any experience with broken CCD?

[gepapaya]

Hi. I've got a Powershot S230, about 2-1/2 years old. Great camera. Recently, got this problem. LCD works fine, viewing pictures already taken on the LCD works fine. But, in picture mode or video mode, the LCD is black. Menus work fine on the LCD. If I take a picture, flash works fine, but viewed pictures on the LCD (with or without flash) are black. No errors (like E-18), lens appears to extend fine, lens cover seems to open fine. But, no picture... only black. My guess is that the CCD is either broken, or the connection to the CCD is broken. If I cycle through the "display" button, when the LCD is supposed to turn off or on, there is a faint clicking sound.

Anyone with experience with a broken CCD? Is this my problem? Any other suggestions or comments? This camera is way out of warranty.

Thanks to all...

[Salleke]

Hi. I've got a Powershot S230, about 2-1/2 years old. Great camera. Recently, got this problem. LCD works fine, viewing pictures already taken on the LCD works fine. But, in picture mode or video mode, the LCD is black. Menus work fine on the LCD. If I take a picture, flash works fine, but viewed pictures on the LCD (with or without flash) are black. No errors (like E-18), lens appears to extend fine, lens cover seems to open fine. But, no picture... only black. My guess is that the CCD is either broken, or the connection to the CCD is broken. If I cycle through the "display" button, when the LCD is supposed to turn off or on, there is a faint clicking sound.

Anyone with experience with a broken CCD? Is this my problem? Any other suggestions or comments? This camera is way out of warranty.

Thanks to all...

I'm sorry that I can not help you with your problem. Maybee you can try and give a
Canon Repair Center a call and hear what they have to say about it.

Welcome to the forum.

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

[gepapaya]

Thanks for your reply. I'll try to call Canon. Since the warranty is out, I'm not too optimistic that I'll get this camera fixed... I'm guessing it will be pretty expensive. I was hoping some here may have already experienced a CCD problem, and could give an idea of the costs involved (kind of like what's been said about that E-18 problem, and LCD problem).

[S230]

Not sure if you mean the Elph S230 if so, I have the same one. I also have slight CCD problems. The repair cost is almost as much as the camera itself. My issue is with burnt dots probably from overusage. Everything works great except when photographing in dark, I can see burnt pixels in the JPG photo. I think like you mentioned it may be a disconnect with the CCD or maybe the sensor died. Try either selling the unit as parts or attempt taking it apart and see if there is any quick fix. If you are not sure with electronics, probably better just sell it and get the $$$ to buy a new one.

[gkas]

Try this, it fixed mine.

You can reset all of the menu and button operation settings to default except for [Date/ Time], [Language], and [Video System].

Turn on the camera.

Press the menu button for longer than 5 seconds.

Select [OK] using the / buttons, then press the button.

[gepapaya]

Thanks for the replies. I do have the Elph S230. I find it interesting that the repair cost is almost the cost of the camera. Seems to be true for that E-18 lens stuck problem too. I like this camera so much, and had good experience, that I'm even thinking I'll try and get a used one on eBay. At least, it will cost much less than the repair or a new camera (also, since this is not my "main" camera).

And, I did try the RESET to factory defaults... many times, in fact. I got that tip from another post (maybe even yours). Unfortunately, that didn't work... well, the reset worked, but the LCD in picture or video modes, as well as pictures taken, are still black.

Thanks again... happy holidays...

[cdma]

I have the same problem with Canon PowerShort A70. It displays the images from the compact disk. If I take a picture, flash works fine, but viewed pictures on the LCD (with or without flash) are black and no picture is taken. The menu and other functions are working fine. Any help on the matter.

[monkeyknuckles]

I have the same problem with Canon PowerShort A70. It displays the images from the compact disk. If I take a picture, flash works fine, but viewed pictures on the LCD (with or without flash) are black and no picture is taken. The menu and other functions are working fine. Any help on the matter.

Call Canon- you have the CCD issue that was in the news. Call their Tech Support.
Your CCD (sensor) isn't recording information. If your rear lcd screen was broken you wouldn't be able to see the icons.
ON the other hand if you take a picture and the image flashes on the screen and then the screen goes blank- the display may be turned off. Just press the DISP button in Camera mode and see if the screen comes back. Other wise call Canon.

