Compact Problem

[Milan Vjestica]

Just got back from a week near Nelson Bay and the stunning Stockton Beach and Dunes. I have had a problem with my G9 with what I thought was dirt on the lens. It got a thorough clean before I went. However, when I got the pictures onto my PC................

As you can see two marks, not insignificant, that have really made an impact. On some pictures I can crop them out, on others the marks are hidden in the image and not visible. I could get it repaired, but suspect the cost will be too high compared to the worth of the camera. The other option is to replace it. I was planning to spend some money on a good wide angle zoom for my SLR but that plan is on hold. I will now have to divert funds.

What do you think? Repair, or replace with something like a G12, Olympus PEN P2 or PL2 or even a Panansonic GF2? I like the compactness of the G9 for travel when I do not want to carry the D300 et al. However, the interchangeable lenses and added sensor size of the 4/3 cameras does appeal.

As always you sage advice is apreciated.

Milan

 

[Hamish Gill]

... A dusty sensor is always a bugger in a compact camera!
If you were over here I could proba arrange a repair for c£50 ...
I'm selling my gf1 if your interested?

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Milan - do you have access to a program like Photoshop?

Photoshop has a tool to fix these dust spots in your images - takes just a few seconds and the results are often perfect

 

[Milan Vjestica]

Hi Chris,

I use either GIMP or Paint.Net for that sort of stuff. I just find it anoying and unecessary as it appears on many pictures. I cannot get on with the equivalent tool in Lightroom or get results I am happy with.

Hi Hamish,

How can dirt get onto the sensor if the camera is sealed? No interchangeable lenses. I do suspect it is on the lens though. A 50UKP repair would appeal as I do like the G9. Message me you price for the GF1 ad what you plane to include in terms of lenses. I may be interested, it will depend on postage and what I can get one for here.

Regards

Milan

 

[Hamish Gill]

It looks like it's on the sensor mate, stuff on the lens doesn't usually show as it's so far out of focus.
You have to take apart the camera ... I know a company who fix battery doors and simple bits of about £50 so I'll ask them tomorrow if this comes under the same category as that...
I'll have a think ... I have to sell it anyway, so I'll post a f/s thread with you having first dibs!

 

[Hamish Gill]

no joy mate ... one company i know of want £110 and the other £160 because "the whole camera needs dismantling to clean the sensor"

 

[Mark Grant]

A website with some photos of a stripped down canon G7 (almost identical to G9)
http://qman.fotokala.ee/Kaamerad/PowerShotG7/index.html

You tube video, the air blast looks far too powerful !

[video=youtube;laBX5N-ZFAU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laBX5N-ZFAU[/video]

some discussion on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/g9/discuss/72157604075891597/page2/

If you are going to try it with canned air make sure it is the type that does not squirt liquid out at certain angles as that would be a disaster.

Co2 might be better,
http://www.tyreinflators.co.uk/inno...ator-inc-2x12g-co2-/prod_1098.html?category=8

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330354527030

 

[Milan Vjestica]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the info and links. That man is using an industrial airline! That may end up causing damage if he is not careful. I dropped into the Canon Repair Centre here is Sydney today (I found out this morning it is 10 minutes from where I work) and asked them their advice. It will cost about $210-$230 and will involve replacing the whole lens and sensor assembley as that is easier than cleaning! They charge $50 to clean an SLR sensor. I am tempted to have a go myself! Then again........

 

[Hamish Gill]

since your about to own a compact where the sensor is easy to clean id stick this on ebay and have it done with ... i doubt you will get much less for it than you would one without the dirt as a lot of people will see it as an opportunity for a bargain
its all about how you write the listing!