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AR15.COM
8/27/2010 7:34:44 PM EDT
I've put it off long enough. When going through my recent photos, the amount of dust visible on my pictures is making it seem like they were shot on a 40-year old polaroid kept in someone's back pocket. So, what are my options for cleaning the sensor on my 20D? Go to a local shop? Order the swipes off eBay?
8/27/2010 8:12:22 PM EDT
[#1]
This is a great video on sensor cleaning by LensRentals.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRW9AmDPqr0

Considering lensrentals.com rents a lot of camera bodies, and this is how they clean their sensors, it's probably a sound way to go.

But how long have you had your 20D? It is probably a good idea to spend the ~$70 and send it off to Canon for maintenance. Not only will they clean the sensor, but they will recalibrate the light meter and do other minor maintenance tasks (e.g. lubricate mirror assembly). I recommended that to my friend who got particles on his 20D's sensor after a trip to Mexico (changed lenses on the beach). I think Canon's fee was less than $75 (which included return shipping).
8/28/2010 5:12:01 AM EDT
[#2]
I bought my stuff from here.
http://visibledust.com/

The static brush and magnifier work great and I also picked up some swabs for my 20D as well.
wow, also check amazon..the prices are WAY less.

http://www.amazon.com/Visible-Dust-Butterfly-Cleaning-Cameras/dp/B000JQA2A8/ref=sr_1_26?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1283001020&sr=1-26
http://www.amazon.com/Visible-Dust-BriteVue-Sensor-Loupe/dp/B00127ZT74/ref=sr_1_2?s=STORE&ie=UTF8&qid=1283001110&sr=1-2
8/28/2010 3:04:59 PM EDT
[#3]
Good tutorial here, if you want to do it yourself
http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials

They will also sell you everything you need.
8/30/2010 11:38:45 AM EDT
[#4]
My advice is don't.
Send it to canon. Let them do it
It may seem an eAsy job and it's not hard but you can damage the sensor.
Canon won't damage it and if they do they will fix it.

8/30/2010 11:46:25 AM EDT
[#5]
I've found that a Rocket Blower works about 99.9% of the time, for dust.  They are great. Just a few puffs, with the mirror locked-up, and you are good to go.  In fact, I don't think I've needed to use the "wet" method for cleaning the sensor, since I got the Rocket Blower.
8/30/2010 2:30:55 PM EDT
[#6]
If you use a blower, do it with the camera upside down so the dust falls out and not back inside.
9/1/2010 8:56:10 AM EDT
[#7]
I've got the Copper Hill cleaning system. Works great, just be patient.  I've heard of guys sending their cameras in to only come back worse. I'm in control doing it myself, and can only blame one person.