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.

[MarioV]

UnionStation, ironic that you used the word bitter.  Do you have anything new or constructive to add, or is it the same old bitter broken record?

You wont cop any flack because noone cares what you think.

[UberAugie]

Does anyone know what I can do with a replacement NB-6L battery for the SX280 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008TWWLAS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I returned my SX280 a few days ago and got the Lumix ZS30, but I can't find that silly little cloth and screen guard it came with. The battery is in my camera case as I wait for the Lumix to arrive.

[denver80237]

I've ultimately decided that waiting for the firmware update isn't worth my time.  I can't just sit on $300 until Canon gets around to fixing the problems with this camera.  I'd rather spend a little more money and just get a t3i -- on sale this weekend -- and is well received by nearly everyone.

[UnionStation]

Actually, MarioV, there ARE some people out there who care what I think - and what all of us think - because this is a user forum, not a Canon fan club where speaking out against the brand is considered heresy. Unlike you, I'm focusing my comments on the company and the product - not belittling others for stating opinions. To you, I may sound like a broken record, but not everyone has time to read through 22 pages of comments. I did, in fact, try to add something new and constructive - I experienced inconsistent power drain based on the settings (with TWO sx280s), and I found a Nikon camera to be far superior. Bitter? Youbetcha. I feel Canon gave its loyal customers a raw deal on this camera.  If you love the sx280, fine. If you don't, I'm simply saying that the people who plunked down money on this lemon are not alone and can do better.

[Ritt]

I was considering the SX280 for the "faster speed". I currently have a SX260 and shot sveerl vids and snap shots over 3 months, I've never seen the low battery  light come on yet. It did die once because I left the GPS on while the camera sat in the car for a week, so no more GPS. I've been switching batteries after what seemed like a long time, and put in a fresh charged battery when I picked it up for another day. I'll try running it down the next time. I use the Canon 1000 and have a spare 1600. Really interested to find out if Canon has a rev. of some kind. Like politicans, deny, deny, deny.......maybe it'll go away.

[dswansonil]

UnionStation, I appreciate your input.  I'm a long time Canon user but that doesn't overcome the issues the SX280 has with video battery life.  What model were you making the comparison to?

[UnionStation]

Thanks, dswansonil. I went with Nikon's P330 - and though other users here have pointed out that it is in a different class of point-and-shoot, I found it to be a superior camera. I do miss the sx280's super-long zoom, but I found the photo and video quality of the Nikon to be better. It has a larger sensor, and that makes a noticeable difference. Yes, you pay more - but I figured it's a tiny extra investment in memories that I'll keep for a lifetime. 

[dswansonil]

UnionStation,  While I agree that the larger sensor may give better image quality, the reviews I've read rate its battery life as slightly less than the SX280 which is one of the major issues on this forum thread.  I've also been more focused on the video side and the P330 max's out at 1080p/30fps rather than the 280's1080p/60fps.  My quandry is to go with a camera or a camcorder to get the combined capabilities I want out of it.  I've researched the Canon Vivia series camcorders but their still photo capability seems to be inferior.  Looks like either way I may not be a Canon user much longer.

[Davy]

Thanks Union Station and others.

I too nearly ordered a SX280, mighty glad I didn't now because I just couldn't be doing what the problems you guys are having.... about time Canon publically announced this and not just on Forums! You guys are saints, this ain't funny in any way, I feel for ya spending your hard earned cash on something not right.

What was Canon doing, did they ever test the SX280 before releasing it... or was it a Friday night job? Why didn't they see the problem - what you say Canon? Silence came the stern reply!

I too am/was a Canon fan, I've the AS650, scanner and printer, thanks to Canon I'm thinking twice.... even their printer cartridges are getting smaller, but thats another subject! Pity they just couldn't clod a x20 zoom on the A650 - now that would be nice, and triple A batteries too - gerrem' anywhere sure did make a mistake there.

Ah well, thanks to you guys and Canon not testing before release I'll give it a miss and look elesewhere.

So you see MarioV I am really one of them people out there  Union Station mentioned... sorry to say I let them do the dirty work for them otherwise I'd have gone out bought the camera, maybe had it replaced a couple of times before wanting my money back , these folks save me all tha hassel... now then-:

Did Canon really test the SX280 before releasing it,  what went wrong at Canon? To add, a 700mA pack in this day and age really does look skimpy, not that upping the capacity will correct the error!

Dave

[RCJ]

It's a good question. I've been using Canon cameras and lenses (SLRs, DSLRs, compacts) for decades and have never seen them put something on the street with such a major glitch.