Buying New Nikon DSLR - What to Check For In 30 Day Return Period

[Michael1000]

I have a Nikon D850 on Preorder, but this question really applies to any Nikon DSLR. I want to thoroughly check the camera for quality issues during the 30 day return period. I just wanted to get some input on what to look for and what to test, so I don't have any surprises later. I'd like to get a checklist together in advance.

I know one of my hot buttons is dead or stuck pixels on any display, so I will be checking that carefully.

I definitely would like to get your input on what you test or wish you had tested when you bought your Nikon.

 

[Satyaa]

I have a Nikon D850 on Preorder, but this really question applies to any Nikon DSLR. I want to thoroughly check the camera for quality issues during the 30 day return period. I just wanted to get some input on what to look for and what to test, so I don't have any surprises later. I'd like to get a checklist together in advance.

I know one of my hot buttons is dead or stuck pixels on any display, so I will be checking that carefully.

I definitely like to hear your input on what you test or wish you had tested when you bought yours.

In response to a similar question in the past, I said something on these lines...

It is impossible to test 'everything'. It's just not practical.

Set up the camera in a way you would want to typically use - whether it is portraits, landscapes, architecture, wildlife, or whatever takes up majority of your use. Use it extensively for two to three weeks and tweak the settings as needed.

If you're able to use the camera comfortably and the results are satisfactory, you're good to go. Don't compare the results with anything from others because there are several factors to it.

Most importantly, look for focus accuracy and any hardware issues. Rest of it (usability) is a personal preference.

Once you're past that stage, use more of it in the next one year warranty period. If you run into issues, you can send it for free repair. Even if it worked well in the first three weeks, doesn't mean there won't be problems later. It is likely that with constant use you will discovers some issues that you missed in the first three weeks. That's where warranty is helpful.

All the best.

--
'Knowledge is the only form of wealth that increases when shared' - unknown
My FZ2500 album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskQU7Thb
My D7200 album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskQjybAS

 

[TOF guy]

Hard to say because Nikon's issues trend to hit different parts of the camera with each new cam, except for the shutter

But many vendors limit the number of images during the return period. That limits what you can do regarding the shutter

Nikon has anew shutter mechanism in the D850. Right there that spells "wait and see" for me. YMMV

 

[Fritz Wilhelm]

Hard to say because Nikon's issues trend to hit different parts of the camera with each new cam, except for the shutter

But many vendors limit the number of images during the return period. That limits what you can do regarding the shutter

Nikon has anew shutter mechanism in the D850. Right there that spells "wait and see" for me. YMMV

 

[jshen808]

I have a Nikon D850 on Preorder, but this question really applies to any Nikon DSLR. I want to thoroughly check the camera for quality issues during the 30 day return period. I just wanted to get some input on what to look for and what to test, so I don't have any surprises later. I'd like to get a checklist together in advance.

I know one of my hot buttons is dead or stuck pixels on any display, so I will be checking that carefully.

I definitely would like to get your input on what you test or wish you had tested when you bought your Nikon.

Congrats on your pre-order! ..when the camera arrives, and put a lens on.. the first shots, don't point the camera upwards, shoot level.. this is so to avoid getting the initial oil splatters onto the sensor.. so shoot level for (1) focus accuracy, shoot at a textured wall for (2) decentering (of either the lens or sensor).. shoot at something dark that covers the entire picture, that's brown or green, to check for (3) stuck pixels.. lastly after shooting many frames, shoot at the blue sky, and check for (4) dust particles.. (these are just initial things I personally check for)..

..Cheers..

 

[Michael1000]

Some very good ideas here. I appreciate all the input.

 

[j_photo]

First thing I'll be doing is checking focus accuracy with my lenses.

 

[jshen808]

First thing I'll be doing is checking focus accuracy with my lenses.

Good one! ..there is a lens that I've destined as my "focus checker" lens, so I don't need to go through all my lenses.. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[photoreddi]

I have a Nikon D850 on Preorder, but this question really applies to any Nikon DSLR. I want to thoroughly check the camera for quality issues during the 30 day return period. I just wanted to get some input on what to look for and what to test, so I don't have any surprises later. I'd like to get a checklist together in advance.

I know one of my hot buttons is dead or stuck pixels on any display, so I will be checking that carefully.

Dead or stuck pixels on a display shouldn't be cause for concern unless they exist due to dead or stuck pixels on the camera's sensor.

All sensors coming out of fabrication during manufacturing are tested. Each maker has an allowable tolerance for "dead pixels," basically photosites that are inoperative. Sensors with fewer than that number have those photosites identified and those are then mapped out in software later in the process of building the camera. Sensors with more defects than the tolerance limit are thrown away.

