Cleaning your Digital SLR sensor

[SuperMangn]

Man I just dont change the lens lol, its 50mm all the way

[ranydl]

Very good technique. I agree with the other comments about not using the vacuum. If you had a purified air source, you could blow it gently across the camera opening as they do in surgery rooms. Probably best to just do it in a room that has no drafts and has the doors and windows shut most of the time (as in an unused guest bedroom). Overall, excellent video!!

[NDSCollector]

What about full frame?

[GreasyPsycho]

@NDSCollector What about them? They have a sensor too, just like the 30D, it's just, physically, a bigger sensor. Same principles apply. That's like asking how Shaq puts on his shoes...no different than you do!

[Aragiss]

You shouldn't put more than 2 cubes of ice to a glass of whiskey. That's against whiskey traditions!

[bradsam]

i like to take like two shots before i even shoot. that helps me. im not good with people so it helps me open up and not be sloppy.

[BlankMessageTV]

i have way too much dog hair in my house to even risk this lol

[lollalot]

Wisky to calm yourself down :) you're not gonna be a bomb disarmer anytime soon are you. Nice video.

[BilboCameron]

Vacuum is very very overkill. In fact, since you didn't mention cleaning the vacuum hose that you have sitting very close to the open camera, you are possible unintentionally dropping bits of dirt into your camera. There is no such thing as a "negative pressure" over the camera. You are actually creating a wind zone and potentially lifting dust and particles off the table which could end up in your camera. My point is you are creating more ills than benefits.

[motleypixel]

@BilboCameron There's a reason I test results and so far the 20 some-odd times I've used this method I've ALWAYS started with more dust bunnies on the sensor then when I finished after the cleaning. Shooting f/22, close focus, at a bright blue sky.

[espaceman000]

@BilboCameron

His method seems logical to me. Vacuum hoses have a pretty steep fall-off zone when it comes to grounded dust particles. Otherwise you'd be able to clean your floors from a foot or more away, and that just isn't the case. Nearby airborne particles, however, will be drawn to the vacuum; and once it's heading for that nozzle, there's no reason for it to take a detour into your camera.

[dbsouza1]

Cool how you set up the vacuum hose. Thanks for the video!

[satansludge]

you do that as if you have done it before and damaged a sensor, I would drink as well !

[motleypixel]

@satansludge it was really apple juice. Haven't yet damaged a sensor. I've cleaned many friends sensors and saved them all an average of $60 for each cleaning. I've cleaned a Canon 20D, 30D, 50D, XTi, and T1i.

[rockdrummerconnor]

when i look through my viewfinder i can see a small mark on it. is it on the mirror or something?

[motleypixel]

@rockdrummerconnor

1 sec ago It's on our focus screen, but don't try to clean it. Never touch your focus screen. Try using a rocket blower to blast air up towards the focus screen...if that doesn't work, then don't worry about it as it will not have any affect on your images.

[sanecra]

whenever i take shots at night, grains appear on my images especially on dark areas.. does it mean that i should have my sensor cleaned?

[motleypixel]

@sanecra no, this is most likely digital noise in underexposed areas which is also exasberated with certain post process techniques. To check to dust on your sensor, set the camera to aperture priority, ISO 500, f/16 to f/22, focus to infinity, and shot at a clear blue section of the sky. Then preview on your LCD and zoom in max and pan the zoom around and you will see the dust specs. Dust specs at the top of the frame means they are at the bottom of the sensor and vice/versa.

[sanecra]

@motleypixel il do that... thanks dude :D

[Phorenn]

Great video. I bought the basic cleaning kit from Copper Hill. I got the QuickStrips instead of the PecPads, but everything else is pretty much the same. I had a nasty smudge on my sensor from trying to brush some dust out of there with a lens brush. The SensorSwipe with the QuickStrip and a few drops of Eclipse made short work of all the dust on my sensor!

By the way, amusingly, a plastic slinky with the Copper Hill Images logo on it and a pack of Smarties were included with my shipment. Nice!

[motleypixel]

@Phorenn Copper Hill has delivered good service...they are the way to go IMHO. Glad to hear it went smooth for you...don't get too frisky and clean that sensor too much :)

[FIGHTTHECABLE]

Love the vacuum cleaner idea

[motleypixel]

@FIGHTTHECABLE It's overkill really...I have also hear of doing this type of work at home in the bathroom after you run the shower really hot and get it misty in there and wait just a bit for the fog to clear and then setup shop and close the doors. The moisture in the air cleans the air by wetting the suspended dust and dropping it to the floor.

[CountryMaster16]

NIce Video very helpfull for ppl who didnt clean there sensor, but why the heck does he has an glas with eggs init on the table

[dennisonearth]

Love the advice: Make sure to have a glass of whisky while performing complex repair to your thousand dollar camera. Just kidding. Thanks for the vid.

[DiaryofPinuno]

i have a question, my nikon d5000 have white spot , and when i do the night scene some images are having reflection, is there any problem on my cam??

[kennylex]

Air circulation is not always good, at least nor from a strong vacuum . A tips is to use the bathroom, it is often the cleanest room with the best ventilation. Use a blower to blow of some dust from the sensor before using the wet stuff.

[motleypixel]

I agree with the last two comments. Thanks for the suggestions and comments.

[Elwoodphoto]

I am guessing you don't have the full sized images anymore but if you do, could you post the images. I would like to see the detail of the corners.

Well done on the video!

[motleypixel]

I'm sure I don't have the images anymore, that is if you are talking about the photos with the dust specs?

[JDUB0044]

you my friend have an essential tremor. Thats why alcohol helps you to stop shaking. you should be put on a beta blocker like propranol if its all that problematic for you.

[spankos]

Alcoholic photographer......

[cyhayward]

the best artists are frequently inebriated

[shr0pshire]

Thanks for the video. I appreciate your detailed guide to cleaning a sensor. Cheers!

[hisham202]

thanks man!!!

this is very good vedio..now I can make a good test for my cam to check how dusty is the sensor

Q; what is in that glass with ice? :)

[mvaca02]

Good video. I appreciate the detailed approach. Thanks for your help!

[knynmous]

you sir are  gay

[motleypixel]

Is that a rhetorical question?

[cheesefries91]

No.

[z28ken]

The whisk(e)y is awesome! :)

[wa8cve]

Your video is nicely done and I enjoyed your comments along the way. Have seen the copperhill approach before but not with simple scotch tape to hold the pad in place. Think I'll try that.

The occasional swallows of whisky to keep yourself steady had me lmao!

Many thanks

[ThatAppleGuy]

thanks