What are these marks?
Discussion
9.3 said:
Can anyone identify the cause of these light splodges on the image? Taken on a compact Panasonic TZ30, the lens is clean as far as I can see so can it be on an inside element?
Looks like 'flare'. Tends to happen when you're shooting in the general direction of the sun. It's rays of light being reflected within the lens and eventually reaching the sensor. The best cure is a lens hood but that isn't very practical on a compact. You can sometimes use your free hand to cast a shadow over the lens - as long as you don't get it in shot. 
The problem is, if the sun is bright, you can't always spot it happening when you replay the image, so you don't think to shade the lens. You have to remember the 'shooting into the sun' situation.
Simpo Two said:
That's a great description of lens flare, but it isn't lens flare. It's dust somewhere in the system.
Let's agree to disagree;) It's irregularly regular for dust. Maybe it could be a combination of the two..?
OP - Is it happening on every image or is it only happening occasionally?
Mr Snap said:
Simpo Two said:
That's a great description of lens flare, but it isn't lens flare. It's dust somewhere in the system.
Let's agree to disagree;) Not the same at all.
The issue may be exacerbated by the angle of the sun and a small aperture making them more evident, but it is not caused by the lens elements.
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