spencerp

The camera store I go to will do a clean/lube if needed and firmware update (again, if needed) for a very reasonable price (cheaper than replacing a broken sensor)

Lege

What camera are you using? If it's a Canon 1DX Mark ll google oil splatters on sensor - it is a problem and a very real thing!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Metadata says: Canon EOS REBEL T5i

agillot

i am barking at the moon here , but take a 2or 3 sec exposure with the lens removed , hold a vacuum cleaner hose 1 inch away , repeat a couple of time , if this is dust on the sensor it will disappear . also do same with mirror down .[just too simple ].

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I will add the first try at sensor cleaning I didn't scrub hard enough.
Then did it hard enough and didn't dry it good enough.
Third time got it right and had a nice clean sensor.
Get a kit and try it it isn't hard but scarry the first time.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

That is not a safe way to clean your sensor! You are lucky you did not cause permanent damage. And the spots on your photograph is dirt on your sensor. If the spots are in the same place on multiple exposures, that is confirmation.

First photograph a white piece of paper under direct sunlight with the paper filling the entire image area and the lens out of focus.

The next step is to examine and "map" the dirt on you sensor. You can do that on you LCD, but using a computer screen is much better; the larger your computer screen the better. Starting at the top corner of the image and working left to right one row at a time note the location of every point that is other that pure white; i.e., slightly grey. Those points are caused by dirt on your sensor. You can use CMD+ on a Mac (I don't know the comparable command in Windows) and magnify the image in those areas for confirmation. Once you know where the dirt is, you can start the cleaning process.

To clean my sensor, I use a sensor gel stick https://www.amazon.com/COMINU061065-Sensor-Gel-Stick/dp/B00JPD0UQW rather then a wet cleaning system because it is safer. Follow the instructions that come with the product and videos available on line.

After cleaning the sensor, repeat the process starting with photographing a white sheet of paper. Compare the first photo to the new one and you will see fewer or no dirt spots. If there are dirt spots remaining, repeat the process until there is no evidence of dirt.

Several people have suggested sending your camera to a professional for cleaning. The cost of a professional cleaning is usually more than the cost of a sensor gel stick and one gel stick allows you to clean your sensor several times. Cleaning a sensor is not rocket science as some would have you think. Many photographers check there sensors and clean them before every job without issues.

Also, your picture of Yosemite Valley can easily be fixed with the Healing Brush Tool in Photoshop.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I disagree with many of the responders. It looks to me like lens dust or - even more likely - water spots on lens. Easy way to diagnose - do you see the spots when looking through the viewfinder while camera aimed at a blank solid colored light wall ? If yes, its the lens. To confirm (and make sure its not just dust on the mirror), put the camera on a tripod or solid base, support the lens and rotate the lens (as if you were taking it off the camera) while looking through the viewfinder . If the spots move, it definitely is the lens that is the problem. I usually see sensor spots as a bit more solid since its right on the sensor and doesn't get diffused. Could still be the sensor with what you described but it actually looks more like my shoreline shots where spray from the water is on my lens or on a filter in front of the lens.

I also agree with most folks here - only use cleaning solutions from the manufacturer. Eyecare lens cleaners often have substances designed to remain on the glasses to reduce fogging and glare. These can cause streaking on a sensor and the solvents formulated for today's plastic lenses potentially may eat at coatings that protect the sensor. Good luck.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Lens dust is hardly ever that distinct.

RRS Loc: Not sure

So true, Lens dust is almost impossible to see unless you are shooting directly into the light and the dust causes a flare.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Haven't read the entire thread. I've spent several hours cleaning my own sensors over the years. My suggestion is to get a dedicated lighted sensor loupe. By actually seeing the surface of the sensor you can locate better where the problems are and get them out. It's effective, is worth the cost ($50), and has saved me hours of time, BTW.

jdedmonds

Be sure that you at least brush off the mirror (in down position) as well. Many times I've found that the junk is on the mirror or prism.

Robeng Loc: California

Page,

I had the same problem with one of my Nikon bodies. I had it sent back to Nikon in Southern California and they cleaned it for free and sent it back to me within a week. I believe the nearest Nikon rep to you is Mike’s Camera.
Good luck.

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

I agree. My camera shop provides lifetime free sensor cleaning for what they sell. They do it so often and they do it right. JimR

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

After you get your camera sensor cleaned properly at an authorized repair shop, go and buy yourself a Rocket Blower. And use it periodically, without touching the sensor.