Should I leave automatic sensor cleaning enabled if I never remove the lens?
Asked 2/1/2015
6 views
2 answers
0
I use a Canon EOS 60D with a single lens and almost never take the lens off. If the camera body is rarely opened, is there still any benefit to leaving the automatic sensor cleaning feature enabled at power on, or is it unnecessary?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
19
Several models of zoom lens are designed in such a way that they likely inhale dust and may vent it into the body of the camera. How big a problem this is remains debatable (see this discussion for example).
Also, most lenses are not externally dust sealed so air and fine particles are likely to make their way in over time.
For these reasons it probably makes sense to use the sensor cleaning feature, at least occasionally.
Originally by user10861. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10861
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Even if you never remove the lens, dust or debris can still end up on the sensor area.
Why: zoom lenses can move air in and out as they extend or retract, which may bring dust into the camera. Many lenses also are not fully dust-sealed, so fine particles can work their way in over time. In addition, debris doesn’t only come from lens changes—it can come from inside the camera or lens itself.
Automatic sensor cleaning won’t fix every contamination issue, but it can help reduce ordinary dust buildup with little downside. So it makes sense to leave it enabled, or at least run it occasionally.
If you start seeing persistent spots in photos, especially against clear skies or at small apertures, the automatic cleaning may not be enough and you may need a more thorough sensor cleaning.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Do you need sensor self-cleaning if you never change lenses?
Does leaving GPS on reduce Nikon D5300 battery life, and how can I extend it?
Canon Rebel XS resets Auto Cleaning to Enable after power off and shows Err 99
How should I clean a fingerprint from a camera filter?
Does frequent in-camera sensor cleaning cause long-term wear?