EOS 200D: Issue with Smudges and Black Dots on Images Taken

[gbheronco]

Dear Canon Support,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to seek assistance with an issue I’ve encountered while using my Canon camera. Specifically, I have noticed smudges and black dots appearing on the images I take, and I’m not sure what might be causing this problem.

The issue is rather odd: when I look through the viewfinder, it appears as though there are smudges on the lens or sensor that could be easily wiped away. However, when I take the picture, the smudges turn into distinct black dots. Upon closer inspection, I’ve noticed that there are actually three of these dots present on the images.

To help clarify the issue, I have included two photos:

1. A picture I took with the camera, showing the black dots in the final image.
2. A picture of the viewfinder itself, where the smudges are visible but appear much less pronounced compared to the final image.

Given this discrepancy, I am unsure whether this is a problem with the lens, sensor, or another internal component. I would greatly appreciate your advice or suggestions for resolving this issue.

Thank you for your time and assistance, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Jamie Cassels
EOS 2000D

[kvbarkley]

Probably stuff on the sensor. If you get a blower, like a rocket blower, you can use the sensor cleaning function in the menu, turn the camera with lens opening down, and try to blow it out.

You can also send it in for cleaning, or live with it and use the dust delete feature.

[kvbarkley]

Probably stuff on the sensor. If you get a blower, like a rocket blower, you can use the sensor cleaning function in the menu, turn the camera with the lens opening downward and try to blow it out.

Or you can live with it and use the dust delete feature.

Or you can send it in for cleaning.

[Tronhard]

I suspect you have two issues:
1. Because the viewfinder uses the mirror to display the images, likely you have marks on the mirror or the base of the pentaprism, and that is easy to clean.  Use an optical cleaning cloth, but do not spray lens cleaning liquid into the camera, if necessary spray it onto part of the cloth.
2. Dots on the LCD or you final images come from the sensor, which likely has dust on it.  The first and least complex is to use the Sensor Cleaning tool (see the wrench menu).  That will vibrate the sensor to try to shake that off.  If that does not work the sensor may need to be manually cleaned.  There is risk here if you are not confident in what you are doing, so if in doubt have this done by a camera service centre.

You could get the service centre to do a full camera clean.  To avoid these issues try to do the following:
Do not put your fingers in the camera body, your fingers will cause smudges and the acid on your fingers will erode the sensitive surfaces.
ALWAYS turn off your camera when changing lenses - sensors are electrified and attract dust when the camera is on, and will thus attract dust like a magnet.  When changing lenses, hold the camera pointing front to the ground to stop dust falling into the camera body.