How Scratch-Proof is a Sony Mirrorless Sensor?

I decided to do a little test to see how durable a Sony mirrorless sensor really is. **WARNING: Don't try this at home, don't cut your sensor for fun, this video is for educational and entertainment purposes only.**
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[@ahmetkonukseven7140]

If anyone attacks me with a knife, I can defend myself with the sensor of my camera. Thanks much SONY

[@christophergrove4876]

They need to supply a Sony sensor to each and every airline passenger!

[@ramimxss]

@m.alik keep your personal feelings to yourself

[@FA333568]

hahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jeffmiller6343]

One cleaning tip; for Sony cameras with IBIS, place your camera in cleaning mode. It locks the sensor in place while cleaning, so it does not move around.

[@ElReySupr3me]

Exactly ahaha. Seeing that sensor move made me lock up 🤣

[@bikecommuter24]

Just got my a6600 two weeks ago have not cleaned it yet but good advice 👍

[@smoke4131]

It has a feature that shakes the lense too right ?

[@omnirhythm]

@@bikecommuter24 Unless you've been rolling in the dirt with it with the lens off, you shouldn't need to clean it in a long time

[@BrianMackey2010]

Great tip!

[@kathodosdotcom]

repaired cameras for 20+ years..... the sensor assy. (notice i said assembly) is the LEAST FRAGILE part in any digital camera. PERIOD.....the most fragile are 1. shutter mech....2. MAIN BOARD

[@jejakagentleman7638]

legend is here

[@nord7556]

Hello, A drop of water fell onto my sensor while changing lenses in a forest. Can you suggest me how to remove it by myself since I'm at a very remote place and there's no camera repairing service available. wiping it with those cleaners will do the job?

[@ticalastone4031]

@@nord7556 I'm also interested, a bit of fluid touched my sensor and dried out and now there is a fluid 'shadow' on it Thx in advance

[@MatheusPratta]

I have a question regarding the sensor damage. In the tests it seems the scratches (from the knife) were done mainly to the filter that sits on top of the actual sensor (which I guess would be the IR-cut filter). Would it be possible to replace just the filter part instead of the whole sensor? I know some people remove that filter to make IR conversions on their cameras, so I guess it can be replaced too, right?

[@samipso]

@@MatheusPratta The simple answer is yes (depending on the make and model). The realistic answer is no. Taking off the low-pass filter introduces a new risk of getting dirt sandwiched between the sensor and the filter. Removing the filter is also risky because it easily breaks. Overall just high risk low return from a repair perspective. Sensor replacement will be your only option unless you do it yourself.

[@Sai_on_youtube]

Arthur scratches the Sensor aaaaannnddddd....... Scratches at level 6,with deeper grooves at level 7.......😂 JRE ArthurRigEverything

[@MrMACornwell]

Was waiting for the bend test next.

[@brianfong5711]

Meanwhile I clean with a dry Q-tip when my air rocket can't quite blow off the dust.

[@sanjaysudhakaran980]

😂 😂

[@caldera878]

The A7 is weak even for electronic device wise. Plastic body, plastic lens mount, rear LCD screen that fades and the overall impression of a PlayStation controller.

[@brianfong5711]

@@caldera878 he was using a A6000 sesnor though. Level 7 is a not a Sony camera model A7, it's a scratch hardness level.

[@alexandrzatonsky]

"scratches at a level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7"

[@falented2]

I was searching for that comment....lol

[@vedranculjak8262]

hell yeah

[@densenhandra9388]

OK. Now I know what to expect when I decide to scratch my camera sensor with a knife.

[@christophergrove4876]

I carry an Xacto knife around with me, in my camera bag, just for such an emergency!

[@davect01]

The "problem" with these tests is that it is not on a camera. You would need to take some images to see if they show up.

[@aklivn49]

My thought exactly. You really can't see the damage by just looking at it.

[@smoke4131]

Yeah but that big Scratch will definitely show on picture

[@JeroenCoelen]

New video idea :D

[@Soundwave857]

@@smoke4131 Its like a spec of dust on the sensor. At open apertures not visible but closed it might be visible

[@duynhat638]

i think exept the knife mark then will not be a problem, wildlife photography, filmmaker smearing their sensor in dust and dirt all the time

[@NachmanRotzak]

Thanks Arthur. Your guidance greatly helped me to relieve my mental stress. While I change lenses out of the house in the fields, and in the desert in the wind.

[@jimwin42]

Thank you Arthur for doing this video, it makes me more comfortable with cleaning my sensor myself!

