G3 camera operation/durability

[shrumtrop]

my G3 is roughly a month old.. I practically use it every weekend or 3 out of the 5 day weekday, it's been excellently maintained, charged when not in use. when I bought my camera I bought all canon products to lessen the amount of indirect problems with other 3rd party products.

anyone else having general problems with focusing.. lack of a perfect focus mark in AUTO or PORTAIT modes.. even when using the AF which isn't blocked by a widelense or adapter.

random images being over-exposured when using a 420EX in manual setting with an off-camera shoe cord 2, (yes I've cleaned the contacts with alcohol and sratched the surface with minor abrasions to improve contact)

degredation of images, large amounts of noise.. I never use the 400 ASA setting because of that;

also the speed of camera operations is getting slower etc.

I don't think I can wait 6 WEEKS for the warrenty service.

The canon g3 was never mean't for the hardcore user. Hmmm I wonder if I should work for Canon testing equipment durability.

[Bean]

I believe there is a problem with low light focusing. I went into a darkened room and had a VERY HARD time getting it to focus on anything. I did the same thing with my G2 when I got it and was surprised that it focused every time. I still have the G2 and plan on comparing them sometime soon. It almost seems as if the AF beam doesn't stay on long enough, or everything happens too fast...

Also, did anybody else notice that with an external flash connected, (420EX). that the camera won't let you shift the shutter and aperture readings? This is with the external flash turned OFF! There are also a few other oddities with the external flash connected, and when I find them again, I will write them down!

Greg