How to clean the image sensor for ILCE series and NEX series.

Remove dust and debris from the camera body, the lens and the image sensor by using a commercially available blower.

WARNING: There is a risk of hardware damage. Do not use commercially available cleaning solutions or cleaning papers. Doing so may damage, deform or scratch the image sensor. Sony is not liable for any incidental or consequential damage due to mishandling at non-Sony service locations or otherwise.

What you need to get started:

[1] Blower
Used to remove dust and debris from the body and from inside the camera.

[2] Brush
IMPORTANT: Only to be used for removing dust from the camera body and the lens; not for cleaning the image sensor itself.
We recommend that you use both large and small brushes for cleaning the lens.

NOTE: We recommend using a plain blower instead of a brush blower.

Plain blower (recommended)
Squeeze the bulb with your fingers to force the air out. You can easily decide what amount of air pressure you want to apply, by adjusting the pressure on the bulb.

Brush blower
This can be used as both a blower and a brush.

IMPORTANT: When using a brush blower with a removable brush, remove the brush when using it as a blower. This prevents dust on the brush being blown onto the camera, and the brush itself may damage the sensor.

• Do not use a spray blower such as compressed or canned air. The force may be too great for the sensor, and may cause damage or malfunction.
• Do not touch the sensor's surface directly with your fingers or blow on it with your mouth. Fingerprints and saliva specks may be very difficult to remove. 

You can check the following cleaning method in this movie.

How to clean

1. Remove dust and debris from the camera body.
   Use a brush to sweep dust and debris from the entire camera. Use a large brush for the outside of the camera and a small brush for delicate parts. Do not press the brush hard against the camera; sweep gently.

   

2. Remove dust and debris from delicate parts using a blower.

   

3. Take the front lens cap off, and remove the dust on the lens surface using the blower.
   Replace the front lens cap to prevent dust from attaching to the lens.

   

4. Press the lens release button, and detach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1

   

   IMPORTANT: Be careful not to touch the surface of the sensor.

   

5. Use the blower while holding the camera facing slightly downward so that dust and debris easily fall off the sensor's surface.

   *For the ILCE-QX1

   

6. Reattach the lens.

   *For the ILCE-QX1

   
   
   
   NOTE: Take the lens off and on in a dust-free location. Dust and debris may easily enter the camera and lens in a dusty location.
   
   

7. After you are finished cleaning, check that dust has been removed.

   1. Set the shooting mode to Aperture Priority (A), and the aperture value to F11.
   2. Take a picture of a white wall, white paper, or the sky.
   3. Make sure that no dust shows on the image.

Many camera shops also offer professional cleaning services for image sensors that may be able to be performed in a timely manner.