Very delicate as they come, Digital Single Lens Reflex [DSLR] cameras from the two best brands Canon and Nikon, tend to accumulate minute dust and dirt particles on the inside of the lens, just as any other 35mm film camera does, however careful you are with the cleaning. Top quality pictures call for top quality maintenance.
Keeping them in a dust free environment, maintaining its regular cleaning is mandatory if you want a good life and picture quality for your camera. Generally, all major camera manufacturers advise the company’s experts only to handle and clean the camera, where they ensure good care is taken and a thorough cleaning is done.
Tampering or meddling with the sensor of a Nikon, canon, Olympus, Pentax or a Sigma camera, without expert supervision, is at the owner’s risk , which can cause harm to the camera much before its warranty period ends. Only Kodak, Leica and Fuji allow for its customers to handle the cleaning of the camera. In order to be well informed of the process, certain basic information is very much essential.
SHUTTER/MORROR LOCK UP:
In order to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for locking up the camera’s mirror and shutter, you need to turn on the camera. Almost all of the DSLR cameras have provision of the cleaning mode that does it automatically. To avoid the mirror or shutter accidentally closing down during the process, be sure to check the charge on the battery. The battery should be fully charged, or even the AC adapter which comes with the camera is a good choice. See that the sensor is not left exposed for longer than necessary.
BLOWERS:
Few manufacturers emphasis on the blowing method of cleaning, claiming it to be the only method, but not all believe so. You could make use of a foot-powered bower if possible, which will leave one hand free for the blower nozzle and one hand to hold the camera. Avoid pumping too hard, as it result in causing damage to the sensor
Also, take care not to touch the sensor with the nozzle of the blower, or if you are using a brush, then make sure the bristles do not touch the sensor. Canned air often gives goo, which can again be harmful for the sensor, so it is very wise to avoid that. Ensure that you use optical visors which can supply direct light right on your work area, enabling you to see well. Always use multiple bursts of air for 5 to 20 secs.
SENSOR BRUSH:
If you are cleaning the sensor for the first time, do not use a sensor cleaning brush for there are possibilities of it being contaminated by lubricants. A blower is always advisable for first time users. The next time you use, gently swipe the brush from left to right across the sensor. Make sure you do not run the brush backwards, over the already cleaned area, or else, the dust on the brush can stick back to the sensor. Blow the sensor with the brush. Repeat the process until the whole area is covered [100%]. Note; always blow the filaments of the brush before and after each use in order to keep the sensor absolutely clean.
WET METHOD:
This wet method cleans the sensor with liquid, and is to be taken great care while doing, because slight carelessness can cause damage to the sensor. Various online sources do say that cleaning can be done with swabs and liquid, but manufacturers however, insist that the warranty be cancelled if the camera is found to be handled otherwise. It is always wise to contact an expert, or an authorised service centre, for the better life of your camera. Another resource that can be contacted is [Ultimateslr.com. hoe to clean your digital image sensor.]