[gepapaya]

I just got off the phone with Canon Tech Support. Very friendly, very helpful. Turns out that this particular Powershot S230 model has an issue with the image sensor that they know about. He said that my description of the problem was exactly this issue. Somehow, heat and humidity (like here in Hawaii) in some instances causes the adhesive for the image sensor and connectors to come loose (or something like that). Apparently, this not related to cold temperatures.

So, this will be repaired at NO COST. They will be sending me a FedEx shipping label and an evaluation form. If the repair center determines that this is the known image sensor problem, they will fix it and send it back. Otherwise, they will contact me with the repair estimate, or an offer for a refurbished Powershot S410 for $175 (with 6 month warranty). If not, there is an $8 shippng charge to get the original camera back. (Note that I bought this S230 camera in June 2003.)

He did imply that the S230 is "one of the models" with this image sensor problem. You should try calling for the A70.

I'll try post again with information as my situation progresses...

Also, I don't know if it was the time of day that I called (7:30PM EST), but the phone rang only once before the tech support rep answered. No waiting at all. So far, I'm very impressed. I hope this continues...

[gepapaya]

One thing I also wanted to mention... the FedEx shipping label is pre-paid.

[gepapaya]

Not sure if you mean the Elph S230 if so, I have the same one. I also have slight CCD problems. The repair cost is almost as much as the camera itself. My issue is with burnt dots probably from overusage. Everything works great except when photographing in dark, I can see burnt pixels in the JPG photo. I think like you mentioned it may be a disconnect with the CCD or maybe the sensor died. Try either selling the unit as parts or attempt taking it apart and see if there is any quick fix. If you are not sure with electronics, probably better just sell it and get the $$$ to buy a new one.
Hi... I went back to read the posts in this thread, and forgot to mention another item the tech support rep mentioned about this known image sensor problem. He did say that the problem shows up in different ways. One is what I'm experiencing... that is, no LCD image in picture or video modes, but LCD works fine.

Another problem he mentioned was "funny colors" in the picture. I didn't ask too much about this, since it didn't apply to me.

Like I said earlier, I had good experience calling the tech support center... you might try calling... 1-800-828-4040. Hope this helps...

[S230]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0510/05100602canon_ccdproblem.asp
Hopefully Canon can fix this problem for you free. I am fortunate enough that my camera is still functioning.

[rgravel]

My sister had a similar issue with her A70. It was fixed at no cost, and very quickly too.

She is very happy with Canon Canada's support. :)

[lliefveld]

Very interesting. My Canon S30 has the same symptoms - LCD is black when trying to view the scene or picture, shows menu items. Taking a picture results in an all-black picture.

I called Tech Support, and was told it was probably the image sensor, but he didn't say anything about the known problem. He said the minimum to repair is $139, or they could upgrade me to an S70 for $249 (refurbished, 6-month warranty).

I followed the link in one of the above posts, and didn't see the S30 in the list of models..... but I didn't see the S230, either... and it evidently is covered by this.

I'm going to call Canon again, tell them I know of this problem and see what they say.

In the event that they won't cover it free, I can't see paying that much for repairing a camera that's worth only a little more than the repair cost.

Could anyone tell me the basic difference between the A-series and the S-series? I'm looking at either the A620 or the A610. I like the fact that they use AA batteries... the S70 still uses the proprietary Canon battery.. which is extremely expensive, and sometimes hard to find. Other than that, the primary difference I see is in the shape of the camera itself. I like the slim shape of the S-series. But are there functional differences?

[gepapaya]

Hi... the Canon S230 is also known as the Canon IXUS v3, which is listed in that link identifying the affected camera models. Just for info, the Canon IXUS II is the SD100, the IXUS IIs is the SD110, and the IXUS I is the SD30. I'm not sure of the difference between the S30 and SD30. In any case, it doesn't appear that the IXUS I (SD30) is covered by this, which may also imply that the S30 is not covered.

