Strange light artifact

[claurianta]

I've just got a A650IS and when there is a bright light in the picture, I get a strange artifact on the image that is EXACTLY the same shape as the light source, but not at the light source. The result is the same as if there were a scratch or dent on the lens (I've seen this before), but I can't find one on the front lens (maybe on one of the other lenses). I'm thinking it's a manufacturing defect... anyone else got the same thing? I don't think it's normal lens flare because lens flare usually doesn't take on the exact shape of the light source. Any ideas what might be wrong before I try and return it?
(my A630 and A610 did not have these kinds of artifacts, until I scratched the lens of my A630 which is why I got the A650IS in the first place)

[griptape]

Have any examples you could post?

[claurianta]

(Click to access images on flickr - see descriptions)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10126995@N06/2449568415/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10126995@N06/2450392372/

[claurianta]

I put the links to two sample images in my last post. Anyone have any idea if these are normal lens flare or a fault in the lenses like a small scratch or dent?

[tyb]

That is strange. Looks like an imperfection in the lens causing the strange flare.

[Beowulff]

You're quite correct in surmising that the three "globes" in the first shot are an inverted representation of the three bright streetlights, which I'm guessing are either high-output, low pressure mercury vapour or sodium vapour lanterns.

The second shot is in fact the filament of the incandescent light bulb.

Any excessively bright, localised point source of light can have this effect, which I guess is a form of lens 'flare', but of a more extreme nature than a simple outdoor, bright sunny shot where the lens flare looks more like bands of 'haze' or often the polygonal shape of your camera's iris (the opening created by the shutter blades).

It can help (if you've got one mounted on the camera) to remove your UV filter for night shots — two less glass/air interfaces to contend with.

There's certainly nothing wrong with the camera's lenses. Well, not in my humble opinion anyway LOL.

Cheers :)