SX260HS sometimes has very dark screen, picture dark if taken, why unreliable? what do I do?

[lyn]

My PowerShot SX260HS recently started having a very dark screen and if a picture is taken when this happens, the picture is very dark.  It has been sporadic for the past two days of use and doesn't seem to be tied to turning it on and off or changing settings.  I'm leaving for a trip of a lifetime in 11 days and must have a reliable camera!  Please help asap!  Thank you!

[macking104]

Canon upgraded some chips and replaced with sx270 and sx280...

[rgd]

I found this forum through a Google search on Canon camera problems.  I have loved every Canon I have owned, which is why I keep buying them.  The quality of picture you can take (with just a compact) is amazing, and the versatility is great.  However, my SX210IS had the same problem you described.  At first it happened sporadically, then it gradually got worse.  The pictures were not just dark on the LCD viewing screen, they remained dark when transferred to the computer.  My camera was just past the extended warranty I had purchased, and repairs were going to cost $90-$130 (or more).  Since the camera was over 3 years old and the average lifespan of a digital camera is 4 years, I didn't think it was worth investing that much into an "old" camera.  The previous posts seemed to indicate this problem may have been fixed in the newer models.  However, I purchased the SX280HS less than 6 months ago, and it has started to "act up" on occassion.  This concerns me, but as it is still under warranty, I will be going back to the store...

[Rozemarie]

I am in the same boat!! It seems that from the start this camera had a loose connection somewhere, My canon 260 does the exact same thing , when I can tap it to work , it takes great shots and video, Just have to hold your breath an hope a light jiggle or movement dont toggle it to dark again;/ 

[endlessnameless]

Same problem here - goes dark and grainy you can faintly see a picture until you tap the side and the screen comes back. Seems like a loose connection. I think there is an inherent fault in this camera as if you google the issue you get a lot of people with the same problem.

I think Canon need to honour warranty claims regardless of how long people have had the camera as the issue is clearly an inherent problem. I have had cameras for almost ten years with no problems and this one goes funny after about a year. It is an expensive camera and really not fair.

[Rozemarie]

Seems as though they could care less, What a useless camera and spent quite abit on it for it to sit in a drawer, Very upset about this!! I called Canon and basically said sorry over the warrenty

[bubbebaby2]

Problem just started with my fairly new (but still out of warranty) sx260hs on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, really! I have read all the comments, and have already tried all suggested fixes. Sometimes it works for a shot or 2, and sometimes after I have just turned it on. Sometimes I just shooot blind and get pretty good pics (not dark like some said) -- but the reiew screen is also dark, but shots are ok dowloaded. Lousy composition though.

I don't even know what to buy instaed of a canon for my purposes, My family and I have been using only canon for many years, and I NEVER buy extended warrantees, ON ANYTHING. Canon folks, it is unconscionable that so many of this model cameras are losing it so soon after manufacture. IF it can be repaired, and IF it is a chip problem, how about a fix for the cost of shipping + like $50.  

[bubbebaby2]

did that fix last? i've had some success doing that but it only lasts a shot or two.

[pkdoorn]

Dear Mikaux,
Thanks for your "old school" tip, which cured my SX260HS at least temporarily. Tapping the bottom of the camera did the trick in my case. I also suspect there is a dodgy contact somewhere,
Greetings from Holland,
Peter

[bocashore]

Having same problem with my SX260HS.  Glad I found this Forum.

1. YouTube has a video on DIY repair of SX260.  It has to do with the connectors. Apparently this is a frequent problem with this camera.  However, I did tons of research before buying it and did not find any reference to "black screen."

2. Old School technique#2: Press the front of the camera near the lens. My screen lit up (for as long as I pressed.  It beats paying over $100 for repair.

3. This is making me rethink Canon's quality assurance.  Interestingly I have a much older Canon that works like a charm

[pjdemmitt]

Could you supply the YouTube link? I have searched on a couple of terms that didn't bring up anything. Thanks. Paul