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

A related issue is hot pixels. Hot pixels are photosites that are producing false bright values. The reasons they might do so are numerous, but heat is often part of the cause. Hot pixels, like dead pixels, can be remapped. Generally I don't recommend that unless you have a persistent hot pixel in normal shooting (low ISO, high shutter speeds). Nikon, however, won't remap hot pixels unless you have more than a minimum number and these occur at shutter speeds faster than (I think) 1/4 second at low ISO values. If you shoot raw, you can remap hot pixels automatically by just using the right raw converter. Adobe's converters (Lightroom, ACR) detect and map out hot pixels automatically, for instance.

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

 

[jshen808]

I have a Nikon D850 on Preorder, but this question really applies to any Nikon DSLR. I want to thoroughly check the camera for quality issues during the 30 day return period. I just wanted to get some input on what to look for and what to test, so I don't have any surprises later. I'd like to get a checklist together in advance.

I know one of my hot buttons is dead or stuck pixels on any display, so I will be checking that carefully.

Dead or stuck pixels on a display shouldn't be cause for concern unless they exist due to dead or stuck pixels on the camera's sensor.

All sensors coming out of fabrication during manufacturing are tested. Each maker has an allowable tolerance for "dead pixels," basically photosites that are inoperative. Sensors with fewer than that number have those photosites identified and those are then mapped out in software later in the process of building the camera. Sensors with more defects than the tolerance limit are thrown away.

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

A related issue is hot pixels. Hot pixels are photosites that are producing false bright values. The reasons they might do so are numerous, but heat is often part of the cause. Hot pixels, like dead pixels, can be remapped. Generally I don't recommend that unless you have a persistent hot pixel in normal shooting (low ISO, high shutter speeds). Nikon, however, won't remap hot pixels unless you have more than a minimum number and these occur at shutter speeds faster than (I think) 1/4 second at low ISO values. If you shoot raw, you can remap hot pixels automatically by just using the right raw converter. Adobe's converters (Lightroom, ACR) detect and map out hot pixels automatically, for instance.

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[OtiGuy]

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

..Cheers..

--
Cheers, John
Photography is my hobby.
http://www.pbase.com/johnshenphotography

They just remapped them. You could have done it yourself.

Hard to believe

 

[photoreddi]

...

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

...

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

.

As OtiGuy wrote, replying to your above quote ("Regarding Thom's article ... still have the camera to this day.."), "They just remapped them."

This is what Thom wrote above, where he added that unless there were multiple adjacent defects that were extremely numerous, people wouldn't be able to realize that pixel remapping had occurred.

 

[jshen808]

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[jshen808]

...

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

...

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

.

As OtiGuy wrote, replying to your above quote ("Regarding Thom's article ... still have the camera to this day.."), "They just remapped them."

This is what Thom wrote above, where he added that unless there were multiple adjacent defects that were extremely numerous, people wouldn't be able to realize that pixel remapping had occurred.

Yes.. previously I worked in a computer store.. this was true, especially in the early days of laptop, the lcd display often had stuck pixels.. and the policy was, unless there was a "cluster" of them, say at least 5 of them seen.. or if the "one" stuck pixel was near the center of the display.. then the "few" stuck pixels was considered to be "within limits".. most of the time the customer didn't give a crap about "within tolerances", they want their laptop replaced or exchanges.. do you blame these customers feelings(?).. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[photoreddi]

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

..Cheers..

--
Cheers, John
Photography is my hobby.
http://www.pbase.com/johnshenphotography

They just remapped them. You could have done it yourself.

Hard to believe

That's true, using softwares.. but I prefer not, especially when the camera is still under warranty, and preferring Nikon to take care of things hardware-wise.. also doesn't hurt for them to check out the camera to make sure everything is working accordingly.. previously, also bought a refurbished Nikon body, had it sent in to Nikon to check focus-accuracy, and when came back, found they had changed (repaired) the shutter, so good thing it was sent in..

The response I made was in response to Thom's article saying that Nikon will not repair stuck pixels unless it was of certain amount.. and I wanted to share my experiences that wasn't the case.. I would sent my camera in to them to "fix" and "check out" even if there is only "one" stuck pixel.. because if it bothers me, then I want it fixed.. it's just me & my opinion.. ;-)

What you apparently _still_ don't realize is that when Nikon "take(s) care of things" it is not done by changing any of the camera's hardware. It's a software solution. Here's what Darrell Young (aka Digital Darrell) has to say about that :

Mapping Out Bad Pixels

If your camera suffers from the first two types, stuck or dead pixels, you can send it to Nikon to have the pixel mapped out (for a fee unless the camera is in warranty), or you can tolerate the problem and remove the spot(s) yourself with software.

...

