SX280 - battery life shooting video

[factoryguy]

UPDATED May 5:

I apologize to the forum for mixing two different problems.  They are unrelated.

Problem #1:  User error.  I thought I was using a class 6 SD card but I was wrong. The yellow "!" indicates a pathologically slow card.  Upgrading to a class 10 resolved this problem.

Problem #2: UNRESOLVED.  Red battery indicator comes on prematurely.  On a fresh charge, it'll turn red after recording for a couple of minutes.  On a partially drained battery, it turns red immediately upon entering movie mode or pressing the record button.  Turn the camera off and then right back on in "still" mode and it shows full charge and works fine ... until trying to shoot video.  I have not precisely measured recording times but it'll record for at least 20 (maybe 30?) minutes while flashing red.

[UnionStation]

The fix is no fix - it's a risky workaround that could set your lithium ion battery on fire. This alleged workaround also leaves you with no ability to tell when your battery is going to run out. You may have 1 shot or 100 left, and you'll never know until the camera just shots down on you. There's no fix for that, no matter what anyone tells you.

[samintx]

SX280 SX280HS battery problem SOLVED

search this topic and my fix is about 4 answers and pictures down. I use only about 1/8" velcro not the large piece in the first photo submitted by one user. Works for me. Keeps battery seated.

[iamgeorge]

@UnionStation

Samintx is not suggesting that you cover up the battery to camera contacts with Velcro. I know this was suggested by a few contributors.

His suggestion is to place something like Velcro or a piece of foam between the battery and the lid so that the battery is pushed down and makes a firm contact with the power connectors. Unfortunately, I didn't see his original post from sometime late last year until AFTER I bought a Panasonic.....

[GON22]

As I previouly reported: The "velcro" pressure on the battery compartment had no effect.  The only thing that made the video work was to put a narrow strip of masking tape over the center battery contact. I remove it to charge. I still carry 2 extra batteries. The camera features are great; too bad about this power problem and the quality control people who let it happen!

(also Canon's odd handling of the problem)

[sneader]

Sorry I'm late to this game, and thanks everyone for your input.  I've tried the velcro/foam trick and it did not help at all.  I tried the tape idea, and it solved the problem completely.  Where I couldn't do a one minute video before, now I was able to do two 20 minute long videos with no problem.  Obviously my battery is fine... it's the stupid camera's "sensor" that is at fault.

Canon says to "send it in" and to reference the advisory, which I will do... but based on this thread, I'm pretty sure it is going to come back in the exact condition I send it in as.

- Scott

[samintx]

I have not read any reports from people who have gotten satisfaction from sending their camera in to Canon. If you got it to work, I'd just forget Canon.

[kyle_h]

I wanted to let everyone here know I sent my camera in because of the service announcment and Canon did not send me a referbished camera, they did some repairs on mine and sent it back. I sent it in because the battery got so loose that the camera would not come on unless i put something to apply pressure to the battery. Here is what it says they did:

"REPLACED MAINBOARD. LOOSE BATTERY CAUSING CONTACTS TO NOT LINE UP. ADDED TAPE INSIDE BATTERY BOX TO GIVE THE BATTERY SECURE FIT. FIRMWARE UPDATED"

Part Description                                Part #

PCB ASS'Y, MAIN                            CM1-8466-000

SHEET, BATTERY BOX                 CY4-6128-000

So far so good. The camera seems to come on quicker and I shot a 6 min video with lots of zooming. I did not see the red flashing indicator even come on.

I am in Canada and the camerea was sent to a 3rd party (Canon told me to send it there) so I am not sure if that has any impact on the work done.

[samintx]

Thanks for that report. Canon repair, from reports here, has been bad...so happy for you and confirms what is wrong with the 280!

[derekruddock]

Hi

Just for information I suffered this problem, product was returned to Canon but got the standard "it's OK it meets the specification".

Well I bought a 3rd party mains adaptor used the battery adaptor supplied with this made a battery holder into a handle that screws in the base. The 2700mAh battery runs the video fine.

Achieved >50 minutes recording and still no battery issues, zooimng causes no problem either.

You will need to be keen to do this but if you get the right type of battery then you will be rewarded with an excellent HD video recorder.

Hope this helps anyone considering this way forward.

Regards Del

[GON22]

Just use a thin strip of masking tape over the middle contact on the battery and all will be fine!