Hello,

Just for information : I'm using my Canon EOS 5D  for more than 2 years now. This camera is (still) one of the best available in the digital world (IQ price rating) but sadly don't have a dust sensor  cleaning system and believe me on a full frame camera dust have place to play.

Here they charge you (approx.) 45$ for cleaning the sensor and of course you have to go to the service center and so on. So since the beginning (EOS 20D) I use the visible dust  arctic butterfly system. I know it's quite expensive but it's very effective it's non aggressive solution (based on electrostatic, you don't touch the sensor  AA filter ) but the best of all it's always with me in my camera bag so I can make a "cleaning" on the way. Of course the first time, you will be very impressed (sure ? may I clean it ... glups). But now I clean even the cameras of friends in about 1 or 2 minutes with confidence.

I've got the full package with cleaning fluids for the sensor and the chamber but In 2 years I've used it 2 or 3 times. The problem with dust spots on the sensor is that you can very quickly go "mad" and paranoiac. In fact avoiding dust on sensor can be pretty simple. Now I clean my sensor every 20 shoots or 10 shoots if I've changed the lens in a "dusty" environment.

On my 40D (with the sensor cleaning system) in about 4 month no sign of dust up to know. ( great relief but in case of emergency my brushes are in my bag.

Of course don't expect Nikon or Canon will recommend those "manual" cleaning systems even if they use them themselves.

Just my 2 cents.

Aegy

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David "AEGIPAN" H. aka Aegy

AEGIPAN OFFICIAL WEBSITE - Glamour Photography At Its Best