What do you class as a clean sensor?

[^^Gord^^]

I've just done my weekly sensor clean and was wondering at what level people try to get to before they declare their sensor dust free?

 

[Scuzi]

I didn't realise people cleaned their sensors as often as every week. I haven't cleaned mine since I got the camera in December and I've yet to notice any dust spots. It's a 400D with the cleaning system so that looks like it's a big help.

Cleaning the sensor is something that scares me, I think I'll put it off for as long as possible

 

[^^Gord^^]

It's only a quick cleaning with a rocket blower, I don't sensor swipe mine once a week. I only do that if I expect to be doing lots of long exposures the next day or if I've been working in harsh conditions.

 

[ElDude]

I never cleaned my 300D in the year and a bit I had it (now been pinched by my sister) and so far I've not needed to clean the 30D. I suppose it depends on how much you use it outside, and in what conditions.

 

[Spie]

I've never cleaned mine but was horrified to see a dust spot on all my Maldives photos. Only shows up on sky and easily removed in PS. I've bought a rocket blower and will be cleaning the sensor soon.

 

[rpstewart]

It's a 400D with the cleaning system so that looks like it's a big help.

A 400D won't show dust spots as much as the likes of a 30D or a 5D because the cleaning mechanism has moved the AA filter away from the sensor so the dust is further from the focal plane and hence less likely to be in focus.

My old D60 was very similar, it didn't need cleaning in over 2 years because the 2 part design of the sensor and AA filter kept the dust out of view. My 1D on the other hand has the integrated filter and sensor design and needs cleaned far more often as a result.

 

[Amp34]

I had to clean my sensor a few days ago due to a small bit of dust, thats the only time so far. I just blew it until there was no more dust.

 

[FreeStream]

Never cleaned my 350D sensor. 15.5k photos later and 18 months and I can see dust on it Never changed the lens as well

Ah well... one day ill spend some money on getting decent kit for it.

Any ideas for a screen protector/sensor cleaning stuff/lens cleaning kits for cheap?

Ill spend some money on it I think...

 

[Amp34]

Use a rocket blower first, I just blew the dust off with 2 blows on my 400D and didn't have to worry about damaging the sensor. Only costs £8 from your local high street shop to.

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

Only cleaned my 350d once and made sure it was spotless - and I mean spotless before I was happy, as I knew it was gonna be a long time before I was going to do it again - so far not a spec on it.

 

[Bolerus]

every time i take my camera out, last pick of the day, i take a pic of the sky, and do the auto levels test

If I see any spots i get my rocket blower out (if it is more than one or two iu use the bathroom trick)