Cameras & drones

Photos show a persistent bright or dark spot

A consistent bright dot in the same spot across many photos is usually a hot pixel, a minor sensor quirk that's common and often correctable rather than a serious defect.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes
DIY cost
$0
Pro cost
$60–$150

Symptoms

  • Same colored dot appears in the same location on multiple photos
  • Spot more visible in long exposures or high ISO shots
  • Dot doesn't move even when recomposing the shot
  • Spot not visible in bright daylight shots but shows in dark areas

Likely causes

  • CommonHot pixel on the sensor showing up during long exposures or high ISOA single sensor pixel reads brighter than it should under certain conditions.
  • CommonDead pixel that always appears black or a fixed colorA sensor pixel that no longer responds to light correctly.
  • PossibleSensor needs a pixel mapping or refresh function runMany cameras have a built-in feature to identify and correct these spots.
  • PossibleDust on the sensor mistaken for a hot or dead pixelDust spots often look similar but usually appear as darker, larger blobs.
  • Less commonSensor damage from extreme heat or a manufacturing defectWould require sensor replacement rather than a software fix.

What to do

  1. Take a few test shots at different ISO settings and exposure times to see if the spot only appears in certain conditions.
  2. Check your camera's menu for a pixel mapping, pixel refresh, or noise reduction long exposure feature and run it.
  3. Take a photo of a plain white or gray surface out of focus to distinguish a sensor spot from dust, which usually looks different in shape.
  4. If it looks like dust rather than a pixel, try a sensor cleaning function in the camera's menu.
  5. Update the camera's firmware, since some pixel mapping improvements are included in updates.
  6. Note whether the spot is always the exact same color and location across many different photos and scenes.
  7. If a fixed hot or dead pixel remains after pixel mapping, most manufacturers can correct it during a service visit; it doesn't always require full sensor replacement.

When to call a pro

If a persistent hot or dead pixel remains after running the camera's pixel mapping feature, a manufacturer service center can often correct it without replacing the whole sensor.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.