diff --git a/modules/image/image.field.inc b/modules/image/image.field.inc
index 854e630..d3ce518 100644
--- a/modules/image/image.field.inc
+++ b/modules/image/image.field.inc
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ function image_field_prepare_view($entity_type, $entities, $field, $instances, $
     if (empty($items[$id])) {
       $fid = 0;
       // Use the default for the instance if one is available.
-      if ($instances[$id]['settings']['default_image']) {
+      if (!empty($instances[$id]['settings']['default_image'])) {
         $fid = $instances[$id]['settings']['default_image'];
       }
       // Otherwise, use the default for the field.