Have you noticed dark dots appearing on your images easily seen in blue skies that you need to remove in post-production? These dots are likely caused by debris on the sensor and, in most cases, can easily be removed with a Sensor Clean by Visible Dust. Check out our guide below to help perform a safe and effective sensor yourself.
Also, check out our video guides, including
Cleaning a Specific Camera Model
How to use a Visible Dust Product
How to Remove Specific Contamination
① START HERE
The first step in cleaning your DSLR is to inspect the sensor to determine if it has any debris on it.
In the past, this was a cumbersome task using the ‘f/22 test’. Now the most effective way to view any debris on the sensor and within the chamber area is to use the Quasar™ Sensor Loupe® from VisibleDust.
② DRY OR WET CLEAN
Whenever you get contamination on your sensor, 99 times out of 100 it is going to be dry dust contamination. These kinds of contaminations are easily removed using the Sensor Brush®/Arctic Butterfly® with their SCF technology and are very safe; The SCF technology lifts the debris from the sensor onto the bristles, unlike other brushes that just sweep the debris, dragging it across your filter with a potential for damage.
(90-99%) of the time the debris will be dust contaminated and DRY Cleaning is recommended.
(1-10%) of the time the debris will be stain contaminated and require a WET Cleaning.
It is always recommended to remove any dry debris from the sensor before doing a WET Clean. Brush the sensor surface with Arctic Butterfly® Sensor Brush®. Alternatively, use Zee Pro™ or Zeeion® anti-static bulb blower to remove dry contaminants.
Dry Cleaning Method
Removal of dry dust contamination (90-99%)
This method is used when dry dust contamination has been detected on the sensor which occurs 90-99% of the time when contamination has been discovered.
For Large Amounts of Detected Dust
Using the specially fabricated SCF (Super Charged Fibers) technology, dust is effectively drawn from your sensor onto the bristles leaving you with a clean sensor and crystal clear pictures. Dust is attracted to the brush!
For Small Amounts of Detected Dust
Visible Dust Blowers are specifically designed to meet the requirements of sensitive cleaning activities, such as cleaning a digital camera. The majority of blowers available on the market do not have built-in air filters, so they behave like dust magnets, absorb microscopic dust particles and then shoot them at high speed on sensitive surfaces such as the camera sensor. The small damage caused by this is the most common cause of “unknown” sensor damage.
Visible Dust Blowers has a patented design that includes both a front and a rear air filter. These filters prevent the blowing out of microparticles. This construction enables a particle-free, clean air system.
Wet Cleaning Method
Removal of stain contamination (1-10%)
This method is used when a stain has been detected on the sensor which occurs 1-10% of the time when contamination has been discovered.
VDust Plus
Removes stains of unknown origins, water and most oil stains. Prevents streaking and Provides a moderate static barrier. Compatible with both DHAP Orange and MXD-100 Green swabs from VisibleDust.
This is a great place to start or when the nature of the stain is unknown we recommend using VDust Plus™ with our sensor cleaning swabs. This combination removes water stains and light oil stains.
CMOS Clean
Removes saliva, oil and other organic contamination. Quickly evaporates. Residue-free. Non-flammable, non-toxic. Compatible with both DHAP Orange and MXD-100 Green swabs from VisibleDust.
If you need a non-flammable travel safe option this is a great place to start when the nature of the stain is unknown.
Sensor Clean
Removes water-based stains and light dust contamination. Excellent dust repellent and anti-fogging capabilities. Non-flammable,non-alcoholic. Compatible with MXD-100 Green swabs ONLY.
Water-based stains occur when humidity builds up within the chamber area and moisture accumulates on the sensor, or when around very moist areas (waterfalls, rain, etc).
Smear Away
Removes stubborn stains such as oil and lubricant. Provides an anti-static barrier to reduce further contamination. Non-flammable and non-alcoholic. Compatible with MXD-100 Green swabs ONLY.
Oil-based stains occur when lubricant from the camera mechanisms (shutter, mirror) spatter onto the sensor.
③ INSPECT THE SENSOR
The final stage of cleaning your DSLR is to inspect the sensor to determine if the cleaning has been successful and if the debris has been removed.
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