Image artifacts appear in pictures

Is there noise in the form of bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels, or fog in the pictures?

Noise may be more noticeable at high ISO sensitivities during long exposures or in conditions where the camera is subject to high temperatures. Prolonged use of the camera may also cause the internal temperature to rise, resulting in noise in the form of bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels, or fog. Lower the ISO sensitivity or wait for the camera to cool down before shooting.

• Enabling long-exposure noise reduction can reduce noise (bright spots or fog) in pictures taken at slow shutter speeds. Select [ON] for [Long exposure NR] in the photo shooting menu.
• Enabling high ISO noise reduction can reduce noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels) that tends to occur at high ISO sensitivities. Select an option other than [Off] for [High ISO NR] in the photo shooting menu.

Is there flicker in the picture?

Flicker or banding occurring under fluorescent, mercury-vapor, or similar lighting may cause variations in exposure and color.

• To reduce the effects of flicker for still photography, enable photo flicker reduction. Select [ON] for [Photo flicker reduction] in the photo shooting menu.
• To reduce the effects of flicker for video recording, enable video flicker reduction. Select [Auto] for [Video flicker reduction] in the video recording menu.

Is there moiré in the picture?

Shooting fine grid patterns or regularly repeating fine patterns may result in striped patterns (moiré) in the image. When shooting such subjects, try the following:

• Change the distance to your subject
• Use a zoom lens to change the angle of view
• Shoot from a different angle
• Use manual focus and slightly defocus