How do you test for this?
A missing pixel (or two) in the LCD display should not be a reason for concern
(according to Nikon). If you observe white or dark spots in the final picture and
always in the same place, you could have missing pixels in the CCD. You can
take a picture of some uniformly dark surface (or keep the lens cap on) and
check the same area enlarged as much as you need to on your monitor. If
you see only some random, and variously colored pixels, that is noise which
is normal.
My camera had a cluster of bad pixels - about 15 in a single group. Four pixels
in a single square were white which showed up in each image as though I
had a pin-hole in a transparency. Nikon repaired my camera. I strongly suggest
that if you don't notice a spot on actual pictures every time you bring them on
the monitor, it doesn't make sense to even do the additional test I described above.
It is only when a cluster of pixels is defective that you can see it in pictures.
