I know this will seem obvious, but it is easy to forget to make sure the camera is turned off when you are changing lenses. Otherwise, the sensor is exposed to open air with a charge and this will actually attract dust. I have done this more than once!
A couple of things I'd add. (1)You would be surprised how much dust rests on the lens where it joins the body of the camera. When possible, blow the flange surface off before removing the lens, or even more important before you replace it in order to prevent dust falling in when swapping lenses. (2) always try to replace lenses with the body pointing down. That helps prevent dust falling in. That also goes for blowing it out with a rocket blower. Always face it down when you can. (3) Never change lenses with the camera switched on. The sensor develops a slight static charge when the camera is own and that static charge will attract any nearby dust that falls into the body opening. Now for DSLRs, you have to have the mirror up for cleaning so the camera probably has to be on for that but that is why you try to clean in a very low dust environment. (4) most cameras have a cleaning mode that actually induces a slight vibration to help clear dust. Most people have it turned off but it is worth a try prior to more drastic steps. (5) I always stage my lens with cap off and ready to put on before taking off the old lens to minimize time with a live opening. I wait until done to replace the rear lens cap until the new lens is locked in place. (6) Personally, I always wash my hands and wear white lint free gloves (the kind picture framers use) when cleaning. Probably overkill but oils from hands and loose skin cells, etc can become dust particles too and all of have loose skin cells and rarely realize it. I clean my own sensors and as long as you have the right size swabs and follow instructions, it is pretty easy to do but as you said, I take no responsibility for what others do to their own cameras.
Wow - very helpful instructions. I had been worried that my sensor could have been scratched but went through the sensor cleaning (fluid and swab kit) and now everything is pristine. Thanks Nigel, great job and saved me a small fortune in camera workshop fees!
That's hilarious, and I know you're joking, because that's the whole point behind moving the camera around while you take the exposure... but kudos, I did LOL!
This is the best ever, Thank You Nigel !! I am devil for getting my sensor dirty and cleaning here in Ireland costs an arm, leg and a bit of head... I'm forever grateful. Thanks for the tip that the sensor is covered by glass - that's what gave me a confidence to go at it myself :)
Thank you! I was so nervous about touching the sensor and making it worse but these tips really helped! My photoshop hairs out of photos are done for now. Much appreciated x
Nigel, your email today announcing your son's new venture sent me back to this video and reminded me I'm overdue for a round of sensor cleaning. The first line of defense is minimizing the opportunities for dust to get on the sensor in the first place. In addition to the usual recommendations I've adopted the following lens change procedure: 1) Hang the camera from my neck on the strap so both hands are free. 2) Reverse the hood and apply the front cap to the lens currently on the camera. 3) Stack the lens back cap and camera body cap in my left hand. 4) Remove the lens with my right hand. 5) Apply the body cap to the camera with my left hand and rear cap to the lens. 6) Stow the lens and retrieve the next lens with my right hand. 7) Remove the rear cap from the next lens with my left hand, and also the body cap from the camera (both caps end up stacked in my left hand). 8) Install the lens on the camera with my right hand. The procedure takes lots of words to describe, but takes only seconds to perform. The camera body and the rear of the lenses are only open to the outside world for a couple seconds. Dust still finds its way eventually, and I'm overdue for sensor cleaning.
Thanks - gave me the confidence to tackle this job and very happy with the results - used the Pig Iron cleaner and swabs. I had previously messed up the sensor using sub-standard swabs that had left is smeared. Great to be able to get bright clear photos again!
Excellent tutorial. For those of us who live in very dry climates there often is a problem with dust floating in the room as you clean. So, steam up your bathroom first and then clean your sensor in there.
Not THAT much stream! But, when your relative humidity is less than about 30%, you will have a problem with both floating dust, compounded by static, which will make that dust cling to the sensor even more. Then there is the joys of single digit relative humidity...
I knew I had a couple spots on the sensor of my Nikon D300s which I always dealt with in post but after watching your video, I decided to follow your procedure to examine the sensor. What I discovered shocked me. The sensor looked like a snowstorm at night; warp drive in Star Trek! I can't wait to order the cleaning kit and check the difference. Thanks so much.
Not that you need me, but you've sure gained a subscriber! I've been using the old fashioned "take a picture of a white piece of paper" for MANY years. Your technique works SO much better! thanks!
@@NigelDanson you're most welcome. like many others, I've grappled with this problem for years.Your method is flawless, at least in my humble opinion.
I thank you a lot for this video! It was a nightmare thinking of sensor cleaning. I wanted to do it by myself but didn't have the courage. I've done it and it makes a huge difference! I have an old D90 around 100k shots, bought it second hand. After 10k ish shots I realized that the dirty sensor was the guilty for the unsharp photos and not the lenses :)
This was insanely helpful start to finish. I had more spots on my sensor than I thought and half an hour later I managed to get them all off. Can't believe I paid €70 for a cleaning service 3 years ago.
