Canon S1 IS problem w/camera

[Trixxie]

I have had 2 of these now that have crapped out on me. The LCD displays a purpleish screen with a bunch of lines through it. The pictures come out looking like the mess that is on the LDC. The LCD still works to preview the pics on the memory card so I don't think the LCD is the problem. I have also seen a Sea Life camera do the same thing. The Sea Life camera was still under warranty and was sent back and repaired. (it was actually NIB at a dive shop) Both of mine are out of warranty (first one I bought was in 2004 and the 2nd one was bought off Ebay last year). Both have been well taken care of, the Ebay one worked great up until this past weekend. I was in a pool taking pictures for a class. No water got in the housing.

I thought the first time it happened it was a fluke so I bought the 2nd one. Now I am wondering if this is an inherent problem with this camera? Is it because I use it underwater (in a housing of course - I also us moisture munchers to take care of any condensation/moisture)

I want to upgrade eventually to the G9 and U/W housing but don't want to spend that kind of $$ if the same thing would happen to that camera too.

Has any one else ever experienced this and can it be fixed? Camera shop said the want $150 just to look at it + what ever it costs to get it fixed. I can get a used one for cheaper than that. Does Canon have a repair center I can send this to?

Thanks!

[kona74]

Canon has this info posted on their website. I have a S1 that has this problem intermittantly so I have not contacted Canon yet but I have seen that others have successfully had their cameras replaced.

jb

Consumer Products Home :: Support :: Service Notices

Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated 10/31/2006)





This Service Notice will update Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s previous CCD Image Sensor Advisory, dated October 6, 2005.

It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.

Notice of Additional Affected Products:
As a result of our continuing investigation of this malfunction, we have determined that the 11 models listed below, in addition to the 16 models listed in our Service Notice concerning this malfunction, dated October 6, 2005, may be affected.

Affected products:

- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)

*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006

Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.

Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor. Canon will also cover the cost of shipping and handling in connection with this repair.

U.S. residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for further assistance at 1-800-828-4040. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight; and Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (all times EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email to carecenter@cits.canon.com

This information is for residents of the United States of America and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.

[Trixxie]

You are DA BOMB! Thanks!

sent them an email - will adv of their response

[kona74]

I hope you get a good response and I am definately interested in what Canon says...

[Trixxie]

Well, so far they have been great! Prompt response to my original email, same with the 2nd to confirm the problem, shipping label email was soon to follow along with an info sheet to include with the camera in the box so they knew where to send it back to.

keeping my fingers crossed that they return to me in good working order. But even if they don't it's not like the worked anyways.

They can't give me a time frame for fixing and returning so will let cha know when I get them back...

thanks SO much for your original info. I had searched the net for something, anything of where I could even begin to get them fixed and this was my last resort. Glad you took the time to check out my post!!

[kona74]

You are so welcome - must be a karma thing.

[Trixxie]

my user name used to be 'Mauigal' but decided to change it when I kept getting asked why I was 'Mauigal' when I lived in Georgia that and the dive invites I got from folks visiting Maui. I see you are Kona... as in the Big Island or am I making the same assumption I used to get about being in Maui when I was in Ga.

[kona74]

Kona is just dreaming for now. I do live in Texas now, but will live somewhere tropical at some point.

Besides, Trixxie is perrrrrfect for someone in Georgia.

[Trixxie]

I always knew I liked the Canon brand, now I doubt I would ever buy anything else.

Even though my camera was purchased in 2004, Canon paid to have it shipped to them, repaired at no charge to me and have shipped them back to me via 2day shipping, again at no charge to me.

What excellent customer service.....

Now the only down side to this (tongue in cheek) is that now that my S1 IS's are fixed, there goes my chance to get my G9. Unless I sell them both to get the G9. Now there's an idea!

Thanks Kona again for your original reply!!

[Trixxie]

Canon has graciously shipped me a Canon S5 IS 8.0 MP in exchange for my Canon S1 IS 3.2 MP. The parts needed to fix my S1 were either no longer available or just not available at the time I sent my camera in. I have not gotten the 2nd camera back so just wondering if it will be my repaired S1 or another S5 (refurbished).

I have posted my housing for the S1 as for sale on the board (maybe in haste and hopes I am getting another S5).

I never expected to get what I did but am thankful for it. Now if I do get another S5, I have to decide if I want to keep them and get a $700 Ikelite housing or sell them both and get a G9 and a Canon housing.....

Way to go Canon for far exceeding my expectations.