Digital cameras 101

[ginabar]

Hello All -

I've had my Sony digital cam for approximately 2 years now.  I've recently noticed that when taking photo's outdoors, in Auto Mode, the images are filled with white lines.  The first time it happened, I thought the display was broken - but no such luck...

I *think* I've added two examples, below...

http://tinyurl.com/3drxf2
http://tinyurl.com/3y77dt

[Mike54]

Do you have the same problem in any of the other modes or is it just in Auto?

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi ginabar and welcome!

I suspect your camera may have a defective sensor, though it's strange that you apparently only get that effect under certain circumstances.

Call and discuss with Sony Tech support. There have been Service Advisories concerning problems with sensors in certain Sony and other digital cameras. If the problem qualifies under a service advisory, the manufacturer will repair the camera for free, even though it may be out of warranty.

Here' some information:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-care/repair/advisory-notice.php

[Wildbill48]

Hi I am new on the board and I have got an answer to the above problem I believe, My Fuji F810 started doing the same and after trying all types of reset and default settings on the camera no joy. I then remembered an old elctronic device effect of "DeGaussing" to get rid of a static electricity build up, which interferes with the electronic fields and memory.  try taking out the XD or whichever card you have, as well as the battery, wipe the card down with soft cotton material and leave all 3 peices sit seperately for a couple of hours then reassemble and see the difference  it worked for me no more Moire (noise)

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Wildbill48 and welcome!

What a wonderful suggestion, that's certainly worth a try for those facing that problem.

We very much appreciate you sharing it with us!

[rhinorick]

Very interesting suggesting.  It makes good logical sense.  I hope it helps ginabar's problem.  

[rhinorick]

Do you have the same problem in any of the other modes or is it just in Auto?

I just noticed this question after I wondered the same thing myself.  Doesn't seem to make much sense that it would only be in auto mode, unless there is something physically/electronically wrong with the camera itself.  Hmmmmm.

[pentachris]

About two years ago there was a rash of bad CCD's that made their way into consumer imaging products from several different brands, Sony included (they are actually the company that manufactured the faulty sensors).

For Sony products, you've got until October of this year to have your camera repaired free of charge - Sony even pays for the shipping.

Other companies have different repair policies related to this issue.

Look here to see if your camera is on the list, and instructions on getting it fixed.

[Blathsnocker]

That is exactly right.  My thread on the Mavica camera extolls the process itself, although I was not aware that it "dies" in October.