Even though the sensors on the newer Nikon DSLRs have a built-in "sensor shake" cleaning method available through the menu system of the camera, dust can still build up on the sensor over time and will need to be cleaned. Most stores charge $60 to do a sensor cleaning, but if you have the tools, it is pretty easy to do at home.
Instructions
Activate the Camera Sensor Clean First
1. Use the camera's built in "sensor shake" to remove big particles, before doing a wet cleaning of the sensor. Go to Menu, then Setup, then Clean Image Sensor and press Enter.
2. Go to the Setup Menu and press Lockup Mirror for Cleaning. This needs to be done with a fully charged battery. Power down the camera.
3. Remove the body cap from the D3 and use the blower bulb to blow any loose dust off. Use three squirts with the blower.
4. Use two drops of Eclipse E2 fluid on a full-frame swab. Make one pass across the sensor from left to right, then a second pass from right to left.
5. Place the scope over the opening in the camera and check to see if there is any dust left on the sensor. If there is, repeat step 4.
6. Use the blower one more time on the camera. Then go to the setup menu and unlock the mirror.
Tags: sensor shake
