topic Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues in Point & Shoot Digital Cameras

SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

fbaccari — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:28:00 GMT

Is there a fix for the battery drain on the SX280 HS camera

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

GaryS — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:26:58 GMT

It doesn't sound like it-

http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/PowerShot/SX280-battery-life-shooting-video/td-p/22489

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Limmie — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 20:35:59 GMT

You need more detail in your question. As far as I can tell there never was a true battery issue.

The "battery issue" initially was one of the camera shutting down shortly after taking video. This was remedied to Canon's satisfaction (and I stipulate Canon's) over half a year ago by a firmware release. It wasn't really a battery issue but one of the programming of the camera that determines the battery level and how the camera responds.

The ongoing issue is that the firmware upgrade for many of us still didn't resolve things to a workable extent. Although the camera no longer shuts down prematurely, the meter still flashes low battery until you completely powercycle the camera whereupon it says the battery is full. You have no way to reliably estimate remaining battery life which makes the camera a bit too much of a uncertainty unless you have extra batteries and don't mind if it does actually run out in the middle of shooting a video and requires changing. If you're using the camera with very patient subjects then it that's fine. If you're doing video that has to capture the moment when it arrives then you're gambling.

A few people do complain about actual battery life but frankly it is what you kind of expect it to be. The 280 still uses the same battery my 3 year old 1300is uses, but it is going to require a lot more power to process video and to power the zoom, etc. I don't expect the identical battery to last as long as it does in my 1300is. Maybe if Canon had put in a bigger battery then it would, but then you'd have a bigger camera. Still, I estimate I could probably have shot 30-40 minutes continuous video with it ( I never did videos that long) vs. perhaps an hour or so with my 1300 (it won't take continuous video that long). My experience was with heavy shooting I can go all day with my 1300is (but I am not inclined to use it much for video) whereas I'd get 2/3 of a day with the 280 (but more video shots too). You can buy third party batteries that fit into the 280 that have bigger storage and there's discussion of those on the forum.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

fbaccari — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:11:16 GMT

My issue is battery drain. I'm fully aware of the false battery drain fixed by a firmware upgrade. I have the latest firmware. My issue was, " took about 400 photos + 1 video (short) and the battery died. I thought, OK. I have 2 other batteries: non-canon. They both quickly died after less then 100 photos. Fortunately, I brought my older canon SD800 that I could use the rest of the trip.

If you can imagine being on top of Machu Picchu (Peru), and have no camera because of this issue. Fortunately, Our iPnone5 was an adequate backup!

I called Canon after the trip; They agreed to send the camera back for repair (no charge) with no gurantee that I would receive a new camera, a refurbished camera, or a 'fixed' camera.

After being a a faithful Canon camera user for the kast 15 years, I'm extremely disappointed with this camera.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Limmie — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:17:37 GMT

I haven't strictly monitored photo count per battery with either my 1300is nor the 280. Stll, I was shooting pretty heavily, as I presume you are doing, with the 280 on vacation to Utah. It would make it to mid-afternoon and I'd have to change battery pack. I would have perhaps have shot a few minutes of video in that time too, so not too much, and a couple of hundred photos. What you're saying sounds about normal to me for that camera (and what others have reported). That said, as I mentioned in my earlier post, I am not sure it is unusual. Sure, I can shoot a whole day with one battery in my 1300is, but the screen is not as large and the zoom is pretty short. The movie format is 640x480 motion-jpeg which it would not suprise me if it didn't take as much processing as 720p mp4. With the 1300is I recall getting a day and perhaps an hour or two the next day under similar heavy vacation shooting.

As for the third party batteries, you might want to read about experience others have had with those, as well as the battery specifications. I had two spare batteries on my trip. One it turned out was sold as a replacement for Canon battery but when I looked at it the charge rating was significantly lower. (The other battery was the one from my 1300is.)

Yes, it would be nice if the camera would shoot all day on one battery, but for whatever reason Canon decided to use a smaller battery. I certainly got and used "more" camera with the 280 than the 1300is so I don't expect it to last as long with the identical battery. I suspect if we wanted a camera that would last a whole day with heavy shooting then it could be done, at the price of a heavier and more bulky camera.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Witchy — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 10:12:19 GMT

My camera shuts down when I use the zoom (mostly) or just when I want to take a picture. I get the message "charge battery". The battery indicator showed a full battery! It even happened a few minutes after I had replaced the battery with a full one.

The strange thing is that, when I wait ten minutes, I can go on shooting pictures. Or I take the battery out, wait a few minutes, put the same battery in, and I can take pictures with the battery indicator on full. And then suddenly the camera shuts down and I get the "charge battery" again. But, as I said, the battery is full.

I have the new firmware installed. That didnot make any difference. Also the battery keeps flashing when I take a video, that didnot make any difference either.

I am now completely fed up with this camera. I thought I'd buy a Canon after several Panasonics, thought that would be a good choice. What a mistake.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Limmie — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:15:22 GMT

Witchy,

Yes, that is what many, many others have complained about in a long topic elsewhere on this forum. However, I am not sure it is what the original poster of this topic was observing. I believe even if you use the camera in a manner where you ignore, override, or simple work around the flashing video issue, the battery simply doesn't last as long as it did in earlier cameras. Again I have not tested this rigorously but I know I can get more days of use out of my 1300is on a single battery than I could out of the 280sx under similar vacation type use. As I mentioned earlier, you do get more camera with the 280 than the 1300 and unless somebody comes up with some fancy power saving features then more camera usually means more power draw. I repeat, I am not referring to the bad reserve power indicator feature of the 280 which I think is a different issue. I bet even if that feature was fixed the 280 would still have more general power use than earlier cameras which had the identical battery, such as my 1300is.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

sdculp — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 12:09:50 GMT

This isn't a fix, but see my post elsewhere in Powershot:
http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/PowerShot/SX280-Battery-Tests/td-p/51335/jump-to/first-unread-message

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

fbaccari — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 21:47:05 GMT

I solved my problem. I returned my 1st SX280 to Amazon and received a new SX280 even though it was over 30 days; thanks to Amazon Prime. I tested this 2nd SX280 and found the same issues that I had with the 1st one. I returned it it to Amazon after 2 weeks and received a full refund. I will not go thru the testing that yiou have done; I applaud your efforts. Canon should hire you.

