Does my camera need cleaning?

Question

I've noticed on my images a few little "cross-shaped" marks like a problem with pixels or maybe caused by dust? I was wondering if this signifys that my camera sensor needs cleaned...I hope that's all it is.

I've had this camera approx. two years and not sure how often it needs to be cleaned but I'm sure you can have them cleaned too often too.

Never had this happen before so this would be a first cleaning for me with my digital SLR (Nikon D200). I plan on taking it into a reputable camera shop but hope this is the only problem.

Some information would be appreciated...

Answer 1

Yes your camera sensor likely needs cleaning. You are very smart to take it to a professional camera shop to have it done.

Answer 2

yes i would say your camera needs cleaning.

but it verywell could be the lense is worn out when you take it to the shop you should ask about that.

Answer 3

Yes, i have a Canon and clean it once a year - every 6 months depending on how much I have used it. With some of the newer cameras with the Anti-dust things they may only need cleaning every 2 years. I'm sure you know that the amount of dust inside your camera depends on how often you change your lens and how you do it.

I would recommend getting it cleaned professionally especially if its your first time or you do it infrequently as it reduces the chance of damaging the sensor and is worth the extra money.

Another thing I would recommend is an air blower, not so much for your body, but for your lens, as they can collect dust on the inner most glass and can have the same effect as dust on the sensor how ever as lens are less delicate they are safer to clean. You can pick up an air blower for less than $10/£5 most places on the internet.