A trusted friend has just sent this to me.

If it's true, (and it looks like it probably is) it might be of interest to digital camera owners out there. In the past week, four major camera makers have quietly published service advisories admitting their digital cameras are dying. In each case, the flaw appears to involve Sony CCD sensors using epoxy packaging that eventually lets in moisture. Sony's own cameras are among those affected, and the company also has dozens of affected camcorder models. Sony is believed to be picking up the tab for the repairs for the other camera makers as well, regardless of warranty status. (If true, a laudable approach.)

Hopefully there's nothing to panic about. I'm afraid I don't know if this just covers the UK market or is World-wide.

http://www.css.ap.sony.com/consumer/template/ANDetails.aspx?Id=45536

http://www.canon-asia.com/index.jsp?fuseaction=image-phenomena_notice

http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/ServiceSupportProductContent.jsp?id=839010&prodcat=2147483647&sscucatid=664262&quicklink=true

http://www.konicaminoltasupport.com/English.importantnotice_en.0.html