I don't have too much experience with digital cameras, but, I've heard that digital cameras that use AA batteries use a bunch of them in no time. I've had the S230 for 2-1/2 years, and the original battery has been used and recharged ever since, with no problems. I've also bought a Maxell replacement (less expensive), but doesn't seem to hold the charge as long as the Canon battery. The Canon battery retails for about $60(?), but appears to be much less on eBay. I vote for the Canon batteries (even if proprietary) over the AA batteries.

I got my pre-paid UPS (not Fed Ex as was originally told to me), and sent the camera back this week. Hopefully, I'll hear something soon.

[S230]

I agree that the original Canon batteries hold charge longer. Not sure exactly why but probably the internal materials used to make them is better.

[wedweb]

I received a used S200 with no battery or anything. I tried it with a battery from someone who has a similar one and the screen was real dark, not the menus or anything projected on the LCD but the image from the ccd. I could view previously taken images from another camera and those appeared great. The images taken with this one were very dark. The histogram showed only items in the dark region and none in the midtone or highlight regions for the photos taken with this camera. The photos taken with the other cameras showed items throughout the spectrum. The links you listed showed no mention of the S200, I guess I will have to call and check their story. Thank you for any information.

Bo

[lliefveld]

I've had the S230 for 2-1/2 years, and the original battery has been used and recharged ever since, with no problems. I've also bought a Maxell replacement (less expensive), but doesn't seem to hold the charge as long as the Canon battery. The Canon battery retails for about $60(?), but appears to be much less on eBay.

I did find Canon batteries for less than $60, but they don't seem to hold a charge very well for me. I've actually purchased 4 of them. I charge them all, and then put them all in my camera bag and rotate them. Of course, I'm taking about 300 pictures in a weekend.... some with flash (which uses up more batteries), some video, and sometimes in cold weather, which saps the daylights out of the batteries.

But it's an interesting comment about going through the AA/AAA batteries.

[Salleke]

I did find Canon batteries for less than $60, but they don't seem to hold a charge very well for me. I've actually purchased 4 of them. I charge them all, and then put them all in my camera bag and rotate them. Of course, I'm taking about 300 pictures in a weekend.... some with flash (which uses up more batteries), some video, and sometimes in cold weather, which saps the daylights out of the batteries.

But it's an interesting comment about going through the AA/AAA batteries.

The next time you buy AA rechargeble batteries get the Energizer 2500 mA NiMh, or the 2700 mA types.
I have 8 of them and they are the best I've ever got untill today. Good luck.

[gepapaya]

Hi... I wanted to "complete" this thread I started. To review, I called Canon on Dec 30, described the problem, and tech rep said it's a known problem with this model and will be repaired at no cost. On Jan 6, I received the UPS pre-paid label to ship the camera back to the repair center. Took the camera to UPS on Jan 10, and the camera was delivered on Jan 12. Interestingly, I got the "confirmation" email that they had the camera, and confirmed that it was the problem that will be fixed at no cost, on Jan 19. I don't know if no one looked at the camera between the 12th and 19th, however, that is what it seemed to have happened, since I didn't get any kind of acknowledgement that they had the camera between the 12th and 19th. Only confirmation was the UPS delivery confirmation. Camera was fixed on Jan 20th (I received an email for this), and the camera was shipped out on Jan 20th (I also received another email for this, along with the FedEx tracking info). I got it today on Jan 24. Camera works perfectly. Invoice notation was that they replaced the optical unit, cleaned, and adjusted all functions. I hope others with this problem have as much success as I've experienced.

