globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

I am pretty sure I have dust on my Canon 60D sensor. See the dark smudge on this photo, seen in the sky slightly to the left of center (download for best view). I have confirmed that pictures taken with two different lenses produce this identical smudge (so not a question of dirt on the lens), and also that it is not a problem with my monitor. So I assume it’s dust on the sensor.

As a newbie, I am kind of perturbed at this. I have only had the camera for three months, and have only changed lenses outside a few times, always in calm, non-dusty environments. Inside, I have changed lenses quickly to minimize sensor exposure. Yet I still get dust on my sensor – what gives?! How often can I expect to have this problem over the life of the camera?

I guess I need to take my 60D to a Canon dealer to have the sensor cleaned? (Any tips on locating Canon dealers in my area? I don’t see anything online to search by zip code, etc. but perhaps I’m missing it.)

I see the 60D manual talks about appending dust delete data and using Digital Photo Professional to erase. I deleted the software that came with my 60D because it didn’t seem to get along well with Windows 7.

Thanks for any advice.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I haven't downloaded your image and don't really see the spot in the sky, but the spot in the ocean sticks out like a sore thumb. Sure looks like sensor dust to me.

Namwife Loc: Midwest

Shooting out in the field w/ hueys kicking up the dirt gives me a lot of Sensor dust... I had to pay a camera store to clean mine and it was $50.00....Sorry you have to deal w/ it ...

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

Here's a link to a podcast/video on how to clean it yourself.

I know, sounds scary but this klutz has done it himelf :wink:

http://phototips.libsyn.com/index.html/episode-71-cleaning-your-camera

Hammster Loc: San Diego, CA

Here are some strategies to keep dust out of the sensor area.
Always turn off the camera's power before switching lenses. A charged sensor is a big-time dust magnet.
Have the opening in the camera body facing downward while switching lenses.
Check the rear of the lens you are going to put on for dust.
I also keep one of those squeeze bulbs around just to blow air into the body opening to blow out any visible dust in the mirror area.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Sorry, I misspoke. I meant the dust spot is in the ocean, not the sky. So no doubt this is dust on the sensor, right? I don't think I want to attempt to clean it myself.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Thanks for the tips! Hadn’t heard of the power off and rear of lens you’re attaching tips. Will incorporate those into my routine.

Anyone know how to locate Canon dealers? I know one place I could use, but there must be others and I’d like to have a choice. I assume they all send it to the same Canon location for service, right?

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

Really, you can do it yourself...get a Rocket Blower....watch Jim Beltz's pod cast (previous link) on the procedure.

Your sensor is covered with a piece of glass and the piece of dust is on that protector, not on the sensor itself.

Sending it to canon for a clean job will cost ~$50. Learn to do it youself and you'll not be shelling out $ because no matter how careful you are dust happens.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Interesting, I will consider this. But I’d never forgive myself if I screwed something up that costs a lot of money to fix!

Btw, I can’t seem to view this video on my computer. I do have Shockwave enabled, so not sure why it won’t load.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi globetrekker: I'm curious does your Canon 60D have the automatic sensor cleaning feature and if it does is it turned on. I know my 5D MKii does and self cleans the sensor every time I turn it on and again when I turn it off. What this feature does is cause the sensor to vibrate and that shakes the dust off. Certainly helps maintain a cleaner sensor for a longer period of time. If you don't know if your camera has it check your manual or maybe some one here has that same camera and knows for certain. Hope this helps.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Cleaning the sensor is no big deal. Everyone is afraid to try it and I don't know why. If you just use a light touch with the brush or swabs you will be fine. Just be soft when doing it. I take a lot of lenses out to play, and most days I am shooting in the yard or woods, I use them all. I also shoot cars in a barn for the car clubs in the area. And it is very dusty in there. So I am always cleaning my sensor. Takes about 5 minutes after you get the hang of it. Just remember where the spot is on the picture and then reverse and turn it upside down and that will be where the dust is on the sensor. Like looking in the mirror, everything is backwards. Make sure you use the right tools tho!!
Erv

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I clean my sensor my self use atric butterfly and once a year have the camera profesionally cleaned by a local camera repair outfit

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

True.

I was afraid also from people cautioning me but I got the "Dust-Aid Platinum" and in 5 minutes I had a clean sensor.

And don't feel bad....I had my camera a month and the sensor had dust all over it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

One more bit of fail-safe advice. The lens is mostly responsible for good photos. The camera is just an accessory to operate the lens. Every time you buy a new lens, get a camera body for it. That way, you'll never have to change lenses. I'm not saying I do this myself, but you can't argue with the logic(?)

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Funny Jerry!! Could you talk to the wife for me? :D
Erv