Paul,
Could it be moisture (condensation)?
I get a similar artifact on my Atik camera when I start the cooler, although it is at one corner, not in the middle. It seems to be worse in summer, and takes about 10 minutes to clear completely. As you say, it does not reappear all session after that.
I've considered storing the camera in a box with dessicant, but it hasn't been bad enough to make me do it.
-Ivan
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