Identify the problem with your digital camera's hardware.
Identify the problem with your digital camera's hardware.
I recently purchased a used Lumix point-and-shoot digital camera (DMC-FX07) since they’re trending again. It performs well in low-light situations, but when capturing bright subjects—like outdoors—it produces noticeable horizontal banding, rendering the image unusable. This behavior is strange because the viewfinder shows clear results. It seems the act of taking the photo itself affects the camera. I’m new to digital cameras, so any insights from others would be greatly appreciated. I’ve attached a video and the resulting file: phototaking_compressed.mp4
It was captured through a screen since I'm in my room, though the banding appears under different shooting settings and environments. It probably points to a hardware problem at least. Another image from inside my car shows the same issue.
It seems these devices resemble typical P&S cameras but lack a mechanical shutter, relying instead on a global shutter for imaging.
Have you considered whether the issue lies with the variable aperture mechanism? You mentioned it produces repeated clicking sounds when attempting to close the aperture, which suggests a possible malfunction.
Most still cameras outside phones include a shutter, typically a tiny leaf-shaped element in the lens. When it has an adjustable aperture, it functions similarly—just by fully covering it.
I took apart the camera to check for aperture or shutter problems, but it didn’t help—it’s still broken and likely not fixable by someone without specialized tools. I’m sure it has a physical shutter.