Problem with dark spots on pictures!

[Joey_Yack]

Hey all, a couple days ago I received my Canon T3i and it's treated me very well so far. Yesterday, when I got a quick shot of the moon, I noticed a couple of dark circles in the picture. I took another picture. Same spots showed up in the same location. I tried switching lenses as well. This did not work either. I'm under the impression there is some dust on my sensor. I read on people manually cleaning their sensors with a air blower but my T3i does not have a Manual Sensor cleaning function. Only automatic. Please help! Dark spots are circled in RED

 

[MLeeK]

Dirty sensor
This is a 5D, but it's the same process http://youtu.be/lpSi27u4azQ

 

[480sparky]

I'd say there's dirt / dust on the sensor.

 

[Joey_Yack]

Thanks guys, Ill take a look.

 

[Joey_Yack]

Only problem is I cant find a manual sensor cleaning function on the camera, only automatic.

 

[480sparky]

Only problem is I cant find a manual sensor cleaning function on the camera, only automatic.

Then use that. If the dust persists, get a Giotto Rocket Blower. If it still persists, you'll need to physically remove it.

 

[SCraig]

It happens to all of them eventually and occasionally. Had to clean one of mine Friday because it had dust all over the sensor. As Sparky said, use a blower BULB (not canned compressed air!) first and if that doesn't work you'll need to get some sensor swabs and cleaner (or pre-moistened swabs) and clean it. I prefer Photographic Solutions, but only because that's all I've ever used. The Visible Dust link Sparky provided is certainly just as good.

 

[MLeeK]

Under your menu setting for Sensor Cleaning you should have a manual setting. Go there.

 

[Joey_Yack]

Thanks for all the replies guys, I found out I needed to be on the Manual setting for the Manual Sensor Cleaning option to show up! Also, ordered a rocket air blower off amazon. Thanks again!

 

[snowbear]

I use the top rack of the dishwasher.

Actually I just got a kit and cleaned the sensor on my D40; it's not hard - four swipes and I got (almost) all of the boogers.

 

[480sparky]

......... Also, ordered a rocket air blower off amazon. Thanks again!

The trick to using the blower correctly is to aim the lens opening down at about a 30° angle and blow the air up into the camera body. That way, any loose dust won't just settle back into the camera.

 

[KmH]

Image sensor cleaning when needed is just one part of routine camera/lens photo gear maintenance.