Heated debate over using canned air vs. a bulb blower for sensor cleaning...

I keep seeing guys grab canned air to blow dust off sensors, but I've had a $60 sensor cleaning kit work fine for 5 years without risking propellant residue. Which side are you on and have you ever actually seen damage from canned air firsthand?

3 comments

3 Comments

abbyf794d ago

Throw a third option into the mix - those little blower bulbs that can't ever spray liquid, but they also can't get behind the shutter on mirrorless cameras without pulling the lens off. I've seen more than one guy blast dust deeper into the sensor chamber with a bulb than if he'd just used a wet swab from the start. @sandragrant is right that a blower does the job fine for surface dust, but I keep a little sensor loupe and a static-free brush handy for stubborn corners that the bulb just pushes around. Never had to wet clean more than twice in three years that way.

wade_anderson5d ago

Respectfully, canned air is a gamble I'd rather not take. Seen too many horror stories online of people getting that propellant spray on their sensor and ruining the coatings. A proper blower and a wet clean when needed is way more reliable than hoping the can doesn't spit liquid.

sandragrant5d ago

Ain't that the truth? I've never had a propellant mishap myself but why roll the dice when a simple blower does the job just fine?