SX280 - battery life shooting video

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-01-2013 07:10 PM - edited 05-05-2013 10:54 AM
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.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 04:09 PM
I wonder if there is a policy on this forum that Canon only posts on Fridays saying that there is a solution soon? 😉
Let's keep the tension up - let's open a poll: when will the firmware update be released: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri? 🙂
Regards,
Filip - in a playful mood ...

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 05:16 PM
Got looking at the Panny TZ40 now, at least the flash ain't in the way.... as you can see Canon are sure taking this seriously - loafers!
Dave

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 07:30 PM
This probably won't change your mind, dswansonil, but the Nikon P330 does have 1080p/60i (60fps interlaced, but not 60fps progressive). Just tried it out to confirm, and it's there. Like you, I was willing to pay the size tax on the sx280 in exchange for the 1080p/60p and the bigger zoom. My focus was more on stills, so we probably part ways here in terms of need. I know the rating on the Nikon battery doesn't look that hot on paper, but I shot all day long (stills with lots of fill flash, and video) on a single battery without issue. Not trying to sell you on a camera you don't want. Just want to share my experience, FYI.
And thank you, davy, and all the others on this forum who aren't afraid to be squeaky wheels. Yes, every company stumbles once in a while, but great companies create an opportunity to show customers just how much they appreciate their loyalty. Sending two vague "we're workin' on it" messages doesn't quite cut it for me.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 07:50 PM
I sent back my SX280 today and my Panasonic Lumix ZS30 arrives in a couple of days so I'm guessing my time remaining here is limited. Just wanted to thank everyone for the help and advice. I originally planned on keeping my SX280 but I think sending it back was the right decision for me. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope you enjoy many years of happiness with the SX280 or whatever camera you go with.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 09:32 PM

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-27-2013 09:38 PM
@dswansonil wrote:UberAugie, I would be interested in your reaction to the Lumix when you try it out.
Ditto...and as soon as you have a chance to test it out.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-28-2013 12:02 AM
UnionStation, I apologise for my previous comment. I was out of line and rude.
In these circumstances, the squeeky wheel is what can keep the pressure on to affect change. That only benefits everyone.
I have decided to obtain a refund. I have yet to decide which camera will replace it. I may even consider the more expensive Sony RX100 which appears to have a very usable 8x equivalent zoom (about 200mm or so) with its Clear Image Zoom while still retaining excellent image quality. Its far short of the 500mm reach and only starts at 28mm wide. But for all else, its impressive.
If Canon do learn from this gross error and improve future releases, I will certainly consider them again.
Best wishes to everyone.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-28-2013 07:48 AM
Hello everyone,
here is some feedback on this issue from Belgium/Europe.
I purchased the SX270HS for my wifes birthday beginning May (in Europe, both version 270/280 are available, and since I did not need the GPS, I opted for the 270)
It has the exact same issue as the 280: fully charged battery, when taking pictures the battery symbol shown "fully charged" but when switching to video mode a red emppty battery indicator starts flashing within seconds.
Powering the camera off, and then back on, taking pictures again, again shows a fully charged battery.
I purchased a spare battery (canon original!) which has the exact same behaviour.
I was hoping this would be a firmware issue, and apperently it is.
I hope canon will also release a firmware fix for the SX270HS, and not only the SX280HS !!!

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-28-2013 07:57 AM
Hi all,
On sunday it was my daughters birthday and I had fully charged the battery and guess what: just acting normal (not specifically testing for battery performance) I shot stills and movies and not once did I encounter the battery problem. I took some pictures yesterday and still no problem.
But, the battery has been recharged 3-4 times - maybe indeed this helps, as one contributor suggested?
The battery gets more stable after a number of recharges?
This could explain (and save face) for Canon why it was not in their face when testing: maybe they tested with batteries which where already recharged a few times?
Still looking forward to a firmware update ...
Regards,
Filip.

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Mute
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
05-28-2013 08:33 AM
@filipb wrote:Hi all,
On sunday it was my daughters birthday and I had fully charged the battery and guess what: just acting normal (not specifically testing for battery performance) I shot stills and movies and not once did I encounter the battery problem. I took some pictures yesterday and still no problem.
But, the battery has been recharged 3-4 times - maybe indeed this helps, as one contributor suggested?
The battery gets more stable after a number of recharges?
This could explain (and save face) for Canon why it was not in their face when testing: maybe they tested with batteries which where already recharged a few times?
Still looking forward to a firmware update ...
Regards,
Filip.
I have recharged one (of two) batteries at least ten times, the other four to five times. While recharging the battery a few times seems to help the issue slightly, it still exists to a very large degree. As far as Canon saving face, that train left the station a couple of weeks ago.