Thanks for the video and giving me the confidence to do this myself. I bought the kit needed, with 12 swabs for the price of one clean at my local camera shop. My sensor was reasonably dirty, but once round with this process and it was down to one spot right on the edge. Happy with that.
This is the best sensor cleaning video I have found. Takes the guess work out of seeing the results of cleaning. The LR instructions were really helpful.
Thanks, Nigel, I have a grey dot in my photos and was told it was probably on my sensor. Now I have the knowledge to purchase what I need to clean the sensor. Thanks for the tip. I've never cleaned it for years and just started using the camera again.
I have just received a wet cleaning kit and tried it on my D7200 which had too many spots to count. Following your set up it now just down to one small spot. A result thank you so much. As you said in the vid that you are cleaning the glass in front of the sensor that made me decide to go for it. A result thank you so much.
Just checked my sensor and cannot believe the amount of dust using your lightroom method, just ordered a blower and cleaning wipes as you recommend. I've never seen any spots in any of my photos which is surprising after doing the check. good tutorial, thanks for the tips. 👍
Instead of 'visualise spots', just push the dehaze slider all the way to the right. It shows much more detailed (and frustrating) dust spots view. Also be careful with the blowers, they may have little rubber particles inside (especially low quality and/or old blowers) that will be blown onto your sensor at a high speed.
thank you. this video made me understand that you pretty much don't need to clean your sensor in most situations, barring some extremes such taking a handfull of dust/sand and spilling it on your sensor
Thank you so much mate, i've got this video saved since 2019 when I bought the same tools that you use to do the cleaning on my A7III sensor but only felt secure enough today and the results were brilliant! thank you so much for this tutorial! 🇧🇷
Thank you for sharing this with us.. well ... I must share with everyone my experience with the sensor issue. I have a Canon 5D Classic.. and lately I started noticing spots.. and yes .. it was the sensor. I did the proper tests and made sure it was the sensor. I was too afraid to clean it with anything but the cleaning kit, but I thought to myself.. the sensor is protected by glass.. so I will actually clean the glass and never the sensor .. 3 days later I decided to use cotton swabs and some 91% isopropyl alcohol.. yes.. I made that decision even though I LOVE my camera so much.. so .. I put aside about ten cotton swabs and kind of soaked the first one with alcohol and gently cleaned the sensor all the way.. then right away grabbed another dry cotton swab and dried the sensor.. I repeated that twice ... and guess what .. it worked .. I honestly was so extremely happy with the result. I have super clean images and no spots whatsoever. This is not a trick NOR am I gaining anything by saying this.. I just wanted to share this and let others know they can do the same. It worked for me... (perfectly).
oh man thak you, needed to clean my D750 and my D3200 because i had dust ruining my astrophotography and i only found out there was dust when i had the aperture at f22, always felt nervous about physically wet cleaning my sensor for the first time but i bought a pack of those disposable brushes with tubes of liquid and watching your video gave me the comfort to do it, i tested on the D3200 first of course since the D750 is my main camera and the results were great so i did it with my 750 and now its like new.
Thank you for the tips! My camera is brand new but I kept seeing spots everywhere for long exposures. Clone stamping was getting ridiculous....just cleaned using your advice and it's perfect now!
I got mine cleaned a Calumet one time got it home and opened it to look and was horrified . There was a film of cleaning residue that covered the sensor in a light grey white . I ordered a cleaning kit and did it myself from then on in . It's one of those myths ( Don't touch your sensor ) in photography . It's simple as just another way for camera company's to rinse you . Top work Nigel .
Top man! Lots of groups on FB are in denial, some boast of not having cleaned a mirrorless sensor in 5 years! It was a constant problem on the Sony A6000 I owned, and I noticed a couple of spots on the OM-D E-M10 that I just acquired. Very clear tutorial, the Lightroom trick is brilliant. 👍🏻
I can see it now Bobcat. Mission impossible music in the background, clock counting down, assistant wiping the sweat from your brow. Is it the green or the red swan? Lol 😁 I know what you mean though. It is a bit nerve racking the first time.
Hi Nigel, so glad you did a video on how to safely clean your camera sensor. I've recently purchased a Nikon D800 from mpb and my first test shots show halo like marks on the images. These look similar to the one you found on your sensor shown in your video. I've gone ahead and ordered a swab cleaning kit. I'll watch your video once more before I do the sensor cleaning.
Thank you, Nigel! I just got a new (to me) camera and have cleaned the sensor so it is like brand new. Your video is brilliant and the spot visualisation trick is amazing!
Never had a need to use anything other than self cleaning function of my cameras, several times i have had spots in images , i simply hit the button "clean lens" TADA !!! It's clean ! :))
Thanks Nigel another good job. I would add one thing to this before you take off the lens just blow or brush around where the lens joins the body. You dont want any chance of recontaimination.
Just received my VSGO Full Frame All in One Cleaning Kit it's a great kit it has everything you require and delivery was quick, great service guys 5* thank you.
