So, it's kinda similar to the SSE problem in that it seems to be previlent on some cameras and that it (generally speaking) only happens unly certain conditions.

Will it always occur (with the cams that have the problem) in that 10-25 mm range?

john

Will it always occur (with the cams that have the problem) in that 10-25 mm range?

john


If it has the problem, this is the focal range it's been seen.
Oddly, we have not seen the problem at full wide.

Doesn't this seem wider than 25mm?
http://dvinfo.net/conf/attachment.php?attachmentid=5308&d=1196638250

If it has the problem, this is the focal range it's been seen.
Oddly, we have not seen the problem at full wide.

My vignette is worst at 10mm.

That shot could easily be 10mm.

If you read the earlier postings on this thread, this is all covered. There are also several frame grabs of "typical" vignetting problem (including mine).

My dealer just wrote me and told me that Sony had "figured out" the vignetting problem, and that he had no further information at this time, but would let me know when he did.

FWIW.

My dealer just wrote me and told me that Sony had "figured out" the vignetting problem, and that he had no further information at this time, but would let me know when he did.

FWIW.

if the firmware is already doing CA reduction, which is based on the focal length, it would seem straitforward to be able to do some vignetting compensation also based on the focal length. that would be one "fix." my guess is it likely won't work though when the OIS is on because the vignetting wobbles (i saw this on a rental cam this weekend), and i bet the OIS doesn't tell the firmware where it's moving.

Doesn't this seem wider than 25mm?
http://dvinfo.net/conf/attachment.php?attachmentid=5308&d=1196638250

FYI, I read a post by Phil Bloom earlier today on one of the forums (may have been elsewhere) and he said that was an actual lighting drop-off and not the dreaded vignette issue.

Yes, that is true, Phil did say this, but today he metioned he has the vignette issue. He mention this at "another" forum. :)

Steven, thanks for the clarification. I just wanted to make sure the good folks here didn't start to worry that the vignette problem is even worse than it actually is.

I have an EX-1 on order and, like everyone, I'm hoping Sony can come up with a fix!

Today, my dealer said that Sony has a fix, but that's all he's heard.

I was informed via email from my dealer as well that Sony had solved the problem. Timeframe was not given.

Chuck

Do you know if it is hardware or software ?
I mean, do they have to change the lense ?

If they do a firmware update they'll probably just enlarge the image captured a bit so you don't see it anymore

...thus effectively decreasing the camera viewing angle, and/or decreasing the effective resolution (dpi) by blowing the picture :) :(

Paul Joy - what ever happened to your returned camera? The first and original camera with the issue - the mother of all vignetting cameras? It has been two weeks now right? What does Sony say? Has the silver support replacement camera kicked in?

/ola

I'd say my vignetting is right up there with Paul's.

Hi Ola, my camera was returned for a refund and I'm still waiting for a replacement as my dealer is waiting for more stock.

regards

Paul.

my dealer is waiting for more stock.

I got an email today from my dealer telling me that Sony is doing double QC before shipping and it's probably going to slow things a bit.

Vince

Just on the ratio of problem EX1 cameras received here, I'll be surprised if they send out many of the current stock.

I hope the fix comes through on the next release of cameras.

Greg just reported his EX1 #498 dos not have the vignetting problem.

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=788587&postcount=8

I wonder if QC are catching these, or they are implementing the fix at the factory and new runs all have it?

I have #89 and can't get the problem to appear..... yet...... fingers crossed.

I have #89 and can't get the problem to appear..... yet...... fingers crossed.

Good luck Chris!!

well... I spoke to soon.

it shows up in the top left corner if I look for it against a grey wall.

But.... I can't find it on any footage I've shot otherwise.

What are you all doing if your affected?

Calling Sony?
Calling your sales rep?

I have yet to find a way to register the camera online... i get the "coming soon" page even from the software install disk link.

I'd love to get that "free 8GB card" but no way via that link.

Sony techs:
1-800-883-6817
Press 252 for direct dept.

Maybe this should be a sticky so we don't keep asking for it as unfortunately, we may.

Sony techs:
1-800-883-6817
Press 252 for direct dept.

If the cam's video suffers from vignetting, Sony better fix the problem soon. I really wanted this camera to be my pro-sumer HD-zeitgeist.

My dealer has just told me to pick up my EX 1 tomorrow. Its serial number is 200069. Has anyone else in Australia got there's yet? I wasn't expecting it till February, but it showed up totally unexpected. I'm just worried that this is one of the low serial number cameras with the vignette problem.

What were the full serial number of those with vignette issues? I am hoping that the 2000 means the second batch - but maybe this is just wishful thinking.

Bob or Serena any news on yours?

I just got this email from my dealer


"Hi Craig,

The cameras are currently being held in New Jersey for additional
quality control before they ship. Some guy in the UK claimed that there
was a vignetting problem with the camera so Sony put a hold on shipment
until they recheck each camera. I will keep you posted as I hear more
news."

Hmmm..
Based on the sheer number here of cameras with the vignetting as opposed to cameras that are not affected, this process will for sure slow down deliveries.
.

Hey Guys, I just picked up my camera yesterday (Vancouver) and have no problems with Vignetting (#376). When I called my dealer and spoke to him about potential vignetting issues he said:

"I received an email from Sony that says all the Canadian EX1s have been "QFD" so you shouldn't have a problem with Vignetting"

Guys,

Can you give me the full serial number of your cameras? Mine is 200069 - which I pick up tomorow. Was just wondering if all cameras started with 2000 - or if there are a new batch that have different SN's that were manufactured later - hopefully without the vignette problem!

mine is 100089.... purchased from ablecine in NY

I have Sony involved and they say they will let me know as soon as they can figure out the best way to handle the vignette problem.