[@MDFishTanks]

so a knife will scratch up your camera sensor.....who would have thought!!!! 🤣

[@SorrenAveria]

The exact video I've been waiting for years

[@suerichardson7708]

Hi Arthur, thanks for that little demo. I try to be careful with my camera, especially when changing lenses, because I take it camping, hiking, etc. The sensor has been cleaned by the camera store I purchased it at, but after watching you I think I'll try it myself next time it's needed.

[@DrFarisArab]

I like that u used a spare part for the experiment 👌but i wonder how the picture quality suffer if there's dust on it

[@johndonaldson5126]

Thanks Arthur. This really helped. I now would have more courage to clean a sensor should the need arise. Fortunately in 10 years of use of 6 different ILC cameras I've never had the need to touch anything to a sensor to clean it. I have run the camera dust removal vibration feature a couple of times which worked. I do keep my lenses and sensors covered as much as possible.

[@alexey_petuhov]

Now I feel relaxed about the sensor, my anxiety has completely gone ))) thank you!

[@spondoolie6450]

For dry debris I like to use the static spin brush. To clean the sensor I use the solution and swabs, and sometimes a gelstick if there's something that just doesn't want to come up.

[@claincity]

this is the best video for giving me peace , i recently cleaned my censor with my camera off and i was freeking out. this made me feel better. thank you for this

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

Great test and cleaning and details and showing which kit to get. I have a Sony A7 mark 1 mirrorless and will see I can get that kit. I heard of other kits but they sounded fancy and expensive.

[@rajaram1canvas]

Thank you. Sony should compliment you for this demo.

[@alexmm01]

Cool video. I've never cleaned my sensors but I paranoid about getting it dirty so I change lenses quickly and as infrequently as possible. This video shows there is nothing to worry about.

[@tumpelo22]

Thank you, this made me much less anxious about changing lenses

[@innokentyvetkin6880]

Would be interesting to see how this sensor performs after damage

[@thevthinesh]

I have a scratch on my sensor, it doesn't really affect when the photo is taken in a faster shutter speed, but if its slow ull be able to see the scratch(s) on the image

[@Ked778]

@@thevthinesh one of my friend literally has a crack on the sensor glass and for some reason it is invisible in photos😂

[@architecture_logs]

@@thevthinesh the amount of light directed at your sensor from the aperture ring. When the aperture is closed: 11 and up you’ll most definitely see that scratch.

[@angelsjoker8190]

​@@architecture_logs Yes, I've just had a dust particle on my sensor, and shooting mostly at f1.4 I didn't notice it, only when I was closing the aperture I saw it. Made me wonder because I thought aperture would affect only the visibility of particles on the lens but anything on the sensor would always be seen as literally the light receptors are covered.

[@bikecommuter24]

As the recent owner of a Sony a6600 I found this test interesting, I usually don't take my lenses off when I'm out shooting and I will make sure I use a lens cap when I take do the lenses off.

[@AquaticBaboon]

Ok, now I'm wayyy less concerned about the tiny dust particles I got in mine last weekend (changing lenses in windy conditions is not a great idea). Gonna try those swabs

[@AndreasAn]

Thanks Arthur for sharing your experience with camera sensors. I did not even try to change Lenses outside most of the time. Never thought that sensors are this robust against daily pollution / shitty things which could happen 😅

[@jaycarlton2010]

Thank you for this video. I have been obsessing over a small spot that I haven't been able to remove with the Camera's cleaning mode, a dust blower, or a cleaning brush. I feared that it was the result of an accident when using a cheaper dust blower. The plastic tube shot out of the squeeze bulb either because it wasn't properly seated or because it was not a Rocket. Not sure if it hit my sensor or just hit inside of that area. I just ordered a cleaning brush/solution kit. Your video gave me peace of mind that my spot is from stubborn dust.

[@LootKiwi]

Funny thing is that this last week my a6000 got it's first dust speck and I was going crazy about how to clean it off (bought one of those rocket blower thingies) I though that having that single dust was terrible, then I saw your video and suddenly everything was fine 😆

[@MakingTracks]

Thanks a bunch for making/paying for this! I’m always worried I’m gonna scratch the sensor when cleaning it with swabs.

[@ExplorerMelanie]

Sensortive that was cute 😁 I did a similar experiment on lens glasses with a fork on my channel, never tried that on the sensor though. Great vid!