Thank you so much Nigel, I thought I'd scratched my sensor in a moment of stupidity and was quoted $140 AUD for a sensor clean. I was recommended your video and one $20 sensor cleaning kit and 2 swabs later the scratch that was actually only a smudge (thank god) is gone and I'm chuffed to bits!
I have never cleaned any of my camera sensors. It's alright now, cause I got a new camera. But I know I won't be getting new one for another 5 years. So I'll ensure I clean it properly now! I was ALWAYS scared to even attempt it. Thanks!
Hi Nigel! Thx for this Video. The sensor of my Z7 was very dirty after some intense camera uses in the last months. But i was a little afraid of cleaning the sensor by myself. Then i did a test shot with the white screen. In Lightroom the inverted image looked like the starlit sky. And the blower alone couldn't fix it. That's why the wet cleaning was badly needed. And the result with the swabs is perfect. So again, thanks a lot that you demonstrated that a wet cleaning can't go really wrong. Bye, Michael
Very useful Nigel. The spot visualisation technique is fantastic. I had normally had to wait to shoot a clear blue sky but your technique works a treat.
Thank you, I feel much more encouraged and informed about cleaning my sensor (which desperately needs it). BTW, I noticed your SF Giants ball cap. GREETINGS from the from the San Francisco Bay Area!
very handy! just cleaned up some very noticeable lens dust using this technique. I should highlight that I loaded my white screen shots in to the Nikon Capture NX-D software and reduced the light using the Master Lightness/Gamma option it has and up popped more than a few dust spots. Sorted now.
Thank you! I do clean my sensor. I use the blower and the swabs with the fluid. I found I had to clean my full frame camera sensor and only had the crop sensor swabs. You can do that since they are smaller but you have to use more of them. I'll have to order some swabs. Do you find you have to clean the Mirrorless camera more often than a DSLR?
And, buy a new blower ("rubber" ball) each couple years. As the "rubber" gets older and has been used well, it may start to disintegrate and release tiny rubber particles.
*Excellent* video and explanation. Love the slo-mo clip of fluid being dripped on to the sensor cleaning pad. Wish every how-to video was this good. One comment: Nigel warns against using compressed gas to clean the sensors, bad things can happen. Good point. Against that: I've seen the CPS (Canon Professional Services) techs at trade shops cleaning sensors. And versus the blower bulbs recommended, and which I use ... the techs all use compressed gas. FWIW.
What a brilliant video - thank you Nigel. Fantastic Lightroom tip to see the spots on your sensor. Despite my fear, you have inspired me to have a go - just ordered your recommended products.... wish me luck!
That first time with the swabs is the worst until you realize how simple it is to accomplish. After dealing with the infamous D600 oil contamination years ago, I don’t have to do a wet clean that much anymore with the D810 due to taking great pains in the field to minimize dust intrusion which I’m sure you’ll expound upon in the next video. Good demo Nigel. Cheers!
I use an old full sensor swab and wrap around it a Zeiss Lens cleaning wipe......It works wonders and swabs are made for sensitive glass that scratches easily ..... It works !!!!!
Wow, thank you for this video!! i have been cleaning my camera using Sensor Swabs by Photographic Solutions and I will add your steps on doing it as well. Great video sir!!!!
Enjoyed the video and although I have cleaned my sensor before, I haven’t used a brush. I just ordered one (using your link). After returning from a few days in very sandy & dusty conditions, I think my camera sensor needs a cleaning!
As others have said thanks so much for this. I used one of our cream coloured walls instead of a white screen to see the spots on the sensor. Managed to blow all of them off with my rocket except one pesky spot. Which of course is right in the middle of the screen. Gonna buy a brush. Thanks.
Great video Nigel. I really appreciate your close ups and camera angles showing every detail. Although less so, it's still a scary thing to do. I used to clean unprotected telescope mirrors, same precautions apply, light pressure, not aggressive. It's MHO that it's better to have less dust than before than to ruin a surface trying to get a perfect clean. Also for the record, I never stand vertical an open lens or lay flat an uncovered camera body. If I can't cap them right then, I lay the lens flat and stand the camera body upright. MAYBE IN THIS LIGHT YOU CAN TAKE LOOK AT commenting via video the OP/TECH DOUBLE lens mount cap. I think they are a great idea since you can change lenses without having to put either lens or camera body down.
Very helpful. I had a spot on my Pentax K70 that wouldn't blow out. I used a sensor swap the way described and now it is gone. I had that spot for over a year, but I was afraid to mess with my sensor. I didn't know how delicate it was.
Some excellent advice, I recently needed to clean the sensor on my Df, i'd never done it before - would have cost some ridiculous price to have done professionally. I bought a pack of Amazon, and did it with the same wet kit you are using - worked really well. A bit scary, but cleaned up really well. It cost less than half the price of a professional clean, and i have stuff and swabs left to do again in the future if need be.
Hi, just had a re-watch. Two years on and now own a Nikon mirrorless. I have been cleaning my sensor with the kit you recommend - including the great-looking rocket blower. Toying with the idea of a sensor dust brush now but wondered how you clean that? Will need careful cleaning. Heard stories of having to use distilled water and all sorts of complicated things. Cheers.
