Cleaning the sensor/mirror

[dTEA]

Ok, i've checked a good few tutorials online, but I dont seem to see what I'm looking for.  Basically I've had my camera 6 months, and its seen a fair bit of use, and also a couple of swaps of lens as well.  I think I'm seeing a gentle coating of dust on the sensor/mirror.

So how often do you guys clean yours?

And what do you use to clean it with?  Sensor brush/swabs/blower etc??

[T_J_G]

Good question, I think I have a few specs on my sensor.

[Ridg]

And what do you use to clean it with?  Sensor brush/swabs/blower etc??

If it's the sensor get it done professionally, if it's the mirror brush / blower.

Easy way to tell where the dirt is, if it shows in the viewfinder but not the photos it's the mirror, if it shows  only on photos it's the sensor, if it shows on both then odds are it's the lens.

Most DSLRs have a sensor clear function (I have mine set to everytime the camera switches off), best bet take a couple of reference shots (white paper card) with a small aperture (big f number) and then look at the result in your fav image edition program and look for marks / dust etc and go from there.

[cняis]

There's no home-brew way of cleaning the sensor then? 

[DubFan]

There's no home-brew way of cleaning the sensor then? 

Probably not safely.
How old is the camera and how many shots has it taken?
Some people will send their camera off to be serviced once a year and that will include a full sensor clean.

[dTEA]

It's abut 7 months old so not too sure...something's off I think when comparing pics but will tell today with better light fingers crossed

[T_J_G]

Take a pixel of a white wall at f22

[andybod]

bit of a cleaning guide here i did my d80 a couple of times not had to do the d300 yet but please read all info and check it won't damage your sensor there are a couple of usefull links


http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=9766

and here is an example of a cleaning kit again please read all info carefully


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sensor-Swab-Type-3-Digital-Camera-DSLR-Sensor-Cleaning-Starter-Kit-UK-Stock-/130604340849?pt=UK_Camera_Cleaning_Equipment_Kits&hash=item1e68a01671

[cняis]

My canon d60 is an old girl now, bought second hand off a light user, but it's around 9 years old  Dark specs will show on photos, not the view finder, although they're only noticeable on plain backgrounds like the sky.

[bunj]

Nice and gently with a quality cotton bud on the mirror, auto sensor clean on my 400d.