Do you Clean your Own Sensor?

I am not advocating that you clean your sensor yourself or send it in to be cleaned, that is your decision, but this article is interesting. However it is incorrect in that it says that if you mess up you need to be prepared to purchase a new camera - NOT. The sensor filter (which you are actually cleaning) can easily be replaced, yes you have to send it in, but it is cheaper than buying a new camera. You do not void the warranty by cleaning your own sensor .

I have been cleaning my camera sensors for years, and although I have never had any problems, it IS nerve wracking. I really love the newer built in dust removal cameras, but the best way to prevent dust is good practices when changing lenses, etc. Do NOT face the body UP when changing lenses, place it DOWN. Do not change lenses when there are lots of black flies or dust or under windy conditions (put your back to the wind). I have often found that just blowing the sensor is enough, although I have used the wet sensor cleaning system as well as the pen method (I currently use that method, the pen costs $10 and can be used over and over; the pen works well unless you get a really big goober) Lisa

Do you Clean your Own Sensor?
"Every digital camera user will have confronted or will confront one day the issue of sensor dust. Every time you change the lens on your SLR there is a chance that dust will enter your camera. Some of this dust finds its way to the camera’s sensor with the result that you see unwanted and distracting spots on your images."

some tips...

When it comes to sensor dust prevention is worth your camera’s weight in gold. Might I suggest:

- Power your camera off before you change your lens. Most sensors are CHARGED Couple Devices (CCD), Charged being the operative word. Electrostatic charges on and around some sensors actually attract dust to the sensor when your lens is off your camera.

- Always use a body cap when your camera does not have a lens attached.

- Gravity is your friend — Change lenses with lens mount ring facing down, towards the ground.

- Do not change your lenses in breezy and/or dusty conditions.

- If at all possible change your lenses inside, in an air conditioned space, away from excess heat and humidity, carpeting, upholstery and/or any other lint or dust laden materials.

- Change lenses quickly. Don’t remove your lens before you are ready to replace it immediately. The less the camera imaging chamber is open the lower your chance of attracting dust.

- Purchase and use quality lenses. Some inexpensive lenses have little to no sealing rings and dust gets inside your imaging chamber as you zoom and focus, even if you never change lenses.

- Never, ever blow your breath into a camera imaging chamber or at the sensor.

- Never, ever cause the area in your camera’s imaging chamber to be above or below “atmosphere.” In other words don’t use a blower device or a vacuum of any type to clean your sensor.