E-P2 LCD "Rain" Noise

Been reading this forum for a bit in anticipation of buying a micro-4/3 camera. Well, I took the plunge and bought a new E-P2 w/ 17mm/f2.8 from a highly rated Ebay seller. I like a lot about the camera, but I have one big question/complaint (depending on if it is normal or not) about it.

When I first took it out and fired it up (after charging the battery, of course), it was in the late evening, so the lighting was from CFLs and not particularly bright. The first thing that I immediately notice, especially when I make the image bright (not just high ISO, but even low ISO with long shutter opening), the noise on the screen is ridiculously noticeable. It's long vertical noise that makes it look like it's raining. Kind of reminds me of the computer screens in the Matrix, but in full color and no letters. By contrast, with my G12, there is a little bit of pixel "shaking" (for lack of a better term) in lower light situations, but it is far less noticeable. I haven't tried it in bright light yet, but I'm not sure I can handle how bad it is in not too unusual, lower light situations.

So, here's my question: is this normal or should I return it as defective?


Side note: any way to turn off or dim that green light around the on/off button when it's on? Really kills that retro look.

 

Thanks. At least I know it's not malfunctioning. I'll try it in brighter light to see how it compares.

So far, I'm completely torn as to whether I like the E-P2 or not.