Having just watched your video. I have successfully cleaned the sensor on my Nikon D500. I am happy that I have removed 90% of the offending dust and grease. I took a few photos outside and am very satisfied with the results. However, I did find that if I took the lens off and looked through the viewfinder I could still see a lot of dust. This was clearly not on the sensor and probably would never turn up on any image. However just seeing it was still annoying. So I decided to clean the ground glass screen . Bingo all gone.
Thanks for this. I shoot in the windy desert so it's an issue sometimes. I still almost never have to do this though so I forget the steps. Love that shirt
Very useful video! Thanks Nigel! I have a question: if the stain appeare in the bottom part of the picture, isn't at the top of the sensor because the light is projected upsidedown?
Hi Nigel, Just wanted to say thanks so much for this video. I was absolutely bricking it about cleaning the sensor lol but after watching this video decided to give it a try with the VSGO kit you recommended. Using that useful technique in Lightroom I could see the sensor was filthy (not even had the camera that long but I change lenses a lot plus mirrorless don't have the mirror to protect sensor). After doing the swab technique I managed to get rid of pretty much all the spots. Thanks again - really appreciate it!
OML, my used camera had a whole finger smudge on the sensor!!! Can't wait for my cleaning gear to arrive, that's crazy that a whole finger print got on the sensor, whoever used this camera last obviously didn't care to clean their sensor, that or the pawnshop touched the sensor for no reason. Good thing I knew to check the sensor before my return window. I might have to do like 3 passes with the swab lol. Update, 1 swab and blower did the job. Only 1 pass was enough to get rid of the pesky finger smudge. I can finally take longer exposures without having to worry about annoying sensor smudges showing up. 🙂
Thank you so much for this video! I've had this spot on the top of my photos that I just couldn't get rid of, even though I had cleaned my lenses and the mirror religiously! A couple times over with the brush on the sensor, and it's all gone now. This was such a rookie move of me, I can't believe I didn't think of it being the sensor!
I know this will seem obvious, but it is easy to forget to make sure the camera is turned off when you are changing lenses. Otherwise, the sensor is exposed to open air with a charge and this will actually attract dust. I have done this more than once!
@@momtomany some modern cameras allows the shutter curtain to be down when camera is off so the sensor wont' be exposed.
@@bluehonour02 should have been a feature with mirrorless from the start.
except the eos rp doesn't close the shutter curtain when turned off ..........
@@ko4ichigo almost all mirorless cameras do not have curtain
@@kamilm6616 Shutters are too fragile for this purpose. That's probably the main reason it didn't go that way.
A couple of things I'd add. (1)You would be surprised how much dust rests on the lens where it joins the body of the camera. When possible, blow the flange surface off before removing the lens, or even more important before you replace it in order to prevent dust falling in when swapping lenses. (2) always try to replace lenses with the body pointing down. That helps prevent dust falling in. That also goes for blowing it out with a rocket blower. Always face it down when you can. (3) Never change lenses with the camera switched on. The sensor develops a slight static charge when the camera is own and that static charge will attract any nearby dust that falls into the body opening. Now for DSLRs, you have to have the mirror up for cleaning so the camera probably has to be on for that but that is why you try to clean in a very low dust environment. (4) most cameras have a cleaning mode that actually induces a slight vibration to help clear dust. Most people have it turned off but it is worth a try prior to more drastic steps. (5) I always stage my lens with cap off and ready to put on before taking off the old lens to minimize time with a live opening. I wait until done to replace the rear lens cap until the new lens is locked in place. (6) Personally, I always wash my hands and wear white lint free gloves (the kind picture framers use) when cleaning. Probably overkill but oils from hands and loose skin cells, etc can become dust particles too and all of have loose skin cells and rarely realize it. I clean my own sensors and as long as you have the right size swabs and follow instructions, it is pretty easy to do but as you said, I take no responsibility for what others do to their own cameras.
The “visualise spots” feature in light room is most useful, thank you.
How were you able to find it? I am using LR Classic and cannot seem to find that button
@@ajlarson5283 you have to click on Spot Removal first, then it appears.
Wow - very helpful instructions. I had been worried that my sensor could have been scratched but went through the sensor cleaning (fluid and swab kit) and now everything is pristine. Thanks Nigel, great job and saved me a small fortune in camera workshop fees!
I still have spots. Now all I have to do is clean my computor screen.
LOL
wipe the tears off, bud' ;)
😂😂 mouse pointer😂😂
LOL!!!!
That's hilarious, and I know you're joking, because that's the whole point behind moving the camera around while you take the exposure... but kudos, I did LOL!
This is the best ever, Thank You Nigel !! I am devil for getting my sensor dirty and cleaning here in Ireland costs an arm, leg and a bit of head... I'm forever grateful. Thanks for the tip that the sensor is covered by glass - that's what gave me a confidence to go at it myself :)
Wow. Thank you Nigel. I have NEVER cleaned my sensor. Now I have the confidence and will order the tools immediately!