[@usususdak1102]

Maybe the most useful video i have wathced about a sony mirrorless camera.. thank you Arthur, each time i paid about 10 dollars for sensor cleaning. now i will feel comfortable with cleaning my sensor myself.

[@antipodesman]

Excellent. Very reassuring. Don't have to worry so much about the sensor.

[@popcornparam]

5:30 scratches at level 6 with deeper grooves at level seven 😂😂😂😂

[@alexdoesrandomstuff]

That thumbnail 😰

[@TJuice1986]

I came here to post this, but you already have! 🍻

[@superlambo123]

fully made me cringe haha

[@caldera878]

Craftsman knife would definitely out last the Sony.

[@shakirahill885]

Very uncomfortable for me 😆

[@madmanjoe]

Very informative video and puts my mind at ease about damaging the sensor on my Lumix S5. Thank you!

[@sergiuconstantin4397]

Great test, thank you for doing this for us, the Sony users

[@TJuice1986]

Thank you for making this video! Was that a brand new sensor you used?

[@jennythorpe777]

Thank you very much for this Arthur, it increases my confidence in my A6400! Please can you continue this theme and tell us how much vibration these cameras and lenses can take? I ride an adventure motorbike and often ride rough gravel roads, taking my camera and lenses along. It's not practical to carry the camera on a back-pack (which would dampen the vibration) because a fall could cause serious damage to me and the camera, so it's in a panier, on the motorbike ... so, I'd love to see your take on vibration! (I carry a A6400 with Sony 18-135mm, mostly ... sometimes other lenses)

[@PhotoFeelSaikat]

Many thanks for making this video brother! It's gonna help numerous photographers to relax a lot including myself. :)

[@IvanGRANID]

Thank! Very Useful!!!!!!!!!

[@nneptune1970]

Nice Video. How do you remove fungus from sensor and lenses? I see this an issue in some environment conditions.

[@tropicaldany9306]

Arthur rigs everything :)

[@user-oo1kz3bm8k]

very good experiment

[@danielbeccar269]

Oh man nice video, I though the sensors were very fragile, I always was afraid of cleaning them by myself. Will do it next time. 👍👍👍

[@konrad7592]

I'd love to know if you'd really see scratchmarks in the picture of the sensor. The protective glass atop the sensor seems to be thick enough to leave scratches out of focus.

[@Atreyas]

You would definitely see it, you can see a grain of sand. It might not be noticeable without a direct light source coming in, but any bright light, especially off to an angle is going to light up that scratch quite a bit.

[@yonnoid2667]

thx arthur for making this video

[@mikldude9376]

Great video , thank you , to put it bluntly , i have always been shit scared of touching the sensor for fear of damaging it , hence in my ownership of my A73 in 1.5 years i have not cleaned the sensor ....ever :) . thanks again .

[@N0rdman]

Excellent demonstration and a lesson most people should take to heart and there are some other important factors to think about: Most people think the sensor is sensitive, but it's actually one of the most protected parts of the camera; even those without an antialiasing filter they still have several layers of glass and other filters over the sensor so you don't actually touch the sensor itself, just the glass cover. What do you think is the most prone to be damaged and replaced in a digital camera? Well, it is actually the circuit board or mainboard, whatever you want to call it, because of the circuit board isn't encapsulated or covered in resin like military-grade circuit board according to mil standard and the inside of the camera shell is usually not finished, painted or otherwise treated, so the magnesium or aluminium oxidizes and that magnesium or aluminium dust short circuits the board or wrecks it. In second place comes the shutter; the shutter blades are incredibly thin and light because they are made to trigger and "uncover" the sensor and cover it again in less than a 1/4000th of a second, sometimes as fast as 1/8000th of a second. So the idea like Canon to use the shutter blades in the R mirrorless cameras to protect the sensor from something when you remove the lens is a really stupid idea. Stick your finger in a touch the shutter if you dare and you might have wrecked it!

[@godmotiv]

You're a strange man Arthur but I love you. I was searching the internet for this video you rock!

[@lijian1982]

LOVE your test video ,intresting and pro!

[@faisalsheraz8101]

Excellent informative video...thanks for sharing

[@daniel.francisco]

Cool video!! I've always wondered about the durability. Would have been my preference to see sand, though. In the future, i would super appreciate seeing tests of weatherproofing. I took my Tamron 23-75 f2.8 to a rainy protest and got so worried about potential fungus. I've since stored it in a ziploc bag with a desiccant pack and kept it on a window sill for UV exposure. Am curious to see what I could expect had I not taken these precautions (/post cautions? heh)

[@vanjohn6219]

Hey Arthur. amazing vids... -plaes show footage shot with this worked sensor cannot imagine that the sensor works pretty well...

