Are these spots on the mirror?

[alistair1234]

I've had these spots appearing on most images on my Canon 70d for a little while. Seem to appear when using both of my lenses.

There is a dark circle and a little one above and below.

What can I do about it? Does it need cleaning professionally?

[_dobbo_]

It won't be the mirror, as the mirror flips up when you take a photo.

It's likely dust on the sensor. A blow with a puffer might clear it, something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-GTAA1900-Rocket-A...

Personally I just use the clone tool in Photoshop to get rid.

[CubanPete]

Cleaning the sensor should be reasonably straightforward with car.

[TheRainMaker]

Cleaning sensors is easy, you can get kits from any good shop.

This should be the stuff you need, but double check.

https://www.wexphotovideo.com/visible-dust-dual-po...

[sticks090460]

WEX did my wife's 80d in the shop for £6 in an hour. If you do it yourself, make sure you get the right size swab for your APS-C sensor. Apologies if this is too much like stating the obvious.

[Simpo Two]

If you can't clone, try a rocket blower (before you start smearing bits of damp rag over the highly delicate sensor and possibly making it worse)

[DibblyDobbler]

Hoover it

Seriously - the best method I have found is to use the suction hose on our Dyson to gently suck out any foreign bodies.

[ashleyman]

I never touch my sensors. Always take them to Calumet (now WEX) to sort. Less risky than trying to do it myself.

[Tony1963]

I've cleaned sensors dozens of times and have never had anything nasty happen.

When we say sensor, what we mean is, on most dSLRs, the high pass filter that sits over it. This is quite a rugged item, and a gentle wipe with the appropriate swab soaked in medical alcohol is all you need. A pro snapper mate just used cotton buds soaked in lighter fluid years ago, again no problems.

Buy the kit, watch youtube videos, do it yourself. Easy.

[paul.deitch]

Tony1963 said:

I've cleaned sensors dozens of times and have never had anything nasty happen.

When we say sensor, what we mean is, on most dSLRs, the high pass filter that sits over it. This is quite a rugged item, and a gentle wipe with the appropriate swab soaked in medical alcohol is all you need. A pro snapper mate just used cotton buds soaked in lighter fluid years ago, again no problems.

Buy the kit, watch youtube videos, do it yourself. Easy.

Yes, did that too, too vigourously....
Oh dear.
Only the once though!

[SCEtoAUX]

DibblyDobbler said:

Hoover it

Seriously - the best method I have found is to use the suction hose on our Dyson to gently suck out any foreign bodies.

Yep, that's what I do.

Mirror up and then the end of the hoover fluxible hose covering about 80% of the lens mount area, then a light brushing of the sensor with a very soft paintbrush. Works a treat.

[Gad-Westy]

Simpo Two said:

If you can't clone, try a rocket blower (before you start smearing bits of damp rag over the highly delicate sensor and possibly making it worse)

Yes, I'm with Simpo on this one. Before you get into wet cleaning, or sending the camera off anywhere, a proper proper blower (with filter) can shift most typical debris that ends up on a sensor.