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.

[ortys90]

So when Canon will release an update in what way can We update the camera? Is there an official software?

[mcasale16]

I mentioned this in a much earlier thread- When I called Canon- they told me that this issue SX280 blinking battery issue is not being considered as a RECALL just an ALERT- therefore they will NOT BE CONTACTING all owners about a repair- but if each owner contacts Canon themselves Canon will help the owner to repair the camera for free...and at this time this repair is ONLY being offered by sending the camera back to Canon- we may not like it- but that is my understanding of the process from talking to a 2nd level technician. Canon has told a few members of this forum that their MAY BE a downloadable fix in the future- but there have been absolutely no promises of when or how. 

[smith]

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@Jessica wrote:

To our valued customers,

We have an important update on this topic.  A firmware update is currently being created to address our customers' concerns and we anticipate having more information for you soon.  We will keep you posted as developments occur.

Thank you for your participation on our Forum.

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I would imagine this signifies no need to send the camera in if you're patient enough to await the firmware release. 

[dswansonil]

Jessica has been silent for a while so whatever fix they're installing on the returned cameras is not generally acknowledged or available.

[mcasale16]

OH I totally agree- if you are PATIENT ENOUGH- I erroneously assumed that EVERONE is interested in the fix to OCCUR before the vendor's drop dead RETURN date. my mistake.

I am not willing to keep the camera beyond the Amazon.com 30 day return date without a known fix installed. MY camera goes back before the 30 days are up- if the fix installed at the factory does not work.

If Jessica supplies you a firmware update that works... BEFORE your vendor drop dead  return date- you are golden!!- or maybe you intend on keeping the camera either way..

[pawl]

Well, I just called Canon yesterday and they are sending the shipping label. I asked the rep if he had any info on the issue and he said "no," but that it is a known issue. (No news there.) I wonder if the phone reps are told not to give any further details. No question they are supplying the shipping return labels, at least.

[completelocks]

I got mine yesterday... had the issue, bought a new battery, no change.... saw this forum, had a good read, rang canon (they knew nothing about it)

I've got it boxed up ready to return, and am picking the Nikon S9500 up on thursday.

I already own a canon EOS and a canon camcorder and photo printer. This was just gonna be a space, saving in the pocket, short holiday kind of all rounder.

I cant believe what i have read on here about lack of response from canon. I hate bad customer service, but blatant denial of an issue is beyond a joke. I won't buy another canon product.

Shame really, it take excellent stills.

[pawl]

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@completelocks wrote:

I got mine yesterday... had the issue, bought a new battery, no change.... saw this forum, had a good read, rang canon (they knew nothing about it)

I've got it boxed up ready to return, and am picking the Nikon S9500 up on thursday.

I already own a canon EOS and a canon camcorder and photo printer. This was just gonna be a space, saving in the pocket, short holiday kind of all rounder.

I cant believe what i have read on here about lack of response from canon. I hate bad customer service, but blatant denial of an issue is beyond a joke. I won't buy another canon product.

Shame really, it take excellent stills.

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I called yesterday and they acknowledged the issue. You must have gotten some dufus on the phone.

[UnionStation]

Anyone waiting for a firmware fix, good luck. Canon USA has gone radio silent again. They acknowledged the problem almost three weeks ago, said they were working on it two weeks ago and haven't officially said anything since. We have yet to see any of the cameras sent in successfully returned. Then again, we're in better shape than our counterparts overseas - who can't even get Canon to admit there's a problem.

Anyone thinking about keeping or (God forbid) buying this camera, please keep this in mind.

Pawl: My camera was right at the 30-day return window but WAY over the number of shutter clicks - 800+, and the policy is maximum 300. Maybe my customer service rep was just being extra nice and bending the rules, but he gave me the full refund. Now that the problems with the sx280 are known, maybe they've made a decision to let Canon deal with the customers it disappointed. You might try speaking to a supervisor as a last resort.

[pawl]

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@UnionStation wrote:
Anyone waiting for a firmware fix, good luck. Canon USA has gone radio silent again. They acknowledged the problem almost three weeks ago, said they were working on it two weeks ago and haven't officially said anything since. We have yet to see any of the cameras sent in successfully returned. Then again, we're in better shape than our counterparts overseas - who can't even get Canon to admit there's a problem.

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Gordon Laing (Cameralabs review) wrote earlier today that his camera is also on its way back to him (should be there by week's end), so we have now a few repaired cameras on their way back to users. Obviously, the one in Gordon's hands will speak the loudest on the fixes Canon has done (or not done?). My point being, while the remote firmware fix may still be some ways off, evidently there are repairs/updates now being completed by Canon. Mine will go out tomorrow...since I live 30 miles from the repair facility, I might get mine back week's end as well.

We shall see.