Black Spot in the iP4 Camera

Did I miss a discussion about this?

After 6 weeks of good photos, I have a black spot in my Camera app and photos. I cleaned the lens until it is spotless. If I look at the lens with an 8x lupe, I can see some minor dust under the glass, but I’m assuming it has been there since the beginning. I’m not OCD about dust.

The spot is about 1/4 inch in diameter on the screen, darker in the center and fading on the edges.
The spot is only visible in Camera. It’s not a screen issue.
The spot is visible in still photo.
The spot is visible with video, but the spot appears bigger.
Not happening in the front-facing camera, so it appears to be in the rear lens.
It happens with and without flash. Inside and outside. Bright light and low light.

iPhone 4 ios 4.1 (not JB)
Bumper
No screen protector

I really don’t want to restore and reinstall everything from new unless it is necessary. Do you think this is software or hardware?


Holy crap, how do I make this photo smaller?

Sure, I can take it back. I was just asking if it is a known software issue first. I have a looming deadline on a project and really don't want any other distractions at the moment.

If I spend the time to restore and it is a known hardware issue, I don't want to waste my time doing that either.

Unfortunately, I have had to replace several iPhones - each one for a different valid reason. Fortunately, the Apple Care Tier 2 people have promised me a new (new in box with charger and cables) one if I have one more problem.

This iPhone has been flawless so far and if it is a simple fix, I would rather just restore, if that is all it takes. Is it something that 4.2 will fix? I'll wait.