Darrell Young is an active member of the Nikonians User Community, Nikon Professional Services (NPS), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA), and the author of 18 photography books from NikoniansPress and Picture and Pen Press, through Rocky Nook. You may review a few of Darrell’s books here. He has been an avid photographer since 1968 when his mother gave him a Brownie Hawkeye camera.

http://masteryournikon.com/2015/09/26/pixel-problems-in-your-nikon/

 

[photoreddi]

...

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

...

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

.

As OtiGuy wrote, replying to your above quote ("Regarding Thom's article ... still have the camera to this day.."), "They just remapped them."

This is what Thom wrote above, where he added that unless there were multiple adjacent defects that were extremely numerous, people wouldn't be able to realize that pixel remapping had occurred.

Yes.. previously I worked in a computer store.. this was true, especially in the early days of laptop, the lcd display often had stuck pixels.. and the policy was, unless there was a "cluster" of them, say at least 5 of them seen.. or if the "one" stuck pixel was near the center of the display.. then the "few" stuck pixels was considered to be "within limits".. most of the time the customer didn't give a crap about "within tolerances", they want their laptop replaced or exchanges.. do you blame these customers feelings(?).. ;-)

Indeed I do. Those customers are ignorant, selfish, are ultimately responsible for several ways of inflating prices and are a blight on the camera and electronics industry.

If they insist on getting their laptops replaced, they deserve to pay hefty restocking fees.

 

[jshen808]

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[jshen808]

...

So what's this re-mapping thing? Basically all cameras have a function in their firmware that allows the manufacturer to specify that a photosite be removed from the demosaic and a substitute value (calculated from neighbors) be submitted in its place. Because Bayer systems are already doing such neighbor value calculations to produce pixels, usually you can't see the impact of this (indeed, I doubt you'd ever see it unless there were multiple adjacent defects). A few cameras—Olympus is notable for this—can perform tests and re-map pixels via functions in their menu system. Nikon cameras (except for the Nikon 1 bodies) require that the camera return to Nikon for re-mapping, should you discover you need it (photosites can die in use, though it's rare).

...

http://www.dslrbodies.com/cameras/camera-articles/sensors/sensor-faq/i-heard-that-my-sensor-may.html

.

Also see :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defective_pixel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

Regarding Thom's article.. previously, I bought a refurbished Nikon body, checked the sensor and found had something like three stuck pixels.. sent in to Nikon Repairs (had 90 days warranty, because it's a refurbished item), when came back, checked again, and found still had one stuck pixel, so sent it back to Nikon again.. this time when came back, the sensor tested perfectly, still have the camera to this day.. ;-)

.

As OtiGuy wrote, replying to your above quote ("Regarding Thom's article ... still have the camera to this day.."), "They just remapped them."

This is what Thom wrote above, where he added that unless there were multiple adjacent defects that were extremely numerous, people wouldn't be able to realize that pixel remapping had occurred.

Yes.. previously I worked in a computer store.. this was true, especially in the early days of laptop, the lcd display often had stuck pixels.. and the policy was, unless there was a "cluster" of them, say at least 5 of them seen.. or if the "one" stuck pixel was near the center of the display.. then the "few" stuck pixels was considered to be "within limits".. most of the time the customer didn't give a crap about "within tolerances", they want their laptop replaced or exchanges.. do you blame these customers feelings(?).. ;-)

Indeed I do. Those customers are ignorant, selfish, are ultimately responsible for several ways of inflating prices and are a blight on the camera and electronics industry.

If they insist on getting their laptops replaced, they deserve to pay hefty restocking fees.

Lol's, you're funny ..it is a matter of choice for these customers.. where I live, in Hawaii, there is no "restocking fees", it's the State Law.. ;-)

..Cheers..

 

[photoreddi]

...

If they insist on getting their laptops replaced, they deserve to pay hefty restocking fees.

Lol's, you're funny ..it is a matter of choice for these customers.. where I live, in Hawaii, there is no "restocking fees", it's the State Law.. ;-)

There may be no restocking fees but Hawaii has other ways to keep industry placated. Angry customers are relocated to Blackfoot, Idaho. It's easier than sending them to Gitmo and less politically problematical.

It's a friendly little town. Here's its business district :

Blackfoot Business District.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackfoot,_Idaho

.

Blackfoot is a city in Bingham County, Idaho, United States. The population was 11,899 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Bingham County. Blackfoot boasts the largest potato industry in any one area, and is known as the "Potato Capital of the World." It is the site of the Idaho Potato Museum (a museum and gift shop that displays and explains the history of Idaho's potato industry), and the home of the world's largest baked potato and potato chip. Blackfoot is also the location of the Eastern Idaho State Fair, which operates between Labor Day weekend and the following weekend.

.

I'm not sure that transplanted Hawaiians ever develop a preference for spuds over pineapples but some onions and ketchup might help to ease the transition and people that like fried pineapples must be barbarians.