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]

Today I traded this camera in the store for another of the same type. Unfortunately, failure is of course yet again. I think it's a problem all sx280hs. I'll wait for the opinion of Canon. I still believe that it is a decent Japanese company. I'm still 14 days left for a refund.
Note : When returning the camera in the store I wanted to show the problem. As purposely everything worked OK !

[plfeist]

re:

"Note : When returning the camera in the store I wanted to show the problem. As purposely everything worked OK !"

I can always get my SX280 to show the flashing red battery icon problem if I use the zoom while taking a movie.

[Jessica]

Hi everyone, we are listening and will provide an update as soon as information becomes available.

Thanks for your feedback and participation in our forum.

[mikearm]

It is obviously a problem since everyone has the issue. Most of us will not hang around until a fix comes. By that time, it will be too late to return the camera. Unless a fix is forthcoming within a couple days back it goes to amazon and I will purchase a Panasonic sz30. This is an obvious flaw that should have been caught in product testing.

[nserrano]

I almost didn't believe this thread since IT'S CANON!! I bought the camera as a Mother's day gift for my wife so she can share the beautiful moments of our six month old baby with our family and friends. After reading dozens of reviews about the battery life, I decided to confirm for myself the issue. 

Out of the box the battery lasted 10 minutes in shooting mode (GPS & Wifi off), which I expected since I had not charge it. Once the battery was fully drained, I charged it overnight and there was a 100% increase in battery life! (This is sarcasm in case you didn't catch it)

After owning and recommending several Canon EOS and point-and-shoot cameras, this one camera has made me realize that maybe it's time to try a different brand, i.e. Nikon.

[vitielj]

We know that you will solve it soon.   Keep us posted.   Just saw that camera at Coscto - so there will be alot of cameras returned if it is not fixed.

[Gog]

In reply to Jessica when she says "we are listening" ('we' presumably being Canon):

I live in the UK. When I noticed noticed the 'red flashing battery icon' problem on my first camera I joined this forum which is a USA user forum. There does not seem to be an equivalent forum in the UK. As the problem was being discussed by members of this forum I contacted the Canon Helpdesk. The helpdesk telephone number I called had a UK code so I presume I was getting advise from Canon UK (although of course the helpdesk could be sited in a call center anywhere in the world).

After returning my 1st camera for a replacement, and then still having the same fault problem with the new camera, I again phoned the helpdesk. This time the agent asked if he could put me on hold whilst he checked to see if the fault had been reported by any other owners. Upon his return he said that no other reports of the fault had been received.

I suggested that perhaps he should check with the posts on this forum.

The only advise he could offer was for me to return the camera, this time not for replacement, but for an alternative. 

So Jessica - are Canon really listening?

[smith]

Hi everyone. After doing a general search "canon low battery while recording video" I discovered that this is a common problem with several Canons over the years and not just this model. You have got to be kidding me! Not feeling very optimistic now. I have always used a standalone camcorder for video and this purchase was solely for the purpose of consolidating to a all-in-one camera. So the fact that shooting video with this camera is so aggravating I am utterly disappointed. I was so excited about it. Now what? Canon will you honestly look into, and better yet resolve this issue or not? It might be time to jump ship. 😒

[dim]

I'm sorry, but I had the camera Canon Ixus 220HS and this problem I do not know now. I made a lot of videos 1920x960 without any problems. With this type SX280 of 'm unhappy. I still believe that Canon do something about it ! Next week I will contact Canon service in Prague and ask if they are able to remove this problem. Otherwise, go back camera and I demand the money back.

[joshf52]

Same here. I just received my SX280 today. On a fully charged battery, I took 2 shots, started recording a movie, and got the low battery indicator.