First, let’s talk about why camera sensors get dirty. When your camera is on, the sensor has electricity flowing through it causing a static charge to build up and this attracts dust. This is the most common reason dust and dirt gets on a sensor. Other causes could be condensation from weather or accidental contact with the sensor.
You will notice dirt on a sensor more often when your lens is shut down to f/22 and when your photo has a large, plain area such as a blue sky. Often if your photo is of a busy area such as a forest or group of people,you will not notice dirt unless it’s in an important area such as someone’s face.
To keep your sensor clean take these steps. Always turn your camera off before changing lenses and when you are changing lenses, have your camera facing down. If possible, change in a clean area. Keep your sensor covered as much as possible, every time you remove a lens, make sure to replace it immediately with another lens or body cap.
Have the lens you use most often on your camera, or if you are planning on using a certain lens, put it on the camera while you are in a clean area before heading out. This will reduce your sensor being exposed. This is most important if you are shooting in a dusty or dirty area like the beach or deserts/sand dunes.
· Make sure the lenses and body caps are clean before you put them onto the camera body. Keeping your camera bag clean can help a lot as well.
· Put your camera and lenses in Ziploc bags when traveling.
This will also keep them dry in damp environments or when you are out in the cold and then come into a warm, humid area. Put your camera in a Ziploc before coming in and allow it to warm up in the bag; 30 minutes should be fine. Remember to remove your memory cards before putting the camera in a Ziploc if you want to get photos off your card as soon as you get inside.
Check for dust often, most importantly, check before going on an important trip or before a big shoot. To check for dust, set your camera to f/16 or f/22 at ½ second with auto ISO on. Take a photo of a white wall or clear blue sky with auto focus off and your lens focused to infinity. Move the camera as you are exposing the image. Upload and view on your computer and you will easily see spots. Dust on the sensor will be sharp, in focus specks. If you see blurry spots, they may be caused by dust on the back of your lens.
Cleaning a sensor can be scary. It is expensive to replace the sensor if it gets damaged. Things like using a dust blower can take care of a lot of dust and we recommended having one in your bag. Do not use compressed air or dust off can spray, do not touch the sensor with anything other than clean approved swabs and static brushes.
When you do get dust on your sensor, which will happen, bring it into Schillers for a professional cleaning if you do not feel comfortable cleaning it yourself. Our service cost $65 and normally takes 24 hours.