After owning three prior Canon cameras with great success, I don't believe I will return for my next Camera.

I now need to go thru the research to find the 'ideal' Point & Shoot Camera with at least 20X Optical zoom.

I welcome any ideas from the forum.

Thanks.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

kellyee21 — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:16:18 GMT

I have exactly the same issue as Witchy. I know a lot of people are reporting the battery problem with video, but I have this problem with just taking regular photos (I don't even use the video). After some random number of photos (usually less than 5) the camera shuts itself off and won't turn back on. The battery is fully charged and it happens with both batteries I have. If I take the battery out and put it back it, it usually starts up again (battery showing fully charged) for another few photos. Sometimes I have to put the battery in and out a couple times to make it start again. Are there any known fixes for this ? I will try the firmware update for the video problem but I am skeptical as most people still seem to have the issue, and I am not sure it is even the same problem.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

sdculp — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 15:44:06 GMT

I am wondering if your problem is more with the battery. Please see my previous post with a link to some battery testing I have done. These modern batteries are supposed to have what is called a "flat discharge curve". What this means is that the voltage stays pretty much constant until the battery is essentially discharged. But the voltage in poorer batteries starts to drop when a load is put on the battery. This, coupled with the miserable voltage detection circuitry in the camera can set off the flashing light or the shutdown.

Also, I am wondering if the battery charger could be at fault?

I have not experienced the problem when taking still pictures--only videos. I'm just suggesting the possible connection with the battery or the charger. Of the four batteries I have, two different ones are crap. Only the two Canon batteries work sort of OK, and I wouldn't purchase any other than Canon. (I don't have any connection with Canon).

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

bradmoss — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:12:58 GMT

Same problem here, cannot make videos, camera bought January 2014 came with old firmware, updated but no difference.

Why Canon can't make batteries with more mAh so it can withstand the high demand ?

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

sdculp — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:39:31 GMT

I just got Best Buy to replace one of the extra batteries I had purchased. The new battery is a DigiPower, as was the first one. The replacement will record about 20 minutes, using the zoom occasionally. The old one was only good for 12 minutes.

There are at least three problems going with this camera. The first is that it is a real battery hog. Secondly, the voltage detection circuitry is not good. Third, battery quality varies dramatically. Canon batteries seem to be good for 20 minutes or so while aftermarket batteries can vary from seconds to a few minutes. I lucked out with this latest DigiPower which seems to be good for about 20 minutes.

I buid and fly ratio controlled airplanes which use batteries of this type, so I am familiar with how they should behave. Pretty much regardless of load, the output voltage should remain constant until depleted, when it drops rapidly.

This may sound as though I am supporting Canon. Certainly not!!! They have royally screwed the public! I am kind of on the fence as to whether or not to keep this camera which I purchased 6 months ago. I did get the Best Buy extended ownership plan for a year, so they might give me my money back. I now have three batteries which seem to be good for 20 minutes or so, each. For those of you who decide to keep the camera, pay close attention to the batteries. Given a choice I would go the Canon route.

Canon replaced my camera free and paid the postage both ways. I'm going to talk with Best Buy and see what recourse I might have, just in case.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

4thFootPvt — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 14:01:39 GMT

I have solved the battery issue.

http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/PowerShot/SX280-SX280HS-battery-problem-SOLVED/m-p/120323

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Ritt — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:26:11 GMT

In addition there are other problems, will not focus any longer. We did not use this as a video camera, ever, only snap shots.

I have since gone on to Sony, nice cameras, VERY happy with Sony. Ditch the canon or give it to a youngster to play with.

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

mohamed21 — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 20:16:24 GMT

good

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

derekruddock — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 21:11:53 GMT

Yes it is the battery, it is not up to it.

Fitted an external 2700mAh battery in a motrbike grip handle with a screw mount adaptor on the top. Plugs into the pseudo battery supplied with a 3rd party mains adpator.

It all works fine now no low battery even when zooming.

I now have a great little camcorder.

Pity no one makes this as a kit.

Regards Del

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Gamerx007 — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:05:05 GMT

Just so you know the reason the battery lasts for so short a time
is that the camera runs off of 4.3 volts.
The battery is only 3.7 volts.

the math dose not add up.

Canon should of used a 6 volt battery and not a 3.7 volt one.

I would of lasted

Re: SX280 HS camera Battery Drain Issues

Cameramaniac — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:18:58 GMT

Hi all those facing a battery drain issue with the Canon 280HS camera it is a common issue that Canon refused to fix for me when called them recently. I recently purchased this camera online used. It had the problem and Canon stated it is an older camera over 5 yrs old and it is too late to fix as they don't have the parts. Can you imagine, not having the parts to fix a camera they make. Anyway the problem still exists even when I updated the firmware to the latest one.

You can't use the camera as soon as you put a fully charged battery in the camera and you use the zoom or the video it will show as the battery is depleted and the camera will shut off.

One way that you can fix this is by being like Macgyver by putting a piece of electric tape over the fully charged battery covering the middle gold piece and it may hold the charge. Good luck. Otherwise stay away from this model