They said a possible "send it in... we'll fix it and send it back."

Mine is: 100376

100012 here. Subtle vignetting in upper left. Less so in upper right. I could live with it, depending on what the fix might entail.

Bill, find the vignetting, turn on OIS and slowly rock the camera from side to side. You should be able to see the vignette move, mine does.

arrived via courier 8:30am this morning
battery straight onto charger
began shooting a small job at 10am
back in the suite 4pm
and now working out how to suck the media into FCP

first impressions good - in fact I'm stoked - pretty amazing for a hand held!!!

thanks to george at Videocraft for his great work

cheers

Mine arrived yesterday. Full serial number 0200051. I'd elsewhere ignored the first part of that number and assumed it was just Sony's way of avoiding anyone feeling they got #1 but maybe you're right, the first digits could be a batch number. No second card as yet and my info is the same as Serena's, they'll be with us end of this week, early next week.

I hope Serena's info is correct about the batteries, I can see me needing one or two of those although I've only cycled the battery once and Li-Ion batteries seem to need several cycles initially to achieve full capacity so I shouldn't be too hasty judging battery life.

Bob or Wes,

Any sign at all of the vignette problem? It's my only concern about getting the camera this early.

Vaughan,

It was Macrays in Sydney - same place as Bob's.

THanks guys,

Looks like all cameras shipped to Australia start with 2000 - hopefully a new and better QC,ed batch with no vignetting issues.

I will soon know.

Any sign at all of the vignette problem? It's my only concern about getting the camera this early.



Not yet, but I haven't tested it out - will do tomorrow.

I've been told next week for the 2nd 8GB card and extra battery.
I grabbed a 16Gb as well so I'll be all set.

Advice to Mac users. Update all your software including operating system. quicktime to 7.3 and FCP to 6.0.2, then grab allo the Sony transfer software - then you'll have all the ingredients to bake the EX cake.

cheers

My NYC dealer just emailed me saying they will get their shipment end of next week. He had mentioned in a previous email that cameras were being held in New Jersey for QC by Sony due to the vignette issue.

I picked up mine yesterday.

S/N 0200080. Looks great (no vignetting yet) and took a quick video of my daughter with her 8th birthday cake, but then had a concert last night and another tonight, and wedding on Saturday so I won't get to use it properly until we get those bigger batteries and cards.

"Happy camper"!

Cheers Vaughan

I went to a demo today, to see if I could pick up any new information, and the Sony guy there said all the cameras are rechecked before they go out, that it's a very easy fix, and that they aren't finding many with the problem. That's all he said.

I have #466 and don't see the problem on the LCD but haven't had time to check it on a monitor in underscan. Hope to do that tomorrow.

the Sony guy there said all the cameras are rechecked before they go out, that it's a very easy fix, and that they aren't finding many with the problem. That's all he said.



Based on the sheer number here that had issues, there are a lot more than he stated. It's possible this statement comes from a later batch.

Also, I really can't believe this is an easy fix. If it is, I'm interested in how they are doing it.

I have one being delivered today!... unfortunately it's just a review sample for our next issue of 16:9 magazine - so I have to give it back in a week's time.

Still, should be fun to put it through its paces.

OK, have got the camera etc. Now charging battery.

On the way out with the camera I met John going in for his. Nice to put faces to names.

OK, have got the camera etc. Now charging battery.

On the way out with the camera I met John going in for his. Nice to put faces to names.

Nice to meet you too Serena - I'm also charging the battery. And I'm fidgeting in the meantime waiting for it to finish!

First thing I did when I got it was pop open the cover for the headphone port, which came off in my hand. So my first interaction with this camera was busting the little plastic cover... O well... let's hope it's not a sign of things to come...

Mine arrived today in Melbourne, Australia with the S/N 0200087.

The box had a long strip of tape around it saying "OPENED FOR INSPECTION BY PRODUCT TEST - SONY"

This gave me a good feeling that a: they are checking and b: mine got through. I'm waiting on the battery to charge before I can test it though...

Based on the sheer number here that had issues, there are a lot more than he stated. It's possible this statement comes from a later batch.

Also, I really can't believe this is an easy fix. If it is, I'm interested in how they are doing it.

Mitch Gross from Abel Cine has done some checking. His named Sony contact has said that "we have researched that it is a 10-minute adjustment (not a fix or replacement parts/software)". That "if a customer has found an issue, they need to contact Sony and we will resolve".

According to Mitch, Sony say that they know of three cameras that have had any issue.`

I reckon Spencer's right. Modern production engineering tolerances are so amazingly tight that all cameras pop off the end of the production line like identical clones This is usually a Good Thing, but if one camera's wrong then they all are.

here's what I heard back from abelcine....

"Since the launch in November, the PMW-EX1 has been received extremely well within the

market with a huge level of order commitments and very positive feedback from customers

using the product.

Sony regrets to inform you that there have been a small number of reports of a specific lens issue

with the camera, which upon further investigation by our engineering team, has been identified

as ‘unbalanced light falloff’ at the edge of the picture. The cause of this has been identified as

being a result of a mis-alignment of the center of the lens and the light axis. Sony takes such

technical matters very seriously and although this issue has only been seen on a very small

percentage of the units supplied worldwide, Sony has implemented a full review and

modification of the manufacturing process in order to alleviate any re-occurrence of this issue.

Sony will re-align any camera exhibiting the symptom described above at no charge to you at

the highest priority. If your camcorder exhibits the symptom described please call our Product

Operational Support Center at 1-800-883-6817, option 2-5-2 for advice on how to proceed."