Sensor Cleaning Guide

illuminated view of your sensor’s surface and determine if cleaning is necessary in a
matter of seconds.
The Delkin SensorScope was the first DSLR sensor inspection device introduced in 2008,
and still holds the original patent for inventing DSLR sensor inspection. The universal
design drops onto any DSLR’s lens mount and provides a magnified and illuminated in-
focus view of your sensor’s surface so that you can determine if debris exists. Sensor
inspection is recommended before every shoot, and in a dry enclosed room without a
lot of air circulation.
Once you take a look at your sensor’s surface, you can determine if a cleaning is really
necessary or not. If your sensor looks clean of debris, simply power your camera down
(this will release the mirror lock-up) and reattach your lens, and you are good to go! If
your sensor does need a cleaning, there are tools that will address the various types of
common debris and help you eliminate them quickly and easily.
Removing Loose, Dry Particles
Dust, lint, and tiny particles are the most common
types of debris to end up on your sensor surface. They
could be introduced during a lens change outside, or
even in an enclosed room that has air circulation
running. Since these particles are commonly abrasive,
it is important to remove them first, before you move
onto any type of wipe or solution. Delkin makes a
SensorVac that’s included in their complete
SensorScope System kit that uses vacuum suction to
safely remove loose specs on your sensor’s surface, and
features a small LED light that helps you see exactly
what you’re doing while you’re in your camera’s sensor
chamber.
Removing Sticky or Adhered On Smudges
& Contaminant
Since your mirror is a big mechanical component that
needs to be properly lubricated to take pictures,
sometimes the extra lubricant can end up on your
sensor’s surface. This is usually oil based, and can
sometimes be tricky to remove. Other types of
“sticky” debris that can end up on your sensor’s
surface can be pollen, condensation from humid
shooting environments or big temperature changes,
and saliva (yep, we’ve seen it happen!). In these
cases, you need a wet chemical compound to break