Sensor cleaning DSLR (APS-C) Crop Sensor- Nikon D7200
**DISCLAIMER - whilst this is a relatively straightforward procedure, it is done entirely at your own risk. If you break your camera, it is down to you and you alone.***
I frequently hear people asking how to clean the sensor of their camera. Even worse I have heard people paying between £30 and £75 to have them cleaned at their local camera store!!! I was a little nervous the first time I tried it, but as soon as i had done it once, I realised there was nothing to worry about.
Sensor cleaning, whilst you need to be careful, is not difficult or risky. You aren't actually cleaning the sensor of your camera, merely a glass screen in front of it.
Kits are readily available on the internet either in stores or auction sites. I have linked the kit i use below (not sponsored or affiliated). Make sure you choose the right size kit for your specific camera. At a pinch you can use the APS-C kit on a full frame sensor, as it is narrower, but you would struggle with the reverse.
D7200 is a great camera. A little long in the tooth now, but I have kept mine as my 12 year old is getting into photography. Being 12, he is a little less concerned about dust than i am.
Key points;
Take an out of focus shot of a clean white piece of paper at f16 or above to show the dust bunnies.
Start with a fully charged battery
Use a rocket blower or similar to remove any loose dust
Use the built in sensor cleaner first
Try doing a dry clean first with the swab, this will remove 90% of dirt.
If doing a wet clean, use 2-3 drops of fluid only.
Sweep in one direction. The swab is designed to attract dust and grit particles, so you dont want to drag a dirty swab over the sensor for a 2nd pass.
If in doubt, use a fresh swab for a 2nd pass.
Switch off camera once finished, this will release the mirror.
Clean mirror VERY gently or skip this step.
Reattach lens or body cap as soon as you have finished cleaning.
take a test shot to compare before/after cleaning shot.
Go out and take clean photos of blue skies without all those annoying spots.
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Sensor cleaning kit
https://amzn.to/3h8qSMU
Rocket blower
https://amzn.to/3yej3LH
Lens pen/brush
https://amzn.to/3dwe7d7