Canon Powershot A95: Unusual Flare?

[recluse1866]

On a few rare occasions, shooting almost into the sun has produced unusual parallel lines of flare in the image. This is the clearest example yet. Does anyone know what might cause this? I have seen references to "sensor flare", but no examples that look like this.

This in outdoor macro shot.

Roger

[Turntablist]

i'd like to know too. i owned an A80 and it never did that. but, i own a canon A95 also and i have this same problem. i tried cleaning the lens but that doesn't work.

[angstrom]

This is the clearest example yet. Does anyone know what might cause this?

Why dontcha email canon support to ask and attach the sample.

(Then remember to come back here and post, to let us know their explanation)

[robsdad1]

After reading the helpful info here I call the canon 800 number and told them what was happening. The said they would provide a label for return by Email and also call UPS to schedule a pick up. The camera will be tested and if that is the problem, they will fix it free of charge. Estimated time out and back is 10 to 14 days. There was NO hastle about it.

I'll let you know more when I get it back.

[Turntablist]

did you just buy it? is it still under warranty?

[recluse1866]

did you just buy it? is it still under warranty?

No, it's out of warranty and the problem occurs only very rarely. As suggested by Angstrom I have written to Canon and provided a link to the picture. We'll see how responsive they are!

[teekay]

I also have an A95 and know that, as with other cameras, one can get strange results when shooting at an angle too close to an extremely bright light source like the sun.

So I think that there's probably nothing the matter with the camera - just your technique. The sun is in effect illuminating and reflecting off interior parts of the camera and lens elements, giving unpredictable results.

The answer is to shade the lens on shots like this, using your hand, a lens hood or whatever.

[Jon]

I also have an A95 and know that, as with other cameras, one can get strange results when shooting at an angle too close to an extremely bright light source like the sun.

So I think that there's probably nothing the matter with the camera - just your technique. The sun is in effect illuminating and reflecting off interior parts of the camera and lens elements, giving unpredictable results.

The answer is to shade the lens on shots like this, using your hand, a lens hood or whatever.If it weren't for the banding, I'd agree. However I can't see banding like that arising naturally except due to shooting through screening. Micro-lenses might give a similar effect given sun at just the right angle, but they'd be much closer together.

[teekay]

If it weren't for the banding, I'd agree. However I can't see banding like that arising naturally except due to shooting through screening

Don't know the innards of an A95 but isn't it possible that light is bouncing off some ridged or corrugated surface inside that caused this effect?

I've had some very weird effects with other cameras and lenses when I shot too close to the sun without a shade.

It will be interesting to see what Canon says, if he manages to get a reply.

[recluse1866]

Don't know the innards of an A95 but isn't it possible that light is bouncing off some ridged or corrugated surface inside that caused this effect?

I've had some very weird effects with other cameras and lenses when I shot too close to the sun without a shade.

It will be interesting to see what Canon says, if he manages to get a reply.

I received a very satisfactory reply from Canon Support saying:

"Thank you for your e-mail inquiry regarding your PowerShot A95.

"We were able to view the image through the supplied URL and understand your concern. I am sorry to learn of the difficulty you have encountered with your camera. This may indicate a camera malfunction has occurred.

"To address this issue we recommend that you forward your camera directly to our Service Department for inspection."

They said that if the repairs were not covered by warranty (my warranty has in fact expired), they would submit a free estimate for my approval.

However, since I have so far noticed this has artifact in less than ten pictures out of several thousand, and always under the adverse shooting conditions I have described, I don't think I will be sending it in. I would find it difficult to be without the camera, and the cost might be better spend on a more up-to-date model.

Roger