Canon breaks silence on "Black Dot" phenomenon

Currently "investigating and analysing" causes

22 December 2008 16:10 GMT / By Verity Burns

Canon has broken its silence on the now infamous "black dot" phenomenon found in some pictures taken with EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera.

Black dots have been found to appear to the right of very bright spots in some photos, and many have wondered whether this is a problem with the sensor, or can be fixed with a firmware update.

Canon has been quiet on the issue since it was discovered earlier this month, but has now addressed the problem on its website alongside a banding issue that users have experienced as well.

The statement reads: "We have learned that some users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera have identified two types of image quality phenomena that appear under certain shooting conditions.

1. 'Black dot' phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)
2. Vertical banding noise

"We are currently investigating and analysing the causes, and examining measures to reduce or eliminate these phenomena by providing correction firmware. An announcement will be made on the Canon Web site when such measures have been determined".

Canon also supplied details of when the glitches are most like to happen so users can see if they are affected. They are as follows:

1. “Black dot” phenomenon (the right side of point light sources becomes black)

When shooting night scenes, the right side of point light sources (such as lights from building windows) may become black. The phenomenon may become visible if the images are enlarged to 100% or above on a monitor or, if large prints of the images are made.

2. Vertical banding noise

If the recording format is set to sRAW1, vertical banding noise may become visible depending on the camera settings, subject, and background.

* Vertical banding noise is not noticeable if the recording format is set to sRAW2.
* Vertical banding noise does not occur if the recording format is set to RAW or JPEG.
* Noise can be reduced if C.Fn II-3: Highlight tone priority is set to 0: Disable.

Canon has apologised and promised to get a solution to us as soon as possible. We'll keep you updated, but in the meantime, visit Canon's website for more information.

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DSLR cameras