It is recommended that the portable communications devices near this unit be powered off.

About the LCD panels

The LCD panels are manufactured with extremely high-precision technology that yields effective pixel rates of 99.99% or higher. However, very rarely, one or more

pixels may be permanently dark or permanently lit in white, red, blue, or green.

This phenomenon is not a malfunction. Such pixels have no effect on the recorded data, and the unit may be used with confidence even if they are present.

Phenomena specific to CMOS image sensors

The following phenomena that may appear in images are specific to CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors. They do not indicate malfunctions.

White flecks

Although the CMOS image sensors are produced with high-precision technologies, fine white flecks may be generated on the screen in rare cases, caused by cosmic rays, etc.

This is related to the principle of CMOS image sensors and is not a malfunction.

The white flecks especially tend to be seen in the following cases:

•when operating at a high environmental temperature

•when you have raised the master gain (sensitivity)

•when operating in Slow-Shutter mode

Aliasing

When fine patterns, stripes, or lines are shot, they may appear jagged or flicker.

Flicker

If recording is made under lighting produced by discharge tubes, such as fluorescent, sodium, or mercury-vapor lamps, the screen may flicker, colors may vary, or horizontal stripes may appear distorted.

In such cases, set the Flicker-Reduction function to Auto mode (see page 68).

In some cases, such phenomena may not be improved with the Flicker-Reduction function. It is recommend to set the electronic shutter speed

to 1/100 sec. in 50-Hz areas and to 1/60 in 60-Hz areas.

Focal plane

Owing to the characteristics of the pickup elements (CMOS sensors) for reading video signals, subjects that quickly move across the screen may appear slightly skewed.

The luminance at the top and bottom of the screen may change when shooting a flashlight or a light source that quickly flashes.

Note on the viewfinder display

Picture on the LCD screen in the viewfinder may be distorted by the following operations:

•Changing the video format

•Rec Review

•Starting playback from the Thumbnail screen

•Reversing the viewfinder

Appendixes

Important Notes on Operation 145