On a recent elk hunt I got my camera out( Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS3 ) early in the morning to take some pictures of our camp before breaking it down. I had it in my day pack that was hanging under cover, the temp was about 42 degrees. There was a bit of condensation on the LCD screen so I wiped it acress my St Judes T shirt. Apparently doing that caused some moisture to get into the LCD screen causing lots of vertical lines and what looked like ink spots on the screen. I could not view any thing after that but the camera still took pics.
I ended up sending it to the camera repair shop and $110 later it is being fixed. Soooo be careful with your camera when it has moisture on it ! I guess I'll be looking at the Panasonic TS3. The DMC ZS3 has been a great camera and takes excellent pics and video.
Anyone ever replace the LCD screen themselves ? I saw the part for sale on Amazon for about $30.
I use commercial cams to build trail cams and have changed a screen or two. Usually involves removing a ribbon cable but they're very fragile.
I did it successfully in a laptop but failed on a Nikon D90, bit the bullet and had Nikon do it!
I just had the same thing happen to the same camera on a fishing trip in Alaska. I had the camera in the zippered pocket of my rain jacket. When I took it out to take a pic the screen had lines in it.
I viewed a few You Tube clips about changing the LCD screen yourself and decided to give it a try. I ordered the part, $28, and I'll let you all know how it comes out.
I also went and bought a Panasonic water proof camera, TS2 I think. It was on sale at Fry's for $79 .... I'll use it for wet weather and close up hunting / fishing shots, it has a 4X zoom and it takes video. I also will use it as a trail cam chip viewer and not have to worry about getting the DMC ZS3 wet again..
Got the same ink spot on my lumix, but in one corner only. Still love the camera, so I am gonn just live with it.