I don't think your unfocused background issue had to do with the light sensitivity of the chip. It has to do with how it focuses. Well OK. I suppose that the sensitivity of the chip to infra red light ( which is probably how it focuses ) can be a slight problem. Try fotographing a hot object in front of a cold background or visa versa. Was it warm when you took this last picture? My sony mavica almost always has problems focusing on windy days or near hills. I assumed that it was due to air current movement and thus a IR focusing issue. What about camera Alpha? Bsteph