"vertical line problem" and digital sensors for newbies from a newbie

[jaapv]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Not easy to see; on a structure like this it can just as well be moiré. Take an image of the blue sky or similar at higher ISO to spot pixel defects. 

[dpitt]

I suppose this was taken with high ISO setting?

Tip:
Usually in low light, I found that the M8 performs better if you shoot RAW at ISO 160 and push exposure a few stops in post. Of course you have to under expose by a few stops. It looks bad in preview on camera, but try for yourself. It will be alright in PP

Advantages of this:
- In post you can apply just enough lift of the shadows and sometimes your exposure has no need for the maximum push,
- In PP you can take advantage of RAW processing algorithms more sophisticated than those in your good old M8
- Highlights are preserved better
- Pushing RAW files 2-3 stops (i.e. ISO 1250) is no problem, sometimes even 5 stops where usable (ISO 5000 !) and i found that this works at least as good as the in camera high ISO, in most cases it is better.

This only works at base ISO, so shooting at ISO 400 and then pushing in post is not as optimal.