Brand new DSC-HX20v lens obstructing flash at 1.0 zoom.

[mwhitehead92]

Hi,

I got this camera yesterday and have been taking various photos just to get used to it. I noticed that there is a noticeable black mark in the bottom right hand corner whenever I use the flash without zooming in. It appears that it is caused by the lens obstructing the flash as if I zoom in a tiny amount just before it changes to 1.1 then it doesn't appear. Is this a common problem (Google doesn't lead me to believe so...) or is it just my camera? Will be so annoyed if I have to go back and change it as i only just got it!

Thanks,

Melissa

[blaireau_photo]

Hello Melissa - Welcome to the Sony Forums

When you notice that this black mark appears, does it help to move further away from the subject that you are trying to take a photograph of or does it always happen no matter how close/ far away that you get?

Thanks

Simon

[mwhitehead92]

Hard to say actually. Last night I thought it was happening all the time but today it's happening 90% of the time (I promise my fingers aren't in the way at all!). I thought that it maybe helped if I got closer to the subject but I can't actually confirm that. The mark itself looks like a black shadow, sometimes lighting to just a slightly noticeable darker patch.

Thanks,
Melissa

EDIT: I have to add that I realise that having to zoom in the tiniest amount is not the end of the world. I'd just appreciate knowing if it was a recognised design fault rather than my camera in particular.

Message was edited by: mwhitehead92

[blaireau_photo]

Hello again

As far as I am aware, there is not a recognised design fault relating to the flash with this camera. Having said that, it is generally recognised by Sony that this can occur on cameras that have an extendable lens and the only way to totally eliminate this in all types of shot would be to use a model where the optical zoom is encased entirely within the camera.

This is mentioned in the notes in the online manual for this camera:

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4424086131/EN/contents/02/04/03/03.html

Thanks,

Simon

[mwhitehead92]

I just found a more recent question posted on this forum regarding the lens obstruction issue and it appears to be very common on Sony cameras including the HX20v. However that said, someone else I have spoke to with the camera is not having the same issue... Doesn't seem fair that some do and some don't! Thanks for your help anyway.

[Mick2011]

The truth is, this problem is very common among compact cameras with long 'ultra-zoom' extensible lenses and built-in flash. It's not just a Sony problem, it's an unavoidable fact of the physical shape of many cameras of this type.

An ultra-compact body means the flash has to be very close to the lens; the lens often pops up to increase this distance but it is normally limited to an inch or so of travel. A high zoom factor means a lens must have a large lens barrel, and therein lies the problem: the flash issue is basically a non-perfect attempt to have the best of both 'compact' and 'ultra-zoom' worlds. In many ways this is a product of intense competition between manufacturers to reduce physical size and increase performance specifications: not a careless oversight, more a deliberate marketing requirement.

I realise this isn't a solution but I hope it helps understand that it's not a fault with your camera. The only real solution is to have a non-zooming lens (as Simon pointed out) or move up to a 'bridge'-type camera, with a bigger body (which also allows for a higher pop-up flash) and/or non-extending zoom lens.

Cheers

Mick

[cmosse]

Take a look ar the manual: http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/4424086131/EN/contents/02/04/03/03.html

"When shooting with the flash and the zoom is set to W, the shadow of the lens may appear on the screen, depending on the shooting conditions. If this happens, set the zoom to T and shoot with the flash again."

The HX20 has,, for its size, an amazing zoom range starting from a 25mm wide-angle coverage. The one compromise seems to be that due to size restrictions you can not make the lens smaller or have the flash being moved more far away from the lens. he vignetting effects only occurs at the wide angle setting and is only strongy visile in low shooting distance, so it is easy to avoid. Just use a tiny bit longer focal length, especially when the subject is not far away.

Message was edited by: cmosse