Dead Pixels in the CCD(s) at DVinfo.net

Joe Redifer · November 22nd, 2001, 11:53 AM

I've had my Canon XL1 for 3 years now, maybe more. Recently I have noticed that I have several spots that appear in the footage. What could they be? Dead pixels. This has happened in every Canon camcorder I have owned. Since the XL1 has 3 CCDs, it probably takes more time for them to become noticable. But I have a few pixels that appear to be only blue or red, and then one giant one that is white. As you can imagine, all dark scenes show off these dead pixels to an incredible degree. I have to manually paint over each frame in post just to get rid of them.

Does anyone have any information on where I could get this fixed and how much it would cost to replace the CCDs? Or would it be easier/cheaper in the long run just to get a new camera? I'd really just rather get the new chips if possible. Any information is appreciated.

Chris Hurd · November 22nd, 2001, 12:27 PM

This is an issue for a Canon USA service center. There are two in the U.S., contact info is on the Watchdog on the page called "The Skinny."

Dead pixels in the LCD viewfinder is one thing, but dead pixels in the CCD block itself is an entirely different, more serious issue. Only a Canon service center can properly evaluate the cost to fix or replace.

Send your camera in. Whatever you find out from them, please share with the rest of us here, please. Hope this helps,

November 22nd, 2001, 11:53 AM	#1
Joe Redifer Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 290	Dead Pixels in the CCD(s) I've had my Canon XL1 for 3 years now, maybe more. Recently I have noticed that I have several spots that appear in the footage. What could they be? Dead pixels. This has happened in every Canon camcorder I have owned. Since the XL1 has 3 CCDs, it probably takes more time for them to become noticable. But I have a few pixels that appear to be only blue or red, and then one giant one that is white. As you can imagine, all dark scenes show off these dead pixels to an incredible degree. I have to manually paint over each frame in post just to get rid of them. Does anyone have any information on where I could get this fixed and how much it would cost to replace the CCDs? Or would it be easier/cheaper in the long run just to get a new camera? I'd really just rather get the new chips if possible. Any information is appreciated.

November 22nd, 2001, 12:27 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	This is an issue for a Canon USA service center. There are two in the U.S., contact info is on the Watchdog on the page called "The Skinny." Dead pixels in the LCD viewfinder is one thing, but dead pixels in the CCD block itself is an entirely different, more serious issue. Only a Canon service center can properly evaluate the cost to fix or replace. Send your camera in. Whatever you find out from them, please share with the rest of us here, please. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!