The green dot

[zoriv]

Hi there,
Can you explain me something for this green dot on the image. The green dot appears only when I focus directly to the sun or some strong reflection of the sun . Look at the image >>> http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9818/img2031.jpg .

Is it any problem with my Canon PowerShot SX100 IS or no? I hope you'll help me

[gjl711]

It's lens flare caused by the bright light reflecting off of one of the element inside the lens, then re-reflecting back to the sensor.

[zoriv]

Thank you very much for your fast reply and help.
And what does it mean? Is it something wrong with my camera, did I damage the image sensor, are some of the the elements inside the lens damaged, or this green dot appearing is normal situation when I aim directly to the sun or some strong reflection of the sun? Is my camera OK?

Rgds

Z

[gjl711]

Les flare is normal and though not desirable, sort of unavoidable. There are things you can do to reduce flare such as lens hoods, not shooting directly into bright lights, cloning out the flare in some image editor but you'll get it from time to time. Here is a pretty decent page describing the different types of flare and such
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/lens-flare.htm

[gjl711]

THe good news is that for your type of flare it's pretty easy to clone out.

[zoriv]

Does Canon PowerShot SX100 IS support any lens hoods? If does, recommend me some link?

Anyway thank you very much for your answer and made me nice new day, because I was convinced my camera was damaged.

Rgds
Z

[Techuser]

A lens hood will help with the light source out of the field of view, in the shot you posted it wouldnt have made difference
I think the SX100 doesnt supports a hood, but you can just use your hand to shade the lens...