Materials Used:
APSC Sensor Cleaning Kit:
eBay http://ebay.us/1ZgziC
Amazon https://amzn.to/38cV4RA
FullFrame Sensor Cleaning Kit:
eBay http://ebay.us/PVeCCy
Amazon https://amzn.to/3ntNHvt
Large Rubber Air Blower:
eBay http://ebay.us/fBBNSv
Amazon https://amzn.to/37u9PQN
This is a short video clip on how I clean my sensor in my DSLR cameras. The method I use is the same since cleaning my early Fujifilm S2 & S3 cameras around 2005 to cleaning the sensor in
the Nikon D7200 today.
No matter what camera body you are using, if you're changing lenses, you open up the possibility of dust getting into your camera and accumulating dust on your sensor.
If you have dust or dirt on your sensor, it may appear as dark specks. These specks are more noticeable when shooting at smaller apertures. Once these dust particles show up on practically all your images, it becomes a problem as you would have to remove them using photoshop or another image editing program.
While many newer cameras have a sensor cleaning function in the set up menu, this isn't always reliable in eliminating dust or specks on your sensors. If that's the case I use the 2 step cleaning method as shown in the video.
Before you begin, find an area that is clean and dust free as much as possible. Take precaution to not touch the sensor with anything but a moistened swab.
I really believe this is something that is very doable, as long as you follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions. Once you successfully complete your first couple of cleanings, you'll feel confident about any future sensor cleanings. You may even do as good a job or better than if you send it out for professional cleaning.
First: Find an area that is clean and dust free as much as possible. Take precaution to not touch the sensor with anything but a moistened swab. I use a bulb style air blower (http://ebay.us/fBBNSv) to blow away any dust that may be on the sensor. Hold the camera with the lens opening down so that any dust blown away falls out instead of getting blown around inside the camera.
Second: Using a new & proper swab from a cleaning kit, I used the APSC Sensor Cleaning Kit: 14 X 16mm Swabs + 15ml Cleaner. ( http://ebay.us/1ZgziC).
I carefully wiped a moistened swab (23 drops of sensor solution) going from left of sensor to the right in one sweep. Then, turn the swab around and wipe from right to left. Swabs for fullframe and APSH sensors are also available.
In my particular case I was able to clean my sensor in one double pass. If you still see problem specks on your sensor, you may find it necessary to repeat the process. But, as the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If you notice a very slight speck when shooting at smaller apertures, like f/22 and you don't normally shoot at that setting, as may be the case for portrait photography, it may be a good idea to hold off on a cleaning.
I really believe this is something that is very doable, as long as you follow the instructions and take the necessary precautions. Once you successfully complete your first couple of cleanings, you'll feel confident about any future sensor cleanings. You may even do as good a job or better than if you send it out for professional cleaning.