digital camera sensors

[yeoman]

Hi everybody this is my first post, I have a Sony cyber shot F828 which I have been using for several years now, the picture quality has slowly deteriorated over the last 12 months, and was wondering whether the camera sensors deteriorate over time, has anybody else notice this with their digital camera.Yeoman

[xystren]

I think the first that most would suggest is post a few pictures for comparison. There are many different factors that can affect picture quality. Picture quality is such a broad term and can have multiple causes (ISO settings, shutter speed, aperture, and even the lens cleanliness, or as you mentioned, issues with the sensor)

I do know some of the Sony Cybershots (and other point and shoots) did have some issues with the sensors (this was about 6 years ago now) with moisture. My DSC-V1 was one that was included in that batch of sensors. It would cause a very distinct pattern.

Under normal use, I wouldn't expect there to be much in the way of sensor degradation. Normally people will outgrow the camera (or damage the camera) before the sensors run into problems. But as I say, without seeing some different shots, (ideal before and afters) it would be hard to determine what might be the problem.

[yeoman]

Hi Greg yes as you say there are many different factors that can affect picture quality,i have just cross checked the exposure with a meter and found it to be okay, the problem, I am getting is shadow detail lost and highlights lost and slightly out of focus, and now something else has occurred. I can only record correctly exposed images when set at wide angle, at any other setting. They appear washed out or underexposed if were referring to a transparency, it seems like a sensor problem to me. just wondering if anybody else has had similar problems with digital cameras.PS thanks for the prompt reply.

[SmartWombat]

Could be problems with the aperture diaphragm; maybe not sensing the correct value when metering, or not setting the correct value (if it's sticking) and so over-exposing or under-exposing.