Thank you! I was so nervous about touching the sensor and making it worse but these tips really helped! My photoshop hairs out of photos are done for now. Much appreciated x
After watching this I tried it out and MAN my sensor is filthy, I have just booked it in to be fully cleaned ahead of my trip next week. Thanks Nigel.
Nigel, your email today announcing your son's new venture sent me back to this video and reminded me I'm overdue for a round of sensor cleaning. The first line of defense is minimizing the opportunities for dust to get on the sensor in the first place. In addition to the usual recommendations I've adopted the following lens change procedure: 1) Hang the camera from my neck on the strap so both hands are free. 2) Reverse the hood and apply the front cap to the lens currently on the camera. 3) Stack the lens back cap and camera body cap in my left hand. 4) Remove the lens with my right hand. 5) Apply the body cap to the camera with my left hand and rear cap to the lens. 6) Stow the lens and retrieve the next lens with my right hand. 7) Remove the rear cap from the next lens with my left hand, and also the body cap from the camera (both caps end up stacked in my left hand). 8) Install the lens on the camera with my right hand. The procedure takes lots of words to describe, but takes only seconds to perform. The camera body and the rear of the lenses are only open to the outside world for a couple seconds. Dust still finds its way eventually, and I'm overdue for sensor cleaning.
Thanks - gave me the confidence to tackle this job and very happy with the results - used the Pig Iron cleaner and swabs.
I had previously messed up the sensor using sub-standard swabs that had left is smeared.
Great to be able to get bright clear photos again!
Excellent tutorial. For those of us who live in very dry climates there often is a problem with dust floating in the room as you clean. So, steam up your bathroom first and then clean your sensor in there.
I was going to say this but I then heard bad things about this technique and moisture in the sensor box. So refrained
Not THAT much stream! But, when your relative humidity is less than about 30%, you will have a problem with both floating dust, compounded by static, which will make that dust cling to the sensor even more. Then there is the joys of single digit relative humidity...
Thanks Nigel. Much better than most other vids I've seen on the subject. And no irritating 'comedy' stunts wasting our lives too.
I knew I had a couple spots on the sensor of my Nikon D300s which I always dealt with in post but after watching your video, I decided to follow your procedure to examine the sensor. What I discovered shocked me. The sensor looked like a snowstorm at night; warp drive in Star Trek! I can't wait to order the cleaning kit and check the difference. Thanks so much.
Not that you need me, but you've sure gained a subscriber! I've been using the old fashioned "take a picture of a white piece of paper" for MANY years. Your technique works SO much better! thanks!
Thanks so much
@@NigelDanson you're most welcome. like many others, I've grappled with this problem for years.Your method is flawless, at least in my humble opinion.
I thank you a lot for this video! It was a nightmare thinking of sensor cleaning. I wanted to do it by myself but didn't have the courage. I've done it and it makes a huge difference! I have an old D90 around 100k shots, bought it second hand. After 10k ish shots I realized that the dirty sensor was the guilty for the unsharp photos and not the lenses :)
Yeah!!!
This was insanely helpful start to finish. I had more spots on my sensor than I thought and half an hour later I managed to get them all off. Can't believe I paid €70 for a cleaning service 3 years ago.
Glad it helped!
Thanks for the video and giving me the confidence to do this myself. I bought the kit needed, with 12 swabs for the price of one clean at my local camera shop.
My sensor was reasonably dirty, but once round with this process and it was down to one spot right on the edge. Happy with that.
This is the best sensor cleaning video I have found. Takes the guess work out of seeing the results of cleaning. The LR instructions were really helpful.
Thanks, Nigel, I have a grey dot in my photos and was told it was probably on my sensor. Now I have the knowledge to purchase what I need to clean the sensor. Thanks for the tip. I've never cleaned it for years and just started using the camera again.
I have just received a wet cleaning kit and tried it on my D7200 which had too many spots to count.
Following your set up it now just down to one small spot. A result thank you so much.
As you said in the vid that you are cleaning the glass in front of the sensor that made me decide to go for it.
A result thank you so much.
Brilliant - glad to hear that!
Just checked my sensor and cannot believe the amount of dust using your lightroom method, just ordered a blower and cleaning wipes as you recommend. I've never seen any spots in any of my photos which is surprising after doing the check. good tutorial, thanks for the tips. 👍
Just cleaned my sensor for the first time. The lightroom tip was a lifesaver. Thank you!
Instead of 'visualise spots', just push the dehaze slider all the way to the right. It shows much more detailed (and frustrating) dust spots view. Also be careful with the blowers, they may have little rubber particles inside (especially low quality and/or old blowers) that will be blown onto your sensor at a high speed.
Thanks, great video, easy to follow and I've successfully cleaned my sensor for the first time.
