BetterPhoto Q&A
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Kerry Drager		Keeping a Sensor Clean: Instructors Share Tips Note: This was also posted in the Digital Photography section of the Forum. Hi Everyone! Say, one of the "popular" topics in digital photography concerns the D-SLR camera's sensor - namely, keeping it clean of dust and specks. That's not always an easy task! There have been many excellent discussion threads here in the Forum, with lots of excellent tips and tricks. But we also thought it would be nice to survey BetterPhoto's online photography instructors to see what they have to say on the subject. Check out the results in this new article: Pro Tips 1: How to Keep Your Digital Sensor Clean Coming soon: "Pro Tips 2: How to Clean Your DSLR's Sensor". Thanks, and enjoy reading! Kerry To love this question, log in above August 17, 2006

Margie Hurwich		Thanks for this wonderful information, Kerry! I, like William Neill, end up doing alot of cloning! To love this comment, log in above August 17, 2006

Pete H		Hi Kerry, Keeping it clean is nice in theory, and no doubt is possible in the short term; but sooner or later, ALL DSLR owners will have to have the sensor glass cleaned, either by a pro technician or by themselves. This is not an endorsement for any particular brand of cleaning supplies, but I have found medical grade methanol used with STERILE swabs will do the best job. I do have to say after reading the "pros" advice, I was somewhat shocked to learn some use a air bulb to blow into the sensor area. Doing so usually just blows what dust is in there around more. Yikes! Further, one can actually dislodge particles in the lens cage..sooooo, I can not agree with their idea on blowing into the sensor area. One area many forget to clean is the rear of the lens. This gets plenty of dust, and with mirror slap, will loosen dust and eventually find it's way to the sensor glass. Blowing with a bulb is OK in this, and highly recommended. All the best, Pete To love this comment, log in above August 17, 2006

Kerry Drager		Hi Margie, Thanks for checking in ... much appreciated ... and there's a lot to be said for the clone tool! I'm glad you found the info of interest! Kerry To love this comment, log in above August 17, 2006

Kerry Drager		Hi Pete, Thanks for the feedback! Yes, there are lots of different prevention techniques. Of course, some approaches simply are not for everyone, but that's why I asked so many different pro photogs for their input! :-) A good point with your "nice in theory..." thought. But as I pointed out in my original post above, we will have a Part II on this subject: "Pro Tips 2: How to Clean Your DSLR's Sensor". Also a good point about making sure the rear lens is clean. In fact, both Simon and myself made note of this advice in the article :-) Thanks again for adding your thoughts, Pete! Kerry To love this comment, log in above August 17, 2006

Kerry Drager		Hello again, And the new article has arrived: Pro Tips 2: How to Clean Your DSLR's Sensor Thanks! Kerry To love this comment, log in above August 18, 2006

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