G3 Overexposure issue

[Flymaster]

I have a problem with my G3, and I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

When I severely overexpose an image (usually by getting the sun in the frame in an extremely sunny place), the CCD seems to completely blow out. And I don't mean just "all white" blow out. I mean totally freak out, to the point of ruining the image blow out. Below is a link to an example:

http://pics.vanaccessible.com/bad.jpg

Compare that to a picture taken the same day, about 5 minutes before (or after...the camera still works fine for most shots):

http://pics.vanaccessible.com/good.jpg

As you can see I'm in a very tropical location (the south pacific), and so the sun is really direct. The last time this happened, I was in Las Vegas, in the middle of the desert. None of this seems to happen when I'm in New England or such places.

Is this normal CCD behavior? Is there any chance of getting it fixed? Or should I just deal with it and avoid taking shots near the sun without the ND filter?

[sdommin]

I've never seen a normal camera do anything like that. Your G3 might just be getting a little too old.

The only time I've seen pictures like what you're getting is from a few years ago when a guy dropped his Nikon digital camera in the water. He dried it out, then used it. His pictures were like yours, except that all of the scene was distorted and funky. He liked the effect, so he started using it for "art" pictures.

[Tim A]

I've had it happen twice to me. Once for no reason in particular and the other because I was poined at the sun. Don't like it and am a little concerned but only a little. I have had my G3 a while and put it throught it's paces. I'm not afraid to take it out during rain or paintball or whatever, it's a tool not a Holy Grail. Along with this mindset comes an expected decrease in the life of the cam but that's what I've chosen. Anyways, you're not the only one and I'm not very worried about it.

Tim

[andrewaaa5]

yes, this happens when you point it direct at a VERY bright sun!
it MAY help to put the G3's built in ND filter on if you are trying this again.
this is the only way I got this shot is because the ND filter protected the CCD:

http://mono65.com/b/imagepages/image18.html

sir andrew

[pradeep1]

Yes, this has happened to me about two or three times. The last time it happened, I was pointing directly at the sun. The image was something like #6325 on my counter. I am now somewhere near 9700 images on my G3. I freaked out at first, but I haven't seen any problems with my pictures afterwards.

Yes, you'll probably decrease the life of the CCD, but your shutter mechanism will conk out before your CCD does.

Don't worry be happy. 8)

[twl845]

:wink: If that happens when you point your camera directly into the sun, avoid doing that. Old man Eastman said to keep the sun behind you for a reason.

[Paperotti]

Hi,
have you considered using the ND filter that's featured on the G3? I have been using it for some sunset pictures and it works.
This is just a grey filter that reduces the overall amount of light coming through the lens. You access it through the main menu, not the Func. menu. I guess this is related with the fact that this is an actual filter, not a postprocessing algorithm like the others.

Hope this helps.

[andrewaaa5]

didn't I suggest to try the ND already (above)?
hmm....
ok, well anyway, if you do plan to shoot at or towards the bright sun, try this built in ND filter.

To put it on, turn the camera on to shooting mode, press the MENU button on the back of your camera, and look down the list for ND filter. Don't forget to turn it off when you have finished experimenting with it, otherwise your 'normal' shots will be too dark.
Andrew

[bauerman]

Have you tried using the built in ND filter?

[4walls]

IMHO, you should use the ND filter :lol:

I have set up my camera with C1 setting as ND filter on. To do this, just
go to the P mode (Tv, Av, M also work if you prefer). Then turn on the ND
filter via the MENU button. Then you can SAVE the settings via the menu
into C1 or C2.

Now the next time you want the ND filter, just spin the dial on the top of
the camera to C1 and voila... instant ND filter.

[satnitefever]

I had excatly the same problem happening to me last summer vacation and this summer vacation.

I don't think it's too much of a big deal, it's not likely to happen often.