Thanks Nigel, this is still, after few years a very handy way to check sensor and clean it.
thank you. this video made me understand that you pretty much don't need to clean your sensor in most situations, barring some extremes such taking a handfull of dust/sand and spilling it on your sensor
I love how you index what the video will be first thing. Love the straightforwardness
Thank you so much mate, i've got this video saved since 2019 when I bought the same tools that you use to do the cleaning on my A7III sensor but only felt secure enough today and the results were brilliant! thank you so much for this tutorial! 🇧🇷
I wish I didn't know about LR "visualize spots" that's definitely going to be an OCD trigger!!
That's why I won't use it
Nigel, i truly appreciate you haven taken some time to make this video. It is an amazing method to spot sensor dirt. Thanks (Y)
Thank you for sharing this with us.. well ... I must share with everyone my experience with the sensor issue. I have a Canon 5D Classic.. and lately I started noticing spots.. and yes .. it was the sensor. I did the proper tests and made sure it was the sensor. I was too afraid to clean it with anything but the cleaning kit, but I thought to myself.. the sensor is protected by glass.. so I will actually clean the glass and never the sensor .. 3 days later I decided to use cotton swabs and some 91% isopropyl alcohol.. yes.. I made that decision even though I LOVE my camera so much.. so .. I put aside about ten cotton swabs and kind of soaked the first one with alcohol and gently cleaned the sensor all the way.. then right away grabbed another dry cotton swab and dried the sensor.. I repeated that twice ... and guess what .. it worked .. I honestly was so extremely happy with the result. I have super clean images and no spots whatsoever. This is not a trick NOR am I gaining anything by saying this.. I just wanted to share this and let others know they can do the same. It worked for me... (perfectly).
oh man thak you, needed to clean my D750 and my D3200 because i had dust ruining my astrophotography and i only found out there was dust when i had the aperture at f22, always felt nervous about physically wet cleaning my sensor for the first time but i bought a pack of those disposable brushes with tubes of liquid and watching your video gave me the comfort to do it, i tested on the D3200 first of course since the D750 is my main camera and the results were great so i did it with my 750 and now its like new.
Remember in astrophotography you can take flat frames if you do stacking which removes all the dust and vignetting from the stack.
Thank you for the tips! My camera is brand new but I kept seeing spots everywhere for long exposures. Clone stamping was getting ridiculous....just cleaned using your advice and it's perfect now!
That is great news! Pesky dust spots
I got mine cleaned a Calumet one time got it home and opened it to look and was horrified . There was a film of cleaning residue that covered the sensor in a light grey white . I ordered a cleaning kit and did it myself from then on in . It's one of those myths ( Don't touch your sensor ) in photography . It's simple as just another way for camera company's to rinse you . Top work Nigel .
Top man! Lots of groups on FB are in denial, some boast of not having cleaned a mirrorless sensor in 5 years! It was a constant problem on the Sony A6000 I owned, and I noticed a couple of spots on the OM-D E-M10 that I just acquired. Very clear tutorial, the Lightroom trick is brilliant. 👍🏻
Thanks for that, I thought cleaning my sensor was going to be like defusing a bomb! 💣 Sweat dripping off me, hands shaking.
I can see it now Bobcat. Mission impossible music in the background, clock counting down, assistant wiping the sweat from your brow. Is it the green or the red swan? Lol 😁 I know what you mean though. It is a bit nerve racking the first time.
That sounds more like the situation when I'm about to secure the heatsink on a CPU. :D
Same. That's why I never leave my lenses or camera without Cover for longer then 1 second. His coverless Lens on the desk Made me itchy.
Before I started this video I thought “better take off my sweater, I’m gonna get the nervous sweats” 🤣
knees weak, palms are sweaty
Hi Nigel, so glad you did a video on how to safely clean your camera sensor. I've recently purchased a Nikon D800 from mpb and my first test shots show halo like marks on the images. These look similar to the one you found on your sensor shown in your video. I've gone ahead and ordered a swab cleaning kit. I'll watch your video once more before I do the sensor cleaning.
I am very impressed how you explain professional sensor cleaning procedure. thank you for sharing link we may purchase the kit.
Thank you, Nigel! I just got a new (to me) camera and have cleaned the sensor so it is like brand new. Your video is brilliant and the spot visualisation trick is amazing!
Never had a need to use anything other than self cleaning function of my cameras, several times i have had spots in images , i simply hit the button "clean lens" TADA !!! It's clean ! :))
Wow, it really works! Have just done this here according to your steps. Lots of dust spots here. Thank you so much.
Glad it helped!
Thanks Nigel another good job. I would add one thing to this before you take off the lens just blow or brush around where the lens joins the body. You dont want any chance of recontaimination.
Yes - good tip David..
Just received my VSGO Full Frame All in One Cleaning Kit it's a great kit it has everything you require and delivery was quick, great service guys 5* thank you.
Awesome! I will let Sam know
Thank you so much Nigel, I thought I'd scratched my sensor in a moment of stupidity and was quoted $140 AUD for a sensor clean. I was recommended your video and one $20 sensor cleaning kit and 2 swabs later the scratch that was actually only a smudge (thank god) is gone and I'm chuffed to bits!