[@IrreverentSOB]

great video, thank you !

[@Rasteell]

That was a very interesting demonstration. If only the screens on the back of my Panasonic and Sony cameras were as rugged. They've taken a beating, and it shows. In hindsight I should have put protective shields on them.

[@mahernajm]

💪👌👍 great experiment. Thank you for sharing this information

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Very interesting video Arthur. That thumbnail is really good.

[@adolfogalvez4593]

Hi Arthur, I would like to ask you to compare 18-105 f4 vs 16-55 f 2.8. I understand that 2.8 is better but, how much ?? A lot of us use the 18-105 and wondering about the change. Thanks in advance

[@Usualeclectic]

Interesting find... my A7RIII at first was strange because at F16-22 in some lighting scenarios would expose what looked like sensor dust... after research and talking to my local camera shop-came to the conclusion that the high resolution sensor was the culprit due to vibration and sensitivity. Even if the camera is on a tripod, clean/pristine components and with or without Stabilization and IBIS (16-35GM)... it’s still had micro dots of what looks like dust. This is where In post I can clean up. I usually don’t push past F14 and that seems to be the fix. Anyway I still feel like it shouldn’t do that. The interesting thing I’ve noticed is that people complain and say the A7RIII is like a vacuum and collects dust... when it reality they are wrong. I’ve used my camera everywhere and in any condition from sand, dust, rains and windy conditions. Still no sensor dust... haha

[@ElRealista.]

You shoulda try sand ... It's common in beach and it's super abrasive

[@iamwisdomsky]

but in real world scenario, getting sand into your lens is pretty much impossible unless you purposely pour sand into it. Even if you drop it on the beach facing downward, apart from the fact that the sensor is buried deep inside the body, the sand will not stick to the sensor either.

[@smoke4131]

Sand will Scratch the sensor in one go only (ʘᗩʘ’)

[@youreperfectstudio4789]

I shoot at the beach all the time. Im certainly more cautious about lens caps when there but i do change lenses while there.

[@ExplorerMelanie]

@@youreperfectstudio4789 agree, you have to be a bit more cautious but still changing lenses is no problem

[@ElRealista.]

@@iamwisdomsky not... I travelled once as backpacker and oh man... Camping in beach.... You don't know how that sand gets to everywhere. One of my lenses got sand and it was hard to remove. The camera got some sand as well... But it survived the trip.

[@matthewng1666]

The amazon link to buy the swabs that you recommend isnt working, can you tell us the name of it? Love your work!

[@cscchuagmail]

The first time I tried cleaning my sensor with a swap is with my Nikon D7000. I applied some amount of pressure and it left some scars. From that point onwards I never dare to do it again. I am thinking to use any other item as practice on until I get it correct.

[@iPhoneSpy]

There is a little confusion on the correct size of the Sensor Swab used on a APSC sensor like on a 6400. Some say 16MM others say only use 17MM. The product you recommend is 15MM. What size for smaller sensor cameras do you recommend & how about using the pre-moistened swabs that are also available? Thanks.

[@tjc9514]

Great video man!

[@shahidahsan6507]

Great presentation!

[@enoch3656]

thank you！

[@thilinaalagiyawanna3680]

Thanks

[@jpharpe]

Very good test

[@vognarov]

Is the dry swob clean necessery? Thought wet is enough since its fast evaporating alcohol

[@summer4252]

Nice desk love it

[@lapisredux]

and that was the wonder of film...new sensor for every picture.

[@shermanstreet3783]

That so awesome about the durability on a6 series sensor that for that demo on that I’m still be careful but I know how dura on it thanks

[@BrianMackey2010]

LOL well okay then, very impressive, would have like to seen damp sand since it could happen a box knife not so much :)

[@calebe16]

that's a very real thing for the ones who shoot at sand. One fall and it's done. hahaha

[@metehanbayburtlu1172]

BTW, can I use the swabs more than once? or should I always buy a pack and throw away the used ones?

[@Cleanblue1990]

You could try to remove the infrared filter from one of your cameras.

[@Ivandotjpeg]

You do realize the sensor is covered by a dust shield (the one you scratched) and below it, there’s another filter (IR blocking) and then finally the sensor.

