A570 faulty sensor, streaks in picture

[89AKurt]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/2182532912_19d8da9c96_b.jpg
Large size (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=2182532912&size=o)
I just had someone discover my sensor is faulty. When I created this HDR (yes I know it sucks, PhotoImpactPro is the program), it exacerbated the problem.
Is this a typical problem?

[cosworth]

I've never seen sensor boogers on a camera like that, have you looked at the lens?

[Jon]

Looks like the sensor might have gotten smeared during assembly. If you can produce a photo of a plain surface that demonstrates this, you should be able to get Canon to repair/replace it. If it's still in the return period, it might be better to see if you can exchange it.

[89AKurt]

<b>cosworth</b>: Yes, I had cleaned the lens.

<b>Jon</b>: I had a friend suggest that, and he confirmed it.

Glad I bought locally instead of mail order.