Thanks for this Nigel. I just used the Sensor brush you recommended. It's awesome! works really well.
Thank you for this thorough description that took my fear away.
Excellent Video Nigel. Really appreciate you taking time out to share your tricks on cleaning sensor. Thank you.
I have never cleaned any of my camera sensors. It's alright now, cause I got a new camera. But I know I won't be getting new one for another 5 years. So I'll ensure I clean it properly now! I was ALWAYS scared to even attempt it. Thanks!
Glad I hung on to this video….just cleaned my Olympus today…thanks for the advice…piece of cake in the end!…😎😵💫📸
Hi Nigel! Thx for this Video. The sensor of my Z7 was very dirty after some intense camera uses in the last months. But i was a little afraid of cleaning the sensor by myself. Then i did a test shot with the white screen. In Lightroom the inverted image looked like the starlit sky. And the blower alone couldn't fix it. That's why the wet cleaning was badly needed. And the result with the swabs is perfect. So again, thanks a lot that you demonstrated that a wet cleaning can't go really wrong. Bye, Michael
Super surprised and excited, I saw our brand sensor cleaning suit. Thank you for sharing. It's really great!😘😘😘
Thank you - I used your kit and it worked great!
thank you so much, i almost took it somewhere to get cleaned
Very useful Nigel. The spot visualisation technique is fantastic. I had normally had to wait to shoot a clear blue sky but your technique works a treat.
Thank you, I feel much more encouraged and informed about cleaning my sensor (which desperately needs it). BTW, I noticed your SF Giants ball cap. GREETINGS from the from the San Francisco Bay Area!
very handy! just cleaned up some very noticeable lens dust using this technique. I should highlight that I loaded my white screen shots in to the Nikon Capture NX-D software and reduced the light using the Master Lightness/Gamma option it has and up popped more than a few dust spots. Sorted now.
Thank you! I do clean my sensor. I use the blower and the swabs with the fluid. I found I had to clean my full frame camera sensor and only had the crop sensor swabs. You can do that since they are smaller but you have to use more of them. I'll have to order some swabs. Do you find you have to clean the Mirrorless camera more often than a DSLR?
Actually found my d810 to be much worse than the z7. Can't explain why though.
Very good Nigel. I bought the exact same cleaning kit a while ago. Your demo follows the manufacturers instructions to a tee.
FANTASTIC to view this easy way to clean my Camera sensor!!! Thank you, CREIGHTON Photography MONTANA
And, buy a new blower ("rubber" ball) each couple years. As the "rubber" gets older and has been used well, it may start to disintegrate and release tiny rubber particles.
STOP! Demon!!!
Very true
Dude! Great video! I got my first SLR in the early eighties but did not know how to do this. Thank you so much.
*Excellent* video and explanation. Love the slo-mo clip of fluid being dripped on to the sensor cleaning pad. Wish every how-to video was this good.
One comment: Nigel warns against using compressed gas to clean the sensors, bad things can happen. Good point. Against that: I've seen the CPS (Canon Professional Services) techs at trade shops cleaning sensors. And versus the blower bulbs recommended, and which I use ... the techs all use compressed gas. FWIW.
Just wanted to add a massive thank you. This video gave me the confidence to try it so I now I don't have to spend ages cloning out dust spots.
Brilliant
Thank you this really helped! Did my full frame now plan on buying swabs for my crop top. Cheers!
WOW, thanks for the tip in Lightroom! didn't think my lens was that dirty until I tried this!
As this is one I asked for thank you very much Nigel. I think I have been a bit timid in the past on this job.
What a brilliant video - thank you Nigel. Fantastic Lightroom tip to see the spots on your sensor. Despite my fear, you have inspired me to have a go - just ordered your recommended products.... wish me luck!
Great! Have thought my Z6 was dirty since I got it, followed your instructions and the sensor is transformed!
Great to hear!
Thanks. Really helpful. I do ICM so spots show up badly.
Thank you for going through this. Saved me a lot of stress from not knowing if I was doing it properly
That first time with the swabs is the worst until you realize how simple it is to accomplish. After dealing with the infamous D600 oil contamination years ago, I don’t have to do a wet clean that much anymore with the D810 due to taking great pains in the field to minimize dust intrusion which I’m sure you’ll expound upon in the next video. Good demo Nigel. Cheers!
I use an old full sensor swab and wrap around it a Zeiss Lens cleaning wipe......It works wonders and swabs are made for sensitive glass that scratches easily ..... It works !!!!!
Wow, thank you for this video!! i have been cleaning my camera using Sensor Swabs by Photographic Solutions and I will add your steps on doing it as well. Great video sir!!!!
Enjoyed the video and although I have cleaned my sensor before, I haven’t used a brush. I just ordered one (using your link). After returning from a few days in very sandy & dusty conditions, I think my camera sensor needs a cleaning!
Even the tiniest atom of dust on my objective makes my go crazy. Not for the loss in image quality but just that "THERE IS DUST ON MY LENS!!"
Nicely done. And the visualize spots tip in LR is super. Thank you.
