and general photography information. Check them out on Facebook and become a fan, Photographic Solutions or facebook.com/photosol
Thanks! I had the Lenspen sensor cleaner, but lost it and think I will be buying some swabs now…
.-= Noel Kelley´s last blog ..Little Baby E – Plymouth, MI newborn and infant photography =-.