I've noticed some dark spots showing up in my photos lately, especially when I shoot with smaller apertures. I think dust got on my sensor when I was changing lenses outside. Is it safe to clean it myself with a kit, or should I take it to a professional?
You can clean it yourself if you're careful - sensor cleaning kits are pretty safe when you follow the instructions. The main thing is working in a dust-free environment, using the right swabs and solution for your sensor size, and being gentle since you're literally touching the imaging surface. If you're nervous about it or have a valuable camera, a professional cleaning costs maybe $50-100 and takes the risk off your hands. Honestly though, most people do it themselves without issues once they've watched a decent tutorial.
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