Faulty sensor? Help please!

I couldn't find a dedicated technical thread for non Canon compacts, so I hope this finds a suitable location.

The two images accompanying this post show a blurred streak running vertically on the right side of the image about a quarter of the way in. The camera is a Panasonic DMC TC20, which my brother bought about two years ago. It hasn't been used much until recently when he took it on a trip. Sadly all the images are effected. (Being a non-interchangeable lens camera, it can't have been damaged by the operator.)

Can anyone please throw any light on what is causing this? I guess it is probably incurable and a new camera is in order, but it would be good to know if anyone has experienced anything similar.

If these pic were out of a DSLR I'd say a smudge on the sensor. Just a long shot Richardo, has your camera been exposed to condensation?

Dunno mate.

yogestee wrote in post #17210045
If these pic were out of a DSLR I'd say a smudge on the sensor. Just a long shot Richardo, has your camera been exposed to condensation?

Dunno mate.

Thanks Jurgen...that was my first thought...the smudge on the sensor I mean. But I hadn't thought of the residue of condensation. It's actually my brother's camera and has been through some major changes of climate, but it's hard to imagine that there would be a lasting effect. They've just driven from Broome down to Perth and that should take care of any moisture! But you have given me an idea...I wonder if nthe camera got extremely hot at one time and if there is any kind of lubricant in it that may have run down that part of the sensor. Just a thought, as there seems to be little other explanation.

Thanks again for replying. And how are things in Laos? All well I trust.

Ricardo222 wrote in post #17211762
Thanks Jurgen...that was my first thought...the smudge on the sensor I mean. But I hadn't thought of the residue of condensation. It's actually my brother's camera and has been through some major changes of climate, but it's hard to imagine that there would be a lasting effect. They've just driven from Broome down to Perth and that should take care of any moisture! But you have given me an idea...I wonder if nthe camera got extremely hot at one time and if there is any kind of lubricant in it that may have run down that part of the sensor. Just a thought, as there seems to be little other explanation.

Thanks again for replying. And how are things in Laos? All well I trust.

Things are good mate

I've taken my cameras into some pretty hostile environments. Many times from an air conditioned house/car into sweltering temperatures with very high humidity. Instant condensation. I just allow my gear to acclimatise naturally. So far no damage has been done.

About the lubricant, how many moving parts (at the sensor) that need lubricant are in a point and shoot? Dunno..

Not many parts I guess...just whatever there is in the focussing or zooming mechanism. Seems unlikely I know, but something has made that mark and if it's not on the sensor, where is it? Anyway, I will enquire further and get the service people to take the thing apart...not to fix it as that would be worth as much as a new one probably, but just to see what happened.

Cheers, mate!

You have perked my curiosity. Please let us know if you find out for sure what the cause of the blurred image is.

wproct wrote in post #17220336
You have perked my curiosity. Please let us know if you find out for sure what the cause of the blurred image is.

Will do. I don't know how long that will take, but I will post any findings here. Thanks for your interest.