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.

[dim]

I spoke with the techniques of canon representation of the company in Czech Republic. He knew nothing about this problem and the only advice to them was: put it in for service ! After three days of use in service ! Mockery.

[plfeist]

I have the same battery problem. (Problem #2 of factory guy.)

It only happens while shooting video: the battery icon goes to red and flashes, thus indicating low battery. It shoots the movie anyway. I turn the camera off and on, and the battery icon shows "full charge".

So: I can still shoot movies, it's just irritating having that red battery light flashing all the time.

I ordered an off-brand battery and the same thing happens.

I called Canon support, and they had never heard of this.

I tried to run down this battery by taking stills. I snapped about 800 photos and more movies before it finally, truly ran the battery down.

[canonuser4]

There's another thread on this issue:

http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/PowerShot/battery-flashes-red-when-taking-movie-sx280/m-p/23323#M902

[snikda]

I'm having the exact same problem with my new camera.

[smith]

Same problem here! So aggravating! Will Canon offer a solution or explanation other then sending it in for service? Will service actually fix the problem? Hard to know since Canon claims they haven't heard of this issue. =/. Anyone out there find a resolution or have a good outcome with service? Please post!

[Gog]

So what do i do now???

MySX270HS, which was experencing the 'red battery flashing' problem was less than 1 week old. I telephoned Canon UK. They told me they did not know about such a problem with this camera!!! And advised that I return it to my supplier (Amazon). This is did - have now received the replacement camera - It has exactly the same problem.

So what do I do now?

Contact Canon again? (Seems a little pointless).

Get another replacement (which will no doubt have the same problem).

Get it replaced with an entirely different camera? If so which model?

Live with a 'flashing red battery icon'?

Not happy with Canon.

[canonuser4]

Somebody needs to be willing to send their maifunctioning camera into Canon for repair. They won't know what to do to repair the issue until that happens.

Unfortunately noone has done that yet.

[Gog]

Really not happy about sending a day old camera back to Canon for repair/investigation and Canon Helpdesk could offer no real solution.

However problem is now solved: My (2nd) Canon SX270HS has now been returned to Amazon and is being replaced with a Panasonic.

[smith]

Certainly a legitimate consideration. Which Panasonic did you choose? I'd like to know how it compares. I was sold on the Canon though for my uses. Supposedly best in its class. I hope Canon provides a firmware update. Canon? You there? I'm sure you've had several returns of this product by now, mine included. Keeping fingers crossed that my replacement will be better, but I'm not very optimistic.

[Gog]

After a lot of looking around I have gone for a Panasonic TZ35. Seems to have pretty good reviews. (I didn't need WiFi etc).

Quite fancied an Olympus SH-50 but they are still only available for pre order in the uk (with no firm idea of when available) and I need a camera for a planned holiday.