Troubles with Some Sony CCD Imagers Affects Many Cameras from Various Manufacturers

Sony Asia has posted a service alert regarding problems with products that incorporate Sony CCD image sensors. The affected cameras use CCD imagers manufactured between October 2002 through March 2004. To quote the Sony bulletin:

When the product is used in camera mode, the LCD panel and/or electronic viewfinder exhibits either a distorted image or no image.

We have determined that this condition only occurs to a limited number of units, but may be accelerated if the units are exposed to high temperature and humidity environment.

In our efforts to ensure customer satisfaction, Sony will offer free out of warranty repair to the owners of applicable products exhibiting the above-mentioned condition caused by the image sensor device.

See the full Sony bulletin and our list of manufacturers and camera models affected. So far the list includes Canon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Ricoh and Sony.