Cleaning your mirrorless camera sensor doesn't have to be scary with this multi-level approach

[@AF8Images]

Cleaning the sensor on mirrorless cameras is inevitable, so what's your preferred technique?

[@colinw6749]

Have resorted to dry swab cleaning several DSLRs only twice in many years. I usually change lenses in controlled environment where possible. However, I now have a Z6 and expect this to increase. Only just discovered your channel and I find it very informative with a pleasingly relaxed style. 👍🏻

[@fabshop6359]

As stated below, it’s not the sensor you clean, it’s the glass protection screen that is cleaned. In fact, I think there is more than one protection screen. Good video, easy to follow narration too.

[@AF8Images]

👍 It's a moot point what is the sensor, just the silicon wafer layer with the diodes or the whole assembly😉 But in the real world you are right the sensor is made up of many layers with the top one being some form of protection. It's still a delicate component but can certainly stand sensible cleaning👍 Thanks for the kind comment.

[@barrymills3512]

I’d generally follow your approach ; maybe use a sensor brush rather than a dry swab. Having said that I’ve had no problems with dust on my Z7 in the six months I’ve had it ! Used constantly in that time with lots of lens changes I’ve only used the in camera shake and the odd rocket blow - no sensor clean needed so far. So much for the scare stories of it being a dust magnet !

[@tedshillitto6062]

Barry Mills. Had my Z6 6 months with many lens changes ..I can see the odd dust spot in the sky shots which for the moment I remove with Lightroom. I've not cleaned the sensor yet but have the auto sensor clean set to operate on shutdown.

[@AF8Images]

Cheers Barry, I'll be adding a brush to the bag as you suggest for dust. Glad you're managing to keep dust free, sadly the first lens change got me some dust. It's no big issue as I hope that the video shows though, so long as you're careful. Adrian

[@AF8Images]

Ted, the auto clean seems to work pretty well with much of the dust and worth having turned on👍

[@danielhunt6524]

Great video over a subject thats not covered much, yet everyone faces it at some point. Thanks for this and keep up the good work with the channel. Like a few others have said, you deserve more followers than you have.

[@AF8Images]

Thanks Daniel, glad you found the video useful and thanks for the vote of confidence. I have consciously not gone chasing followers as I believe that if you can make value adding and informative content then they will come and those that come will be genuine followers. All the best, Adrian

[@xjr1618x]

Just got my Z6 yesterday. Great timing for this video. Thanks!!

[@AF8Images]

Excellent, hope you enjoy it and find some use for the 2 min tips videos😉👍

[@zsozsousa1]

I really like your channel and unfortunately is very under rated. Hopefully you will grow very fast and wish you the best luck! Please keep up your videos uploads. Thank you!

[@AF8Images]

Thanks very much for kind comments, it really is appreciated. Glad you like the channel😀👍

[@Paul-D-Hoff]

Don't forget the back lens near the sensor of the new Nikon lenses. It is closer to the sensor so dust on it can show up a big shaded areas in the pictures, the dust the is somewhat in the depth of field, I've had this happen and shows up more when you do a movie.

[@AF8Images]

Good point and probably worth keeping an eye on that more than with f-mount lenses👍

[@aussie8114]

I have in my camera bag a fine soft artists brush. Locate the dust, a soft wipe with the brush over the area then use the blower. Unless it’s a grease spot. It’s worth remembering when cleaning the sensor you’re not actually cleaning the sensor you’re cleaning a clear screen over the top of the sensor. Unless I’m mistaken all cameras have a clear protection screen over the sensor. It’s still something I would not like doing but it’s not as risky as we think if using good cleaning swabs. It’s the IBIS I would be more concerned about. Gently gently does it.

[@AF8Images]

Totally agree with you that it's the IBIS that is more at risk and that's why I changed from the gel stick. Might pick up an artist's brush to add to the bag as an alternative👍

[@lozzom]

Thanks for this - great information!

[@AF8Images]

Glad you found it useful, and hope it helps 👍

[@MrCgs60649]

Great video !

[@AF8Images]

Many thanks, much appreciated👍

[@moderntimes4814]

Blower cleaning is denger approach, blowing air can easily blow in more dust in camera and existing dust in camera body

[@AF8Images]

Sandi, I agree that you need to be careful with any of the techniques and I rarely do any of them in the field and will wait until I get somewhere indoors and controlled from a dust perspective👍

[@nice.diverjeff5883]

The sensor is behind a glass window...

[@AF8Images]

I assume that you are referring to the layers on top of the diode layer that are bonded on as a part of the sensor. Whilst they add protection if it becomes scratched or damaged it's a whole new sensor😫