Bummer. []


Have you tried the software fix? See p. 185 of your 7D manual for details on the Dust Delete feature, which records data from a reference image in the file headers of subsequent images, and if you process those images (RAW or JPG) in DPP, it applies the 'dust map' data to hide the spots (presumably by interpolating from the surrounding region of the image).


As for cleaning, the big DO NOT's are spelled out by Canon - don't power off, open the battery door, or open the card door, any of which will cause the shutter to close, damaging it.


You might want to check out Bryan's article on sensor cleaning.


There's also an article about sensor dust on Canon's Digital Learning Center.


Personally, I bought a Visible DustArctic Butterfly 724 Super Bright. I haven't needed to use it yet, but like death and taxes, sensor dust is inevitable...


Good luck!


--John