Cleaning the sensor

How should I clean the sensor on my XTi? Is it better to send it in and let canon do it or is it better to do it my-self? Dose anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks,

Greatshot

The XTi seems to be the same self cleaning sensor system as the 40D, or at least the same principle. I am assuming that there are specks that are firmly attached to your sensor filter, and that will not just shake off. (And that for some reason the dust detect system from Canon software is not working for you, or to your satisfaction).

A trip to canon is going to be around $200. Here is what I would suggest:

- Find a local Photo repair in your area, and have them clean it for maybe $50.
- Risk to do it yourself, usually not as hard when you follow the rules. I use a little air blower (just a rubber bladder that you press and pushes air through a nozzle, much like those ear cleaners they sell at pharmacies. And blow on it gently. Problem is, sometimes you end up moving more dust from inside the camera than usual. Precautions are to avoid touching the surface of the filter/sensor at all times, and to never use canned air, or any other idea as creative as it might sound (qtip, toilet scrub brush, etc).

If the sensor cleaning goes wrong, a trip to canon will probably result on a main board change, maybe even a mirror assembly replacement, and quite a bit of money out of your pocket.

My opinion, anyways. Best of luck.

Learn to do it yourself. You don't want to be sending it off for a couple of weeks every month or so. There are directions here among other places. Most people start with a Rocket Blower when they start seeing dust spots. Then they may go to Sensor Swabs or to the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly.

here and here are threads on it as ell. There are plenty more to be found if these have whetted your appetite.

greatshot,
My first suggestion is to use a Giottos Rocket blower (click to see the one I use) as this might clean it good enough. If that doesn't work then a wet cleaning is next in line in my book. If you feel you can be careful then do it yourself with something like the Copperhill cleaning kit click to see
Of course if you don't feel comfortable then send it to Canon

Canon said it might be under warranty because I have had it for under a year and I could send it to them and they would see if it was and if not they would send it back, do you think I should do that or just get some sort of blower and do it my-self?

Thanks,

Greatshot

get the stuff to do it yourself. It won't be the last time your sensor needs cleaning. Even if it's under warranty this time, it won't be next time. They do do sensor cleanings (in the US at leat) on a free, walk-in basis, but you're still tied up for the visit.

Are you supposed to get a sensor cleaning program disk for you computer when you get your camera?

Should be included on the Canon CDs that come with the camera.

No. the computer doesn't come into the issue. You may be thinking of the dust-reduction mode whereby you can photograph your dusty sensor, save that as a template as it were, and let Digital Photo Pro apply that dust image to all your RAW photos to help cancel out dust spots in your photos.

Ok I never did look into the CD's thanks I"ll do that.

I tried blowing the sensor off and it did not work what is your next solution?

Thanks,

Greatshot

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