[m.fsk]

Hi, just wondering if anyone is experiencing the CCD sensor problem with the Powershot S400 (or other Powershots) like described here with the Powershot S230:

http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=223&modelid=8044

I've got a Powershot S400 that has been lovingly cared for (no drops or jarring). It's about 2-1/2 years old. The LCD is working correctly and I can view pictures I've taken in the past, but in picture mode, video mode, or when I take a pic, the LCD screen is black. All the menus are working on the LCD screen (so nope, it's not the display setting). Lens cover opens fine and I can see the lens itself adjusting. I tried resetting the camera, but that didn't help. Based on all of this, I'm convinced the CCD sensor is broken as described in link above, but Cannon says that my camera is not part of that recall. So I’m interested to know of anyone else experiencing CCD senor failures with Powershots that aren't covered under the recall? Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I really love this camera and I'd like to get it fixed, but I don't want have to pay Cannon to fix it if is a design fault as with the other recalled cameras

[emmaiolani]

Thank you gepapaya!!
I so appreciate your thread. I have a Canon S230 with the same problem. Bought April '03. Before I read your thread I had called Canon Service 1800-828-4040 and they did not tell me about the known issue with the image sensor. After I did a web search and found your post. I called them again.

I have the same problem. I can shoot pics, the flash works, the screen is black minus the menu. The pictures come out black. Menu is fine and i can view old pics taken no problem.

So, they are sending me a prepaid shipping label and will cover the cost if indeed this turns out to be the problem which Daman said it sounds like it is.

Otherwise, i absolutely love this camera.

emmaiolani

[gepapaya]

Hi... I'm very happy that my experience may help you. As I've mentioned eralier in this thread, UPS confirmed delivery, but Canon didn't confirm until a week later. Then, within a day (apparently), it was fixed and shipped back to me. So, you might want to check with Canon a couple of days after UPS confirms delivery. All done at no cost... except for my time to take it to UPS. Good luck... :cool:

p.s. I also find that this forum is a great source of all kinds of digital photo information...

[kannanl2k]

Thank you so much gepapaya..!! I also have powershot S 230 and i have similar problem. The LCD displays very blurry image and photo also comes the same way. LCD displays previously taken pictures fine.!! I called Canon and they said they will fix my camera for free. I already shipped my camera to them and it reached them today.. I am just waiting to hear for them.. Hope things will work out fine for me..
Many Thanks to You..!!

Regards,
Kannan L

[guy3288]

i wish have read your messages earlier.

Just sent my IXUS 400 (S400) for repair.It's the same LCD problem.

Can take still pictures but LCD view was terrible with curtains like pinkish color.
Movie clips all blurred by that curtains.

Can review old pix taken.

So must be the same sensor contacts or CCD faulty.Read one member with similar model said this is not part of the recall camera.

My camera already 3 years. Would let you know whatis the fault and cost for repair.

[Jon]

i wish have read your messages earlier.

Just sent my IXUS 400 (S400) for repair.It's the same LCD problem.

Can take still pictures but LCD view was terrible with curtains like pinkish color.
Movie clips all blurred by that curtains.

Can review old pix taken.

So must be the same sensor contacts or CCD faulty.Read one member with similar model said this is not part of the recall camera.

My camera already 3 years. Would let you know whatis the fault and cost for repair.
As of the October 2006 expansion of the recall, Canon USA had added the S400 to the covered list, so you should check with your Canon service center.

[gepapaya]

I thought I'd add to this thread. If you read the prior posts, I had a S230 that had that defective CCD issue, and had it promptly fixed by Canon without ANY charge. I turns out that a few months before the S230 had the problem, I had already bought a PowerShot S410 (July 2005). Well, promptly at 2-1/2 years, the defective CCD issue surfaced. The S230 had a black LCD, but this S410 LCD was distorted, dark pink, many lines through the LCD. Well, since the S410 had been added to the list of products covered by this CCD issue, I called Canon. Again, just like last time, a tech rep answered within 1 ring. Very polite, very helpful, and sent me a pre-paid UPS shipping label. I sent the camera in, but this time got an email describing the "LCD problem", but had an estimated charge of $111. I called Canon again, and got an answer within 1 ring, talked with the tech rep who then got the service rep on the line, and she said my LCD problem should be covered by the service advisory. She got supervisor approval to remove the charge, and I got an email confirming this in minutes. She said they will begin service immediately, and I'll be notified when it's done and shipped.

I am REALLY impressed with Canon's service. Since the S410 wasn't one of the products initially listed in the advisory but added later, I thought I might be in for a bit of a discussion with the rep. But, not so.

I hope this information continues to help owners of PowerShot cameras that experience the CCD issue.