Digital cameras fail en masse

Image sensor problem affects cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Konica and Fuji

Five of the world's biggest digital camera manufacturers have issued warnings over faults with charge-coupled devices (CCDs) that lead to blurred images or even a complete failure to record images.

Canon, Nikon, Sony, Konica and Fuji have issued consumer alerts over the fault, and other manufacturers which use the same components are expected to follow suit. The individual manufacturer alerts can be found here:

• Canon
• Sony
• Konica
• Fuji
• Nikon 

The fault means that in high temperatures the wiring behind the CCD will fail and distort any images taken.

"We have determined that this condition only occurs with a limited number of units, but may be accelerated if the units are exposed to high temperature and humidity environments," said Sony in its statement.

"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."

Camera electronic chips and wiring are usually either encased in epoxy or ceramic material to protect them, the latter being more expensive. These CCDs, which have been sold to several manufacturers, are believed to use the epoxy casing.

Mike Walsh, vice president at analyst firm Canalys, suggested that the problem is unlikely to mean users reverting to film-based cameras.

"The real question is how camera manufacturers handle it," he said. "Some are going to look on it as an opportunity to offer good customer service."