What causes black spots to appear in the same places in images taken and how can I get rid of them?

If certain kinds of black stains, dots, or dust are always visible in the same areas on images captured with the camera, dirt or dust may have adhered to the image sensor (CMOS).

Clean the image sensor, prevent dust from appearing in images

When changing the lens on a Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera or Interchangeable-Lens Compact System Camera, depending on the environment and situation, it is possible for particles and dust in the air to attached to the image sensor.

Because this phenomenon cannot be completely prevented due to structural reasons, the image sensor can be cleaned when you think there might be dust on it.

How to clean the image sensor varies depending on the model being used.

Some Digital Single-Lens Reflex Cameras and Interchangeable-Lens Compact System Cameras are equipped with a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit to clean the image sensor automatically. If you are using one of the following models, please see Automatic Sensor Cleaning.

Or, if you are using one of the following models, please see Manual Sensor Cleaning.

Caution

Removing dust from images using the software that came with your camera

The Digital Photo Professional software that came with your camera* has a function that you can use to remove unnecessary spots (dust and dirt) in images and blend those areas in with their surroundings. For details, please see the Digital Photo Professional instruction manual.*

*If the abovementioned items (Digital Photo Professional software/Instruction Manual) were not included with you camera, please download them from the Canon homepage.