What is the purpose of the active image sensor cleaning on my Nikon D3000?

Whenever I turn on and off my Nikon D3000 DSLR, I notice that there is a message on the screen, telling me that it is performing “image sensor cleaning”. So does this mean that the camera is automatically cleaning the sensors by itself? Is there a need for me to take out the lens (for example) and clean the sensors myself manually?

Dust on the image sensor is very annoying as it creates a black blob on your images. Modern cameras have sensor cleaning systems which vibrate the image sensor to knock off dust particles. It appears to work quite well. With this system, you shouldn’t need to clean the sensor manually unless you get a really nasty dust mote on your sensor. If the cleaning system can’t remove a dust speck, take the camera to a professional service.

Boiler plate warning: You want to avoid cleaning the sensor yourself as you can damage the sensor if not done properly.

When changing lenses, use good practices to avoid getting dust into the mirror/sensor chamber. There’s lots of suggestions on the web on how to do this. The cleaning system will do the rest.

Nikon Sensor Cleaning Video P10

Nikon Lens Cleaner Wet Cloth – Nikon 8175 $4.13 Includes 21 x Individually Wrapped Cloths….

2 Camera Lens Air Dust Blower Cleaner for Nikon SLR $16.54 2 Camera Lens Air Dust Blower Cleaner For Nikon SLR. This is a new set of 2 rubber watch crystal removers. Great for removing crystals from watches. They can also be used as a dust blower. Insert nozzle inside any watch stem hole and squeeze the bulb and it will blow out the crystal without damaging it. Just squeeze for a blast of air. Each measures approximately 4 1/2″ (114 mm) long. We work hard…

Digital SLR Camera & Lens 7-Piece Deluxe Cleaning Kit including Cameta Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for Nikon D3000, D700, D300s, D300, D200, D90, D80, D60, D5000, D40x, D40, D3x, D3 & D3s Digital SLR Cameras $7.95 It’s obvious that the cleaner the lens, the sharper your pictures will be. Dirt, dust, and fingerprints will degrade the image quality of even the finest optics. However, it’s important to avoid using incorrect cleaning materials which can permanently damage your photo equipment. Used properly, the cleaning supplies in this kit are certified safe for use on your valuable digital and film photo-equ…

Lenspen Lens Cleaning System + Hurricane Blower + Deluxe 5-Piece Cleaning Kit For The Nikon D3X Digital SLR Camera and Complimentary FREE Exclusive Super Deal Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth $11.90 This Lens Pen Lens Cleaning System is the simple and effective way to clean your optics when they get dirty, prior to the dust and grime build up, becoming more and more difficult to remove. This is how simple the Lens Pen is to use: 1) Slide out the retractable brush, using it to remove any dust particles 2) Remove the end cap to expose the cleaning pad 3) Using a smooth, circular motion, wipe th…

Lenspen Lens Cleaning System + Hurricane Blower + Deluxe 5-Piece Cleaning Kit For The Nikon Coolpix P90 Digital Camera and Complimentary FREE Exclusive Super Deal Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth $11.90 This Lens Pen Lens Cleaning System is the simple and effective way to clean your optics when they get dirty, prior to the dust and grime build up, becoming more and more difficult to remove. This is how simple the Lens Pen is to use: 1) Slide out the retractable brush, using it to remove any dust particles 2) Remove the end cap to expose the cleaning pad 3) Using a smooth, circular motion, wipe th…

Lenspen Lens Cleaning System + Hurricane Blower + Deluxe 5-Piece Cleaning Kit For The Nikon Coolpix S620 Digital Camera and Complimentary FREE Exclusive Super Deal Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth $11.90 This Lens Pen Lens Cleaning System is the simple and effective way to clean your optics when they get dirty, prior to the dust and grime build up, becoming more and more difficult to remove. This is how simple the Lens Pen is to use: 1) Slide out the retractable brush, using it to remove any dust particles 2) Remove the end cap to expose the cleaning pad 3) Using a smooth, circular motion, wipe th…

Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System $7.39 Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality….

Nikon 8072 Microfiber Cleaning Cloth $4.36 The Nikon cleaning cloth is made of micro-fiber material that is also anti-static for easy cleaning and use. It is the perfect way to safely maintain and clean your lenses, camera and binocular optics. Also included is a clip-on carry case….

Nikon Complete Lens Cleaner Kit $7.08 Nikon Lens Cleaner Kit – Nikon 8176…

Nikon EZ-Micro – Nikon 8142 $1,742.48 Includes User Guide….

Nikon Lens Cleaner Spray Bottle – Lens Cleaner $5.23 Nikon 8174 Nikon Lens Cleaner Spray Bottle

Nikon Lens Cleaner Kit $7.76 The Lens Cleaner Kit includes a liquid spray cleaner, handy individually wrapped moist lens cleaner cloths and a micro fiber cleaning cloth, all in a convenient carrying pouch.

Nikon Sports And Recreational Binocular Lens CLeaner Spray Bottle 8174NIK $10.02 Nikon Sports And Recreational Binocular Lens CLeaner Spray Bottle 8174NIK

Nikon 8175 Nikon Lens Cleaner Wet Cloth $5.88 @@ Use these Nikon Lens Cleaning Cloths to guard against smudges and fingerprints on your lenses, glasses and other photographic equipment.

Nikon 8174NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER SPRAY BOTTLE $2.72 Nikon 8174NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER SPRAY BOTTLE Nikon has a long history of development of a variety of products that allow for the simple enjoyment of high-quality imaging, beginning of course, with digital cameras. In recent years, the digital wave has led to great changes in the ways in which images, videos and music are enjoyed. Nikon 8174NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER SPRAY BOTTLE Features: • LxWxH • 1.4×1.3×6.2

Nikon 8175NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER WET CLOTH $3.35 Nikon 8175NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER WET CLOTH Nikon has a long history of development of a variety of products that allow for the simple enjoyment of high-quality imaging, beginning of course, with digital cameras. In recent years, the digital wave has led to great changes in the ways in which images, videos and music are enjoyed. Nikon 8175NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER WET CLOTH Features: • LxWxH • 5.8×3.8×1.1

Nikon 8176NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER KIT $6.97 Nikon 8176NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER KIT Nikon has a long history of development of a variety of products that allow for the simple enjoyment of high-quality imaging, beginning of course, with digital cameras. In recent years, the digital wave has led to great changes in the ways in which images, videos and music are enjoyed. Nikon 8176NIK BINOCULAR, LENS CLEANER KIT Features: • LxWxH • 1.7×2.9×4.1

Nikon $144 Nikon