sensor cleaning

I need to clean my sensor and would like to know what I should use.Is the Dust Aid a good product?

I would recommend you check out the forum at dpreview.com. I just had a real issue with my Canon 5D and learned the hard way one needs to be careful about products used. The other link I would recommend would be copperhillimages.com. Both of these sites are top notch. The Dust Aid product has been heavily scrutinized and doesn't pass the test. Fortunately there are other, more reliable options (less expensive, too).

I've used the Dust Aid product without issues and it did a good job on my Canon 10D, but I've only used it once. I'm not sure what scrutiny Ernie is referring too. It's been my experience that no product is perfect so if enough people try something there will most definitely be some that are unhappy.

I've also used Dust Aid several times and I've never had any problems with it. I also like to use Sensor swabs with Eclipse fluid for the spots Dust Aid doesn't get rid of..

I use the Copperhill products (the brush for easy cleanings, Eclipse and Pec Pads on a spatula for more serious cleanings). Have had excellent results to date. I've looked into the Dust Aid products and have heard great things about it, but just haven't gotten around o buyng it yet. I'm a little surprised to see Ernie's take on the Dust Aid product; that's the first bad report I've heard. Would be interested in hearing about that in more detail.

I've also used copperhill method as per Bill, with equal results. One can also use a lens pen on embedded dust particles that won't come off with the spatula, but it's a last resort, IMO. I was able to get two stubborn particles (sort of "plastered" in place by the camera warming up too quickly upon entering a warm room from a cold winter outdoors and condensation forming and fastening the particles on when drying) off the sensor of my old 20D that way, but made sure I used a brand-new, pristine pen that hadn't had any chances to attract grit. And, speaking of grit, when you go to rubbing your lens pen on your sensor, your really have to GRIT your teeth!

When you get the dirt that needs to be washed off instead of blown or brushed, then you need to make sure that the cleaning fluid is compatible with your sensor. As Ernie said about, the 5D, or any Canon CMOS sensor, needs to have a different cleaning fluid than the CCD sensors. I read somewhere that this is caused by the difference in the coating placed over the sensor. When the dirt is sticking to the sensor and you have to use the cleaning fluids, follow the directions carefully. However, they don't tell you to make sure that you have Kleenexes nearby. You want to make sure that you don't add some salty water to the sensor. That can't be good, but it is definitely an experience drawing the cleaning clothe, or whatever it is, across the sensor. Being dainty does not work!

Good Luck!!!!