Sony PMW200 User Manual (PMW-100 Memory Camcorder Operation Manual for Firmwar - Page 113

Note on laser beams Laser beams may damage the CMOS image sensors. If you shoot a scene that includes a laser beam, be careful not to let the laser beam be directed into the lens of the camcorder. 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 (page 45). 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. Flash band The luminance at the top and bottom of the screen may change when shooting a flashlight beam or a light source that quickly flashes. Note on the EVF display • Pictures on the LCD monitor and EVF screen may be distorted by the following operations: -Changing the video format -Rec Review -Starting playback from the Thumbnail screen -Reversing the LCD monitor -Switching the Expanded Focus display • When you change the eye direction in the EVF, you may see primary colors red, green, and blue, but this is not a defect of the camcorder. These primary colors are not recorded on any recording media. Fragmentation If pictures cannot be recorded/reproduced properly, try formatting the recording medium. While repeating picture recording/playback with a certain recording medium for an extended period, files in the medium may be fragmented, disabling proper recording/storage. In such a case, make a backup of clips in the medium then perform formatting of the medium using "Format Media" (page 101) in the OTHERS menu. Appendices Important Notes on Operation 113