[@photoeducationbydaniel]

The best sensor cleaner Ive used is the Eyelead sensor gel stick! It rocks

[@davidhoang3985]

Wow, interesting! Do you sometimes dry swab your sensor or do you always use solution?

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

In 2016 or so I was shooting with two Sony A7R2’s and had both on straps around my neck. I was shooting a model at a car show. At the end of the shoot I took a lens off and went to take the lens off the second one to swap lenses when the first one spun around and my finger went directly on the sensor. I was not sure exactly how bad this was but taking photos they were totally messed up. Later after cleaning the sensor it was good as new. (never swapped lenses in the field again. Two cameras, to diff range lenses.

[@carolsantulis1990]

Your link to the VGSO sensor cleaning product does not work. Do you have another link to this product?

[@shmuelmaloof4448]

Would a canon be similar or is it possible that it would be much much more sensitive and scratchable?

[@user-kp4cz4xt8v]

0:36 You should turn the sensor cleaning mode on in your camera setting. That way you will lock the IBIS. What you're doing here is potentially damaging the IBIS

[@LemonDrizzleGang]

the a6000 does not have ibis

[@user-kp4cz4xt8v]

@@LemonDrizzleGang he's cleaning a A9

[@truthseeker3907]

Thank You Arthur R and Thumbs up! :)

[@saltylemonslab4759]

I hammered a dust blower in my brand new sony A6400. Also, from some angles i see some color change, no visible spots in any image taken afterwards.

[@TrailsofNature]

Informative experiment... 💖👏👌🙂

[@Data_analyst.]

Good job!

[@twbrkfd1733]

Go to know! Thanks. I use a 10mm+16mm Meike extender tube w/my 18-135 on A6400 for macro. Needed those swabs just in case. Am truly paranoid about touching the sensor; I NEVER leave it exposed. Always capped or with a lens (comes from my Canon F1 days). Here's a tip: install the macro tubes and it is possible to focus on the surface of the outside lens element to see dust/contamination on the glass. Also just ordered the Laowa 9mm based on your review; oops sorry didn't buy it through your link to Amazon...will next time.

[@peterjmsyoung]

I'm more interested in the sensor cleaning swab stick you use, exactly what brand? Even better if you do a comparison of cheap wipes vs good wipes. After all, they are just cloth and glass cleaner agent (ethanol, methanol, and isopropyl alcohol).

[@sonycomputersaadhaarpanpas51]

HI SIR I HAVE SONY A7S2 HAVING SOME DUST SPOTS IN MY SENSORE CAN I USE Isopropyl Alcohol IPA WITH SWAB CUS IN INDIA WE CAN BUY ONLY SWABS IN AMAZON OR ONLINE IF I USE IPA WITH CLEENING SWAB ANY PROBLEM OR CAN I USE ONLY WET SWAB PLZ REPLY THANK YOU

[@ianscottcastillo7709]

Hello brother. I need help. So basically I was changing lenses and a little bit of spit got on my shutter that was covering the sensor. It evaporated but left a dark little smudge i can still see on the shutter. Images still come out fine. Is there a way to safely, properfly clean the shutter? Thank you .

[@TorstenHippe]

Just for reference: Which sensor of which camera was it? There are some concerns about that a A6000 is not so scratch proofe

[@jarobielik]

What impact have antialiasing filter? Does it increase resistance?

[@TheRazzyBear]

I've always felt like i was missing something in my self-defense tool kit, now i know it was a Sony Mirrorless camera.

[@BuddyG]

I have heard so many people tell me i should have my camera sensor professionally cleaned... Lol I am doing it myself from now on...

[@eduardoalfredoalvaradofigu869]

Can you do a review of the New yongnuo 50mm 1.8 for sony e mount // puedes hacer una reseña del nuevo yongnuo 50mm 1.8 para montura e.

[@JimFrey]

what cleaning solution do you use Arthur?

[@brownboy6844]

Where can I buy a replacement sensor for my a6400? having a hard time finding one online...

[@tommymejiaen]

Prff I just used a lens brush and was almost fainting, I am waiting at the shop where they are cleaning it properly because I thought I had scratched it. But after seeing this video I feel more hopeful. I have a lumix s5iix

[@RunningFromDogs]

how do you go about cleaning lenses?

[@francis_ces]

this video is like therapy for an over-cautious sensor-caretaking lunatic like me.

[@Mr.Futility]

Arthur, it’s not so much the damage. If you do macro or landscape, dust is a nightmare... and it’s actually so hard to clean out ‘every bit’... i had to scan it under the light