Sony Sensor Dust: I read some reviews of the A7iii when it first came out indicating that sensor dust was an issue, as it is on most mirrorless cameras. Now I just watched a Tony...

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

I read some reviews of the A7iii when it first came out indicating that sensor dust was an issue, as it is on most mirrorless cameras. Now I just watched a Tony Northrop video of the A7Riv, where he says sensor dust on the Sony is more prevalent than on most mirrorless cameras. And, he gets dust at the end of the day even if he doesn’t change lenses. I would like to know what other Sony owners think. And, if this is a problem, how often do you clean the sensor? Thanks.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've seen the same issue with the a7II. On the a7II model, the cleaning function isn't even automatic like a Canon DSLR. It doesn't seem to accomplish much either. A Rocket Blower, shown in this example, is cheap and effective: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-551677-1.html

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Sort of on the same subject, if it has IBIS, is there a problem wet cleaning a Sony sensor? Can you use something more than a blower & brush if you need it?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

StevenG wrote:

I read some reviews of the A7iii when it first came out indicating that sensor dust was an issue, as it is on most mirrorless cameras. Now I just watched a Tony Northrop video of the A7Riv, where he says sensor dust on the Sony is more prevalent than on most mirrorless cameras. And, he gets dust at the end of the day even if he doesn’t change lenses. I would like to know what other Sony owners think. And, if this is a problem, how often do you clean the sensor? Thanks.

Sensor dust is simply a fact of life with digital ILC cameras, it cannot be avoided. Care in changing lenses as well as your choice of lenses make a difference. Lenses that extend and contract during operation are a considerable contributor to dust on a sensor. Much more so that merely changing a lens.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Sort of on the same subject, if it has IBIS, is there a problem wet cleaning a Sony sensor? Can you use something more than a blower & brush if you need it?

Wet cleaning an IBIS sensor is no different than any other sensor. Mirror lockup for cleaning features also dock the IBIS so there is no concern for damage during cleaning.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Lots of dust is transferred from the rear lens AP to the rear of the lens and ultimately the sensor. Keeping the cap clean is a very good idea.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

MT Shooter wrote:

Wet cleaning an IBIS sensor is no different than any other sensor. Mirror lockup for cleaning features also dock the IBIS so there is no concern for damage during cleaning.

Thanks, MT.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

In some cameras, the shutter stays open even when it's turned off, one reason I will never purchase a Nikon Z camera.

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

CHG_CANON wrote:

I've seen the same issue with the a7II. On the a7II model, the cleaning function isn't even automatic like a Canon DSLR. It doesn't seem to accomplish much either. A Rocket Blower, shown in this example, is cheap and effective: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-551677-1.html

I've only had this problem once with my A6500 and the dust disappeared once I used the sensor-clean feature on the camera itself. I suspect the a7II supports that feature as well.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

pecohen wrote:

I've only had this problem once with my A6500 and the dust disappeared once I used the sensor-clean feature on the camera itself. I suspect the a7II supports that feature as well.

It's simple and easy to clean your sensor. Joe Cristina has an inexpensive wet/dry swab kit I use on my Sony a7II. Works like a charm and takes about 2 minutes.

Canisdirus

SteveG wrote:

It's simple and easy to clean your sensor. Joe Cristina has an inexpensive wet/dry swab kit I use on my Sony a7II. Works like a charm and takes about 2 minutes.

Yup, same here.
I don't know why anyone wouldn't clean their sensor on a regular basis.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I have 2 Sony's. The A7111 and the A6500. Used both in Kenya this summer. I did not have a huge dust issue. I am always very careful to point the camera down when changing lenses. If there is dust, I point the camera down and use a blower. I do use the in camera sensor clean feature.

I do think that some cameras, just attract more dust than others.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

pecohen wrote:

I've only had this problem once with my A6500 and the dust disappeared once I used the sensor-clean feature on the camera itself. I suspect the a7II supports that feature as well.

I have the a6000, and I've never seen dust as being a problem. Maybe I just live in a very clean environment.

mikeschwartz Loc: Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago

I've owned the A7RII for about four years and haven't noticed dust getting on my sensor when the lens hasn't been changed.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

StevenG wrote:

I read some reviews of the A7iii when it first came out indicating that sensor dust was an issue, as it is on most mirrorless cameras. Now I just watched a Tony Northrop video of the A7Riv, where he says sensor dust on the Sony is more prevalent than on most mirrorless cameras. And, he gets dust at the end of the day even if he doesn’t change lenses. I would like to know what other Sony owners think. And, if this is a problem, how often do you clean the sensor? Thanks.

Thank you all for your replies. Much appreciated. It appears the problem may not be as serious as Tony Northrop suggests.