EOS 90D Camera sensor scratches

[Sadia]

Hello,

I recently returned from an African safari and needed to clean my lens and camera body. I did everything fine, but once I opened the camera cap and looked at the sensor, I was shocked to see so many scratches (photo attached)! Even though my pictures came out just fine, I was curious to examine (search for spots in the image) if there were any marks on the white paper photo. I checked out some videos on how to do a white paper test to check for spots in the sensor. The white paper photo has no mark on it that I can see (attached). 

I'm wondering if the scratches are common for DSLR cameras. I bought the Canon 90D last year, and it has been great so far. Please let me know if this is something concerning.

Thank you! 

DSLR sensorwhite paper test

[Waddizzle]

I would contact Canon USA Support at 1-800-OK-CANON.

[jrhoffman75]

It looks like what you are seeing is actually the mirror, not the sensor. The mirror only allows you to see the image in the viewfinder; the mirror swings up when you take a photo or record video. It does not affect the image in anyway.

If you haven't been inside the mirror box cleaning the mirror then perhaps it is dust or some fungal growth from camera being in a humid environment?

[Tintype_18]

Off topic but: 1. Sorry you are having this situation. Let us know what you find for future reference for the community. 2. Could we see some photos of your safari?

[shadowsports]

John's reply says it all.  Thats the mirror.  I'd start with an air puffer.  Q-Tips and some alcohol.  LESS is more here and do some gentle clean up. 

You can further inspect the sensor once the mirror (box) and surrounding areas are cleaner.    

[ebiggs1]

Agree with Rick and John.  You can't actually see or get to the sensor without holding the mirror up out of the way. There is a menu option to do that. From your post I would encourage you to have a pro do the cleaning inside the mirror box. Its not hard but it can be for a first timer.

[Sadia]

Thank you so much, John. It is the mirror, not the sensor. I'm new to this, so I freaked out 🙂

[Sadia]

I will share some photos when I download them. I took more than a thousand photos. 🙂

Thank you! 

[Sadia]

Thank you, Rick. I used only the air puffer. Didn't have the courage to do anything more without knowing it 100%. 

[Sadia]

I will search for a pro to check it. For now, the air puffer is good enough since my photographs came out fine. Thank you 🙂