How to clean your DSLR sensor for a lot less than $100

By now, you've heard about the Olympus Evolt's ultrasonic dust-removal system, designed to keep the camera's CCD squeaky clean. But if you already own a rival DSLR — or aren't prepared to go for the Olympus just because you know it won't grow dust bunnies — what are your options? Petteri Sulonen has some good tips on using the Sensor Brush, a $100 brush kit from Canadian outfit VisibleDust. More significantly, he has detailed directions on not using the Sensor Brush; check out his full post if you want to see how to clean your CCD without slapping down a c-note. And remember, don't try this at home unless you really know what you're doing. Even if you have a "cheap" DSLR (i.e., one that set you back less than a grand), you don't want to ruin it while trying to clean it.

[Via Photography Blog]

[Will @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I used to work in a camera store (back when in the days of film) We had a sign that said: We will charge you $10 for a repair you probably could do yourself with a butter knife. We charge $100 to repair a camera that has been repaired with a butter knife.

[Joseph Tan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

the Canon pictured almost certainly uses a CMOS sensor...unless pictured camera is a 1D, which i believe has a CCD sensor (though i could be mistaken).

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

i'm pretty sure it's a 20d pictured...

i cleaned my 20d with this method a couple weeks ago...

i ended up buying a nylon paint brush from an art supply store.

make-up brushes that fit the requirements were difficult to find