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Any dust / moisture issues with FZ200?

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craiga45

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I'm about to order an FZ200 but I've seen a couple of comments concerning dust or moisture getting into the camera. Has anyone experienced this? Is this this a known weakness of the FZ200?

Thanks for your help.

Craig
 
There should be no more of a dust or moisture issue than with any other camera that has a lens that extends/retracts when turned ON/OFF or zoomed OUT/IN. The only time a camera would suck dust or moisture inside the casing is when the lens is extended (or the camera turned "ON") in a VERY HIGH dust or moisture laden atmosphere... as in "have to wear a dust mask so you don't choke on the stuff"... (and if it's that dusty why are you even attempting to take a photograph?) Folks have taken their digital cameras on safari in Africa during the dry season and very few of them report problems: probably fewer than DSLR users who get dust on their sensor while changing lenses.

Bottom line... don't sweat the petty stuff (and don't pet the sweaty stuff)
 
Also wondering where you heard about dust problems? I've never had a problem with my FZ200, or previously with my FZ150, FZ100, FZ35/38 or FZ28.

But, as with ANY of the superzooms that have an extending lens, it's always a POSSIBILITY!

Do you feel lucky? ;)

If you spend your time doing safaris and being in dustbowls, you may want a weathersealed GH3 or DSLR.
 
One of the comments concerning a dust/moisture problem was in a customer review on Amazon.
 
I have the FZ60 now, previously owned the FZ20 and FZ35 and have had the last two in some not so nice weather, like Mojave Desert hiking and mt biking, and no issues ever with dust or dirt. Good luck to you in your search, the FZ series are great cameras.
 
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i was in Monument Valley last year and the ground there is covered in some very fine, almost talc-like, dust/sand. didn't have any issues, but of course the obvious answer is to take care of the camera; keep it cased when possible and don't get complacent.
 
Annoyingly my FZ200 has now got dust on the sensor! I suspect it is following a visit to the local steam fair on a hot dusty summers day. It only shows up when using F8.

Grrrrr! :-x
 
Member said:
Sonyshine wrote:

Annoyingly my FZ200 has now got dust on the sensor! I suspect it is following a visit to the local steam fair on a hot dusty summers day. It only shows up when using F8.

Grrrrr! :-x
Click to expand...
You can see it here:




Dust spots on my FZ200 sensor - on all pics taken at F8
 
Cheap insurance if you plan to be around water of any sort (Bahamas, Niagara Falls or a Canadian lake) is to carry along a few large zip bags. If there is mist or spray around, you can still operate the camera from within the bag and have the lens exposed only as needed. Carry along a few good lens wipes as well. Some may argue that filters deteriorate the image too much, but I still use them. I have a Panasonic Protection Filter on my FZ150. It's a personal preference and photographers have debated the use of filters forever, it seems.
 
Well, that looks like dust. Guess I'm used to hearing about dust problems with interchangeable lens cameras, especially DSLRs. So, is dust being drawn into the body as the lens zooms in and out? That is often a reason with DSLR zoom lens. Does Panasonic have any suggestions on cleaning or does this mean an expensive trip to the camera doctor?
 
None here after a year of use.
 
Well now for some good news - I applied a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to the end and barrel of my FZ200, used maximum suction and the dust has gone.

I went outside and shot a load of bright white cloud at F8 at various speeds, came indoors and shot some white paper - perfectly dust free.

The moral of the story is that in very dusty environments some dust may get sucked in by the movement of the zoom - its inevitable really I guess - but it can also be sucked back out again.
 
Just be careful not to overdo the suction and end up disassembling your camera! :-D
 
I gave it a try but no such luck anyone sent them in for a cleaning and have a good place or know what it costs ?
 
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