sensor cleaning?

[Spinning]

I need to get my sensor cleaned. I had it cleaned once professionally, they did an ok job but still had one or two very tiny spots. I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't really looking. Then I bought the kit and cleaned it a few times. I felt I did ok.
So my question is....I am long over due for a cleaning. Many spots. Way more than when I cleaned it. Since the camera is now a few years old. Maybe 5 or will be turning 5. Would it be best to again have it done professionally? I have a canon 50D. Sr Prom season is coming up soon. I don't want to create any issues!

 

[fractal]

I use Peter Gregg's Sensor Sweep - does a great job.

https://www.petergregg.com/

He also has a couple Youtube videos showing you how to properly clean your sensor using his product.

 

[HPS3]

I wouldn't send my camera in for a sensor cleaning. I use sensor swabs and Eclipse cleaning fluid. I've probably cleaned them myself about a half dozen times with no issues. I assume you've already tried a rocket blower with no luck.

 

[SkaGoat]

I need to get my sensor cleaned. I had it cleaned once professionally, they did an ok job but still had one or two very tiny spots. I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't really looking. Then I bought the kit and cleaned it a few times. I felt I did ok.
So my question is....I am long over due for a cleaning. Many spots. Way more than when I cleaned it. Since the camera is now a few years old. Maybe 5 or will be turning 5. Would it be best to again have it done professionally? I have a canon 50D. Sr Prom season is coming up soon. I don't want to create any issues!

I assume you get the same spots, in the same places no matter which lens you use?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I also use the Sensor Swab w/ Eclipse. I use the pre-moistened swabs and keep a few in my bag. Because of the conditions that I shoot in, I find it necessary to have them with me. I would go broke if I brought it in every time one of my cameras (I have 4 dslr's and two semi-retired) needed a cleaning! I know I am an exception, but I have found it is not that difficult to keep the sensor clean. I really don't worry about some dust in the viewfinder.

 

[Spinning]

I assume you get the same spots, in the same places no matter which lens you use?

Yes it is definitely sensor dust.
Thanks for the input. I have cleaned it successfully in the past but I guess I was worry with the camera getting older if it was a good idea to have it done professionally. They place I took it to before did it in house and it never left.

So time to order more sensor cleaning stuff!

 

[zackiedawg]

I tend to agree with the do-it-yourselfers. Especially if you've done it yourself before, I think you can handle doing it again. It's really not as difficult or scary as some make it out to be, in my opinion.

I have cleaned my DSLRs myself since my first one in 2008 - plus my two mirrorless cameras as well - between the 5 cameras I've probably cleaned them each 1-2 times a year - so probably 15-20 times overall. Sensor swabs and eclipse, like others.

I generally stick to a 3-layer cleaning process: Step 1 - very frequently - use a bulb blower to blow off the sensor before use - maybe once a month or more - this effectively deals with dust about 85% of the time. Step 2 - less frequent - use a sensor brush for those times when something seems to be a little more stubborn - this might cover another 10% of the time. And Step 3 - only as needed - sensor swab and fluid for a wet cleaning, for those rare 5% of the times when the other two are no longer getting rid of everything.

Remember too to not skimp on swabs, pads, or fluid when cleaning yourself...you don't have to do it often, so when you do, take the time to do it right - never swipe the same side of the swab across the sensor more than once, do a wet swab run, and follow it quickly after by a dry swab run. Set your aperture to F22 or smaller, point your camera at a blank white wall, make sure it's out of focus (so spots on the wall don't make you think they're sensor spots!), and I find it's best to do a 2-4 second exposure while moving the camera constantly across the white wall...this will clearly show you where the dust spots are, and how well you removed them. After a wet and dry swab, or two, stick a lens back on and take an exposure as above - if there are still spots, wet swab again, and so on. I sometimes go through 3 or 4 pec-pads or swabs per wet cleaning, but it's worth it.

 

[WDWFigment]

By far the best way to clean your sensor that I've come across is the "Copperhill Method." The site is a little...interesting...but it totally works. Buy the kit, you won't regret it.

http://copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=Tutorials

 

[bob100]

I also use sensor swab, eclipse fluid and pec pads, the kit on Amazon is around $20

 

[rdunative]

I always send mine to get cleaned.

I get my camera back from Canon in about 3-4 business days. Clean sensor, update firmware and an overall op check. If you have a Canon check out http://www.cps.usa.canon.com/ it's worth the yearly membership.

My Nikon took about 7-8 business days and was handled professionally as well.