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If you are new to the world of digital photography, you may wonder how to clean a DSLR sensor. Many of the best digital cameras, after all, are DSLR models, and these cameras require some light maintenance and cleaning. So why clean the best DSLR cameras, why single out the sensor, and how to do it? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
If you are learning how to clean a DSLR camera, cleaning the sensor comes with the territory. As a matter of fact, cleaning is often the first step when wondering how to repair a DSLR camera. Keeping your sensor clean ensures high-grade and accurate images if you are wondering why your digital camera pictures are coming out pink.
Insider Tip
Some DSLR cameras have automatic cleaning modes that do all of the heavy lifting for you.
Experiment with different cleaning methods regarding the sensor when learning how to use a DSLR camera. This will ensure you get a good lifespan out of your camera, so you won’t have to wonder how much a replacement DSLR camera costs.
There are a few methods for cleaning a DSLR camera’s sensor, some of which are detailed below.
Before cleaning your sensor, it helps to understand just how dirty it is. That’s where testing the sensor for dust comes in. Set your camera to a small aperture, like f/16 or f/22. Next, set the camera to its lowest ISO to reduce noise. Take a photograph against something white, like a piece of paper or a wall. Move the camera slightly as you snap the photo to blur it a bit to make the dust more visible. Check the photo for dust via the viewfinder screen or load the image to your computer. If you see obvious flecks of dust, it is time to clean your sensor.
STAT: Most camera makers have included a sensor cleaning function in newer camera models. However, sometimes this handy little feature just isn’t enough. (source)
Set your camera to manual cleaning mode and hold the camera upside down so that the LCD screen faces the ceiling. Use a manual air blower to blow air onto the sensor but exercise caution not to touch the sensor with the tip of the blower. Do not use compressed air for this. Rely on a dedicated air blower for this task.
You can wet clean the sensor using a dedicated cleaning swab. These ship in packs and are generally easy to use. Set the camera to manual cleaning mode and have at it.
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