Is this a scratch on my sensor?

vasilvas · Apr 12, 2014

Today I noticed a big spot on one of the images I've taken. I thought it was just a bigger peace of dust so I tried to remove it with a sensor blower but it didn't work. Is it a scratch or just an oily stain?

480sparky · Apr 12, 2014

It's dust. Just like the dust that's all over the sensor. That's just the biggest chunk.

snowbear · Apr 12, 2014

Yep, just sensor boogers.

vasilvas · Apr 12, 2014

I am aware that there are really small particles of dust on the sensor and they don't really bother me... If the one on the top left is dust then why doesn't it come off when I use a blower? And what can I do to clean my sensor from it (apart from using a blower)?

480sparky · Apr 12, 2014

vasilvas said:
I am aware that there are really small particles of dust on the sensor and they don't really bother me... If the one on the top left is dust then why doesn't it come off when I use a blower? And what can I do to clean my sensor from it (apart from using a blower)?

You're gonna have to get physical and hands-on with it. A wet cleaning is in order.

I'd never let my sensor get that dirty.

snowbear · Apr 12, 2014

It may be (technically) pollen which is sticky. It may have a bit of oil or some other stuff on it which makes it sticky.

Invest in a good sensor cleaning kit. I got one that came with a blower, lighted magnifier, wipes, solution, etc. for about $90. They are sized for your specific sensor (full frame, APS-C, 4/3). Cleaning the sensor (actually the filter on top of the sensor) is not hard and only takes a few minutes.

Gavjenks · Apr 12, 2014

A blower doesn't get all the dust off of ANYTHING. Try it with like... your bookshelf or something, and look really closely. You will still see some persistent dust unless you physically wipe it down.