I suspect my camera sensor is dirty. But it only shows spots

>>2993900
so clean it

File: _PNT8384.jpg (184KB, 1200x798px) Image search: [Google]

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>>2993900
You're shooting f/14. It may not necessarily be dirty, but imperfections are easy to show up when you're shooting an aperture that small. Shoot at 8 or 11 or and they should probably go away.
Pic related.

[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]

Camera-Specific Properties:
Equipment Make	RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
Camera Model	PENTAX K-3
Camera Software	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.0 (Windows)
Sensing Method	One-Chip Color Area
Focal Length (35mm Equiv)	75 mm
Image-Specific Properties:
Image Orientation	Top, Left-Hand
Horizontal Resolution	240 dpi
Vertical Resolution	240 dpi
Image Created	2016:08:26 17:07:03
Exposure Time	1/45 sec
F-Number	f/19.0
Exposure Program	Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating	100
Lens Aperture	f/19.0
Exposure Bias	-1/2 EV
Metering Mode	Pattern
Flash	No Flash, Compulsory
Focal Length	50.00 mm
Rendering	Normal
Exposure Mode	Manual
White Balance	Auto
Scene Capture Type	Standard
Contrast	Hard
Saturation	Normal
Sharpness	Hard
Subject Distance Range	Distant View

>>2993906
Also this, just clean it if you're worried about it.

File: DSC00824.jpg (3MB, 4200x2800px) Image search: [Google]

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>>2993908
They still show up at f11 and f8.

[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]

Camera-Specific Properties:
Equipment Make	SONY
Camera Model	ILCE-7M2
Camera Software	ILCE-7M2 v3.20
Maximum Lens Aperture	f/1.8
Focal Length (35mm Equiv)	85 mm
Image-Specific Properties:
Image Orientation	Top, Left-Hand
Horizontal Resolution	350 dpi
Vertical Resolution	350 dpi
Image Created	2017:01:02 20:21:34
Exposure Time	1/40 sec
F-Number	f/11.0
Exposure Program	Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating	6400
Brightness	1.5 EV
Exposure Bias	0 EV
Metering Mode	Pattern
Light Source	Unknown
Flash	No Flash, Compulsory
Focal Length	85.00 mm
Color Space Information	sRGB
Image Width	6000
Image Height	4000
Rendering	Normal
Exposure Mode	Auto
White Balance	Auto
Scene Capture Type	Standard
Contrast	Normal
Saturation	Normal
Sharpness	Normal

>>2993912
Then yes, you probably have a dirty sensor.

File: 1482772917880.png (229KB, 1051x1393px) Image search: [Google]

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That is indeed a dirty sensor. So take your lens off and set your camera to cleaning mode. If that sony thing doesnt have a cleaning mode pop your shutter open with bulb and don't fucking close that shutter while youre working on that sensor. Try to remove the dust with a hand blower (NO COMPRESSED AIR). If that doesn't work consider paying someone to clean it or picking up a sensor gel stick. I've never used a wet cleaning kit myself but I heard enough headaches about them to not to.

Set your smallest aperture, put your *longest focallength* lens completely out of focus, shoot a blue sky.
Dirt will look like dirt.
http://pseudosticky.wikia.com/wiki/Pseudo_sticky#cleaning_sensors

File: being alive is scary.jpg (28KB, 590x442px) Image search: [Google]

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>>2993900
Here's a great article that will show you how to safely clean your sensor without destroying your camera. Some of the product recommendations for what you'll need are great (you don't neccesarily need the sensor loupe like the guy says, just use a headlamp or something). Do not fall for the cleaning service Jew and do it yourself!

http://www.howtogeek.com/162413/how-to-cheaply-and-safely-clean-your-cameras-dslr-sensor/

>>2993933
>(NO COMPRESSED AIR)
Good god this, seen disasters like this before. If you blow that shit onto your sensor it will coat it in propellants and other oily shit that will cost a ton of money to have removed.

>>2993912
A good way to view dust particles throughout the cleaning process is to tape a piece of white printer paper to a wall in a very well lit area, set focus to infinity, take a picture, upload it to your computer, and then boost the clarity/ sharpness in lightroom or photoshop as much as possible to see every speck of dust clear as day.

File: SensorSwabClean.jpg (28KB, 400x267px) Image search: [Google]

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Use a microfiber swab dipped in pure methanol (dries within seconds, be quick) and wipe the sensor. Make sure you're in a dust free environment, ventilate the room well and vacuum a few times, clean the table and shit with a wet cloth and work very fast.

It's easy and safe. Oh, and do not use any pressure.

>>2994129
Another important thing is not to touch the lubricated parts on either side of the sensor with the swab, or you're gonna get that gunk speared all over the place. Sweep once across one side, turn the swab over, then sweep the other way, and dispose of the swab.

File: sensor loupe.jpg (126KB, 1320x1320px) Image search: [Google]

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Question here fellas, how necessary is it to use a sensor loupe to evaluate your cleaning process? Is it absolutely vital? Can't I just mount the camera on a tripod with the mirror up, facing the body down (to prevent particles drifting in) and evaluate it with a flashlight/ headlamp or something, or even just take a test picture instead?

>>2993933
>cleaning mode
>open shutter
>Confirmed for never holding a mirrorless digicam in his hands.
Ya just take the lens off and clean it. Buy a good quality wet swab kit. Easy-peezey on a Sony.

>>2994382
Just take a test picture.
All a loop does is save you some time.

Best way to take a test picture:
- put something white on your computer screen, an empty text document will do.
- select A mode, smallest aperture, +1 ev exposure compensation.
- set your lens to infinity focus and take a close shot of your white computer screen (being extremely out of focus ensures you only see the sensor dust, nothing else)
- examine the result in Lightroom with the "Visualize Spots" option and be horrified.