Step-by-step: Advanced sensor cleaning

[_J.G.M_]

If you’re finding yourself spending more time on editing specks of dust out of your pictures than you are taking the pictures, it’s time to clean your sensor. Here, we run through the best ways to do so - for both E-mount and A-mount cameras.

How to check for dust on the image sensor

It’s very common to find dust attached to a camera’s sensor, even when camera covers are routinely employed, and your equipment is properly stored after each use.

Finding where the dust is located is simple:

1. Set the mode dial to A (Aperture Priority).
2. Set the Aperture (F number) to approximately F11 and take several shots of a white wall or paper. A cloudless sky will work too.
3. After shooting, check the images on your camera’s LCD screen or transfer them to your computer. If there is dust on the sensor, dark spots will appear in the same place on all the photographs.

How to clean the image sensor

The following is a step-by-step sensor cleaning guide that you can do yourself – all you need is your camera, a lens brush, and a camera blower. DO NOT use compressed gas to clean your image sensor.

It’s best to carry out the following process in a clean, indoor environment, away from drafts and wind.

STEP 1 – Start by dusting off the camera body and lens.

1. Using a commercial lens brush, lightly dust off the entire body of the camera.
2. Use a commercial camera blower to blow dust off the more delicate parts of the camera, for instance, around the lens.
3. Remove the lens cap and use the camera blower to blow dust off the surface of the lens.
4. Put the lens cap back on to prevent further dust attaching to the lens.

STEP 2 – Use your camera’s Cleaning Mode function.

NOTE: Not all cameras include this function. If yours doesn’t, skip straight to STEP 3.

For the Cleaning Mode to work, you’ll need enough battery power (at least three bars in the battery icon should appear).

1. Power ON your camera and select [Setup] from the menu screen.
2. Select [Cleaning Mode] then [Enter] to automatically start.
3. Re-check for dust on the image sensor. If dust is still present, go to STEP 3.

STEP 3 – Clean the image sensor using a blower.

WARNING: If you cause shock to the camera or scratch the image sensor, you will need to pay for repairs, so it’s important to take care during this step.

For an E-mount camera:

1. Turn OFF your camera.
2. Detach the lens.
3. Use the blower to clean the surface of the image sensor and the surrounding areas. DO NOT touch the image sensor or put the tip of the blower into the cavity beyond the lens mount area. The front of the camera should be tilted downwards so dust can fall off easily.
4. Reattach the lens.
5. Re-check for dust on the image sensor. Releasing the shutter sometimes causes dust to drop, so if this happens, perform STEP 3 again.

For an A-mount camera:

1. Turn OFF your camera.
2. Detach the lens.
3. Use the blower to clean the surface of the image sensor and the surrounding areas. DO NOT touch the image sensor or put the tip of the blower into the cavity beyond the lens mount area. The front of the camera should be tilted downwards so dust can fall off easily.
4. Use your finger to press down on the mirror lock lever and pop up the mirror.
5. Use the blower to remove dust from the area, tilting the camera downwards so dust can fall away.
6. Once clean, press down on the mirror frame portion until you hear a click. DO NOT touch the lens contacts and mirror surface.
7. Reattach the lens. It’s important to confirm the mirror has been completely pushed down, otherwise it could damage your lens or lead to malfunction, and the autofocus system will not be able to achieve proper focus.
8. Re-check for dust on the image sensor. Releasing the shutter sometimes causes dust to drop, so if this happens, perform STEP 3 again.

If the condition of your camera still doesn’t improve, visit Sony Support »