Cleaning your camera sensor and lenses safely

Dust on the sensor shows up as dark spots in skies and white backgrounds, especially at small apertures like f/11.

Check for sensor dust

Photograph a clear sky or white wall at f/16 and view it at 100 percent. Dark spots indicate dust.

Clean the sensor

1. Use the camera’s sensor cleaning function.
2. Use a rocket blower with the camera facing down. Never use compressed air cans.
3. For stubborn spots, use sensor swabs and cleaning fluid matched to your sensor size, one gentle pass per swab.

If unsure, have it cleaned professionally.

Clean lenses

1. Blow off loose dust.
2. Brush gently with a lens brush.
3. Apply lens cleaning fluid to a microfiber cloth, not the lens.
4. Wipe in circles from the center outward.

Prevent dust

• Change lenses quickly, with the camera pointing down.
• Avoid changing lenses on beaches or in wind.
• Keep caps on lenses and bodies.

Mirrorless shutter

Many Sony cameras close the shutter when turned off or changing lenses, protecting the sensor. Enable this setting.