The first thing I'd like to point out, there are two areas to consider when looking for HOT or STUCK pixels. The first is the sensor, the second is the LCD Monitor.
The easiest thing to check is the Monitor.
Simply leave the lens cap ON and turn the camera on to A (first power setting) You should see a nice flat black screen without any bright dots or groups of dots. It's best to do this in a dimly lit room. Nikon includes a flier in their new 995 boxes which basically says that a few stuck or missing pixels is acceptable and will not cause any degraded performance. It's a subjective opinion, but when I pay over $500 on a camera, it should be 100% IMHO.
Testing the Sensor is a little more involved, but worth the effort:
First, go through the menus and find the C (Reset ALL) selection to make sure the camera is in default with the Noise Reduction disabled.
Next, set the dial to the M (second power setting) Press & Hold the MODE button while turning the thumb dial until the TOP LCD indicates S (shutter priority) release the MODE button and turn the dial until the TOP LCD indicates 1 sec.
Now, press the bottom left button below the LCD Monitor and turn the thumb dial until the TOP LCD panel indicates manual focus.
Next, press the middle button below the LCD Monitor and turn the thumb dial until the ISO reading on the TOP LCD Monitor indicates 100.
Finally, take a picture in a dimly lit room with the lens cap ON. Repeat this for ISO settings upto 200 and 400. then take a few repeat shots and download to your computer. You can zoom in on any dots you might see.
Usually, if there are any major dots visible on the cameras LCD Monitor at ISO 100 or 200, I don't worry too much unless it is excessive. I think most cameras either have a few stuck pixels or will at sometime. But unless it is excessive, it probably won't bother me too much.
Out of curiousity, you might try taking some pictures outside on a sunny day zooming in and out at numerous objects using the viewfinder with the LCD Monitor OFF. I have found that TWO 995 cameras I have tried will lockup if the monitor is OFF. I think it could be a common 995 firmware bug. When the monitor is turned ON, the camera runs fine without any problems.
You will enjoy your 995, my wife is in LOVE with hers. The color reproduction is AWESOME, and Nikon RULES in macro.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Ok, I know the obvious answer here is take a lot of pics, but I
would like to know some quick, down and dirty tests that I can do
in real short order since Ritz only gives you TEN days to exchange!
Not enough time to learn DC photo snapping and editing skills and
savvy.
So, what's the best dead pixel test and other paces I can put this
puppy through to help insure I got a peach instead of a lemon? What
are things I should look for. Warning, I'm new to the DC world so
I'm completely DC dumb, most of my experience being with 35mm and
medium format.
THANKS very much in advance! Everyone posting here has really
helped in making this purchase decision.
stephan
