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.

[Desky100]

I really felt the need to add to this thread to make it as big as possible to prevent anymore disappointed customers. 

Couple of days ago I bought sx280hs black with a '3' in the special serialnumber position. It has the low battery on filming problem. I tried updating anyway but it said it didn't need it/was up to date. I spoke to a support rep. and he said that they thought they fixed it but now people keep coming in with it unexpectedly. Perhaps unintentionally, I hope, he tried to lure me into a procedure where I wait for a response. No way!  I'm still in my return grace period and I'm getting the hell out of this situation while I can.

Canon has not got a handle on this problem and clearly it's growing over their head. 4 firmware versions and still broken camera's out there.

Too bad, I really liked the concept of it but I wish I could buy one that works. Now I don't really know what to get.  Good luck everyone!  In fact, i'm sorry for the money but I may go Sony dsc hx50. My Ixus 120 broke a bit too soon as well, and needed repairs twice, so maybe it's time to try another brand. Canon board, eat your heart out if you read this

[ange07]

So guttered. Had done my research and based on the specs the SX280 was exactly what I was looking for, but not willing to purchase with the ongoing battery issues. Shame Canon hasn't fixed the battery problem yet. 

[HR]

Maybe they can't fixed it.

Think about it.

If it was fixable, why not do it and spare the bad publicity.

[dswansonil]

I think that's the basic assumption.  The battery capacity isn't sufficient to support the video and zoom functions without a voltage drop which triggers the low battery warning.

[Davy]

BeefJerky

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Just that I wanted a zoom cammy I have the Canon A650 as you probably know the zoom is only  x6, it is a decent camera, if only they fitted a x20 lens on that and forget about keeping up with the trend,  forget about GPS, that is just a gimmick as far as I'm concerened they just help drain the battery.

The HX50 sounds as though it will do me providing the Macro is equal or better, just like when the A650 came out I kept hanging on and hanging on I'll see if I get some sample photos. Mighty glad I didn't rush out and buy this lemon of a SX270/80.

I wouldn't be messing about sending them back and you could bet I'd be calling the best solicitors should they send me a refurbish one in place..... I take the attitude I bought a new one, I want a new one. It seems to avoid all this aggro a refund is the only answer because you never know what camera you are going to get in return.

Thanks for the reply & good luck.

Dave

[ruko]

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@HR wrote:

Maybe they can't fixed it.

Think about it.

If it was fixable, why not do it and spare the bad publicity.

---

Maybe they should admit they can't fix it and take em all back!

[LSousa]

Believe me Canon doesn't, loose more time with that camera anymore...

[dswansonil]

Special 3 page Canon flyer in the Thanksgiving sale papers today in the US.  Guess what camera is conspicuously absent.

[Davy]

They melting em down and converting them to frying pans.

Dave

[UnionStation]

For anyone thinking about buying the SX280 for Christmas, everyone here can attest that they make wonderful decorative paperweights.