Fantastic Nigel. Very useful and well demonstrated
As others have said thanks so much for this. I used one of our cream coloured walls instead of a white screen to see the spots on the sensor. Managed to blow all of them off with my rocket except one pesky spot. Which of course is right in the middle of the screen. Gonna buy a brush. Thanks.
Great video Nigel. I really appreciate your close ups and camera angles showing every detail. Although less so, it's still a scary thing to do. I used to clean unprotected telescope mirrors, same precautions apply, light pressure, not aggressive. It's MHO that it's better to have less dust than before than to ruin a surface trying to get a perfect clean. Also for the record, I never stand vertical an open lens or lay flat an uncovered camera body. If I can't cap them right then, I lay the lens flat and stand the camera body upright. MAYBE IN THIS LIGHT YOU CAN TAKE LOOK AT commenting via video the OP/TECH DOUBLE lens mount cap. I think they are a great idea since you can change lenses without having to put either lens or camera body down.
Perfect timing Nigel it’s like you read my mind!!!!
Very helpful. I had a spot on my Pentax K70 that wouldn't blow out. I used a sensor swap the way described and now it is gone. I had that spot for over a year, but I was afraid to mess with my sensor. I didn't know how delicate it was.
Thanks Nigel . Ive got my cleaning kit delivered ( APSC) . lets do it. Ive had 3 years worth of build up and just been cleaning with a blower .
Super helpful instructions on how to complete a task which I never seem to do 100% successfully! Now no excuses...
Some excellent advice, I recently needed to clean the sensor on my Df, i'd never done it before - would have cost some ridiculous price to have done professionally.
I bought a pack of Amazon, and did it with the same wet kit you are using - worked really well. A bit scary, but cleaned up really well.
It cost less than half the price of a professional clean, and i have stuff and swabs left to do again in the future if need be.
Thanks, that was really helpful. Knowing the actual sensor is covered in glass gave me the courage to proceed.
Hi, just had a re-watch. Two years on and now own a Nikon mirrorless. I have been cleaning my sensor with the kit you recommend - including the great-looking rocket blower. Toying with the idea of a sensor dust brush now but wondered how you clean that? Will need careful cleaning. Heard stories of having to use distilled water and all sorts of complicated things. Cheers.
Excellent video ...many thanks. Why do you not use a sensor loupe to look at the dust etc? ..
Thanks Nigel! Much love and appreciation for you, brother.
Having just watched your video. I have successfully cleaned the sensor on my Nikon D500. I am happy that I have removed 90% of the offending dust and grease. I took a few photos outside and am very satisfied with the results. However, I did find that if I took the lens off and looked through the viewfinder I could still see a lot of dust. This was clearly not on the sensor and probably would never turn up on any image. However just seeing it was still annoying. So I decided to clean the ground glass screen . Bingo all gone.
Thanks for this. I shoot in the windy desert so it's an issue sometimes. I still almost never have to do this though so I forget the steps. Love that shirt
I'm so glad i kept the manual for my d850. This video was helpful.
Hi. Thanks for the video. Question: when I use à liquid solution for cleaning the sensor, I have to turn off the camera before cleaning?
Very useful video! Thanks Nigel! I have a question: if the stain appeare in the bottom part of the picture, isn't at the top of the sensor because the light is projected upsidedown?
Yes - I thought I mentioned that but probably not very well!
Excellent tutorial! Thank you!! I’m getting ready to do my first wet sensor cleaning on my GFX camera…
Glad I found this Nigel. I trust you and there is a stubborn speck on my Z50 sensor.
Hi Nigel, Just wanted to say thanks so much for this video. I was absolutely bricking it about cleaning the sensor lol but after watching this video decided to give it a try with the VSGO kit you recommended. Using that useful technique in Lightroom I could see the sensor was filthy (not even had the camera that long but I change lenses a lot plus mirrorless don't have the mirror to protect sensor). After doing the swab technique I managed to get rid of pretty much all the spots. Thanks again - really appreciate it!
OML, my used camera had a whole finger smudge on the sensor!!! Can't wait for my cleaning gear to arrive, that's crazy that a whole finger print got on the sensor, whoever used this camera last obviously didn't care to clean their sensor, that or the pawnshop touched the sensor for no reason. Good thing I knew to check the sensor before my return window. I might have to do like 3 passes with the swab lol.
Update, 1 swab and blower did the job. Only 1 pass was enough to get rid of the pesky finger smudge. I can finally take longer exposures without having to worry about annoying sensor smudges showing up. 🙂
Nigel, great job demonstrating your lens cleaning technique. I followed your instructions and it worked perfectly. Thanks.
Thanks, Nigel, for this helpful video and walking through all the details. My sensor (Sony a7ii) hasn't looked nicer!
Thank you so much for this video! I've had this spot on the top of my photos that I just couldn't get rid of, even though I had cleaned my lenses and the mirror religiously! A couple times over with the brush on the sensor, and it's all gone now. This was such a rookie move of me, I can't believe I didn't think of it being the sensor!