Purple haze in LCD/viewfinder with bright objects in frame

I bought an Olympus SP550-UZ the other day and today noticed a defect. I would like to know if this defect is common to all of this model, or particular to this camera, in which case I'll return it to the dealer.

When there is a bright source of light in the frame, such as the sky, a light bulb, or some other bright area, a purple haze extends from the top to the bottom edge of the LCD and the viewfinder during the focusing stage. It is most intense when I press the shutter down, then diminishes somewhat when the camera completes focusing. It does not show up in the actual photograph. I have owned several digital cameras, and none has shown this type of viewfinder or LCD distortion under any lighting conditions.

I can still return the camera to the dealer if it is defective, so I'd like to hear from other 550-UZ owners. If it's a "feature," I guess I'll live with it.

Thanks,

• David