GH4

I haven't tested it much in low light either, but did unfortunately discover 3 dust spots on the sensor just yet. The built in sensor cleaner couldn't get it removed. Do you guys clean the sensor yourself, or do you take it to a specialist?

MFT sensors as so exposed when changing the lens. I'm always very careful. But dust will happen. When shooting, I occasionally check the sensor to make sure it's clean.

If it's "dry" dust, you can carefully blow it out. But if it's "stuck" on, I take it to a camera shop for cleaning.

I keep http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-3-Piece-Cleaning-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00AUK8RMI/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1406905791&sr=1-5&keywords=camera+cleaning+kit in my camera bag for removing dust in the field.

I clean it by myself...here what i use...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B003D086AU?pc_redir=1404882157&robot_redir=1
Just be carefull....

Thanks for the swift replies guys. Those kits seem very useful, but indeed should be used with great care. I just came across this thread, and there might be something else going on: http://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/6536-gh4-sensor-spots/

I will take it to the store on Monday and see what those guys have to say.

Nice,let us know if you'll fix it...

GH4 problems ....
http://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/6844-panasonic-uk-not-responding-well-to-gh4-issues/

I think this guy just had a bad one, I haven't seen many issues from anyone I know with the camera.

The audio issue is something I've read about before, but I haven't noticed it in mine. Maybe it's the untrained ear rather than the problem not being there.

I'm planning a long(er) trip to areas where there are no 'proper' camera stores, so I'm really weighing my options. The dust spot dilemma might just push me into another direction than a complete GH4 kit with multiple lenses.

Hi Stef, dust is the major downside when comparing DSLR to camcorder shooting and sensor cleaning is part of the ownership experience. When I change lenses on any DSLR I always keep the sensor point downward, if I'm juggling lenses to put on, so taking off lens caps putting them on etc I may rest the camera on a table lens opening down. Try not to change lenses in windy conditions. If you do have dust spots on the sensor while traveling they will only show up on areas of no detail like the sky, most of the times you don't see the dust on street shots. Keeping a wider aperture also hides the spots. You should have your camera checked out to make sure the sensor is good and maybe pay for a cleaning to see if the spots come off. The sensor shake does work but eventually you do get to the stage where a cleaning is necessary, I get a local pro dealer here in town to clean my 5D2 and they do an excellent job, so far I haven't noticed any dust on my GH4.

In the past I have been using the sensor cleaning solution and wipes on all my DSLR cameras but the last time I tried with the 5D2 I couldn't get it totally clean, so I took it to the dealer. I'm not going to try and clean the GH4 just take precautions changing lenses and use a blower if necessary. I have heard of camcorders and fixed lens point and shoot cameras get dust on the sensors also.

Another thing that will generate sensor dust potentially is lens design, if you have a lens that extends during zooming when it contracts it is pumping some air into the sensor chamber which could contain dust, the internal zoom and fixed focal lenses don't do this.

Thanks Norman, that's some very valuable information. Glad to hear that you haven't noticed any dust on your GH4 sensor yet. It wouldn't bother me as much if I knew I'd be shooting at home, or would go on a relatively short trip. But when away for months, it becomes a real issue. Interesting to read that dust can enter the sensor chamber when using a zoom lens. Not a real comforting idea!

Yes, 'closed' camera bodies like camcorders can get dust on their sensors as well, even though it's less likely to happen. I did experience it last year in Tajikistan. Gladly, I carried two cameras and was able to use the spare one for the remainder of the trip. The camera with the sensor dust had to be taken to the Sony repair department for cleaning, as they need to take it apart.