How to deal with Dust on DSLR Sensors? Photo Soothe

Have you ever noticed those tiny spots on your photos while clicking pictures of the sky or when shooting at narrow apertures? Pretty annoying, right? The sad fact is that DSLR Cameras are dust magnets and you have practically no way to escape dust.

How to check for dust?

1. Before doing this simple test,clean the lens properly with a microfiber cloth , making sure there are not smudges or dirt on the lens.
2. Select a 50mm focal length or longer.
3. Set your camera to Aperture Priority mode
4. If shooting indoors,point your camera at the ceiling or a plane white surface.
5. If shooting outdoors point at the cloudless sky.
6. Narrow down the aperture(f 16,or larger number would work great).
7. Shift to manual focus, make sure your subject is completely out of focus
8. Click a photo.

Check for results.Zoom in. If you can see dark tiny specks in the photo,there is dust on the sensor; if not, the sensor is completely clean.

Should the spots bother you?

• Dust spots are not a major problem for most and they are hardly visible if you are shooting at wider aperture.
•  Also,most cameras have an automatic sensor cleaning system which helps you get rid of some dust.
• If you are not a professional, you certainly need not worry as these dust spots can be treated while post processing.
• Unless your sensor has lots of dust and it hasn't be cleaned by you/professionally for months, it isn't  a major problem.
• Although, you should take measures to reduce the sensor dust.

How to get rid of dust?

• Before getting started , make sure you are in a clean and a bright environment. Switch off the fans and make sure that no windows are open.
• To clean the dslr sensor you need to expose your sensor. You can read the camera manual for some help. The basic method to gain access to the sensor is select 'Clean Manually' OR 'Clean Sensor' option from the camera's menu settings. You will here a 'click' sound as the mirror goes back.
• Take off your lens quickly by tilting your camera downwards.

The following  are some methods to get rid of sesnor dust :

1. Send your Camera to Official Manufacturer for servicing( Canon Care,etc). This is the safest and the most recommended method as it ensures both safety and best results,though you need to pay for this service.
2. Blow off the dust with the help of a rocket air blower. 

• To perform this method, you need a rocket air blower or an equivalent.
•  Face the camera downward, then gently bring the air blower closer to the sensor

           (Warning: Touching the senor with the blower can scratch it).

•  Now give some strong squeezes to blow the air onto to the sensor. 10-12 blows should do the work.
•  This is also a safe method but is capable of removing light & dry dust only. It does not clean the entire sensor but regular usage of this method can produce some effective results.

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