Change in Image Download Size

[SueLP]

I have been using my Ixus 500 faultlessly for the last 2 years. During the last month, when taking pictures on the manual or automatic mode, even though the image size is set to 2592x1944, when I download the image it only appears as 360x270.

I've re-formated the memory card and tried a different memory card but it is still downloading images at the smaller size even though I've set the camera for the large size.

Is anyone able to suggest how I can rectify this?

I am using an iMac on OX intel.

[ssd]

This is noy really expected through any software or OS. Ckeck the pic resolution setting again in your camera in both the modes as you mentioned, not in one. The camera remembers setting separately in all modes.

[Jon]

What are the file sizes like? And are these still .jpg files? 360x270 sounds closer to a video format size. I'm wondering if you're seeing, as some others have, the camera starting to shoot video instead of stills in some dial positions.

[SueLP]

They are .jpg. The image size on the camera is set the same in both modes.

Canon have replied to my helpdesk question suggesting I reset the camera to factory defaults. I've done this but it's made no difference. They then suggest I send the camera away to be looked at!!!???

[Jon]

What are the file sizes (on the computer)?

[ssd]

Is your picture browser/viewer playing the trick?

[SueLP]

The image sized are 40kb/50kb.

I have tried viewing the images in iMac Preview and via PhotoShop but in both applications they appear smaller than usual.

[Jon]

What sizes do iMac Preview and PS report the images at? Exactly 360x270 every time? About that size, but not exactly? Various sizes? Does it happen in "Stitch Assist" mode as well?

First, not because I think it's responsible but because it'll interfere with the test I'm going to suggest, make sure digital zoom is turned off. Does the image on your camera's LCD look pixellated when you're in shooting mode? A 360x270 (or smaller) image has fewer pixels than your camera's display does, so should show some pixellation. This will be most evident looking at a diagonal line, which should show some "stair-stepping". If it does, the problem's with the settings for the sensor. Also, does the image on the display show black borders? Then turn on digital zoom, and zoom to the max. looking for the same thing. Does a "digitally zoomed" picture show more pixels than your typical one? Can you set the camera up for Remote Capture (using Canon's software) and capture direct to the computer? Does this give you the same image sizes?

If that looks OK, can you zoom in on pictures in review without their breaking up? Can you restore an old (pre-small size) photo (you'll need to put a corresponding folder back too) to the camera and review it while zooming in?

[SueLP]

I'm slowly gettng somewhere! I've tried downloading the images to another Mac and also a PC and they download fine. This indicates a problem with the iPhoto software. I have recently run some Mac updates so one of these could have affected the iPhoto sofware.

[RobCarr]

Jon,

I have a problem with my IXUS 500 which does not allow any manual settings anymore but instead has auto on 2 out of 4 of the settings and instead of the photostitch option it now shows that it is on video setting on two of the dial settings. You make reference in your post to a similar sounding issue encountered by other users

ie I'm wondering if you're seeing, as some others have, the camera starting to shoot video instead of stills in some dial positions.

Do you know if there is a simple solution or will I have to send it away and spend another £100? Thanks

Rob Carr

[Jon]

ISTR that was a repair issue. Some adventurous type may have posted his experiences popping the mode dial and cleaning (or otherwise) the switch under it; a search of the Compact and G-series fora may turn up something on that.

[RobCarr]

Jon,

thanks for the reply. Just out of interest whilst browsing other sites I saw something that may be relevant to the original post on here the message was ;_

Hi here is the article I did found :

Why is the image output abnormal?
Case Id: 37383

Applicable models


Digital IXUS II Digital IXUS IIs Digital IXUS V3
PowerShot A300 PowerShot A310 PowerShot A60
PowerShot A70 PowerShot A75 MV590
MV600 MV600i MV630i
MV650i MV690 MV700
MV700i MV730i MV750i
MV5i MV5iMC MV5
MV6iMC Digital IXUS V2 Digital IXUS 430
Digital IXUS 400 Digital IXUS 330 Digital IXUS 500
PowerShot A40 PowerShot A80 PowerShot A85
PowerShot A95 PowerShot S60 PowerShot S1 IS


Solutions
Thank you for using one of our Canon products.


It has been found, that in rare case, some of the CCDs, used in Canon digital camera and digital video cameras, have a problem that causes abnormal image output.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. Canon will offer free repairs where an error is caused by this malfunction.

Canon would like to advise our customers of the details of this issue and our policy for handling it.

Problem details:

Among the CCDs used in the affected products, it has been confirmed that in extremely rare cases, under high-temperature/high-humidity environments, some of the internal wiring comes off.

If this defect occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD correctly when in shooting mode. This results in image abnormalities such as:

Images do not appear
Image colors are abnormal
Images appear distorted
These symptoms can be confirmed on the LCD monitor.

Solution:

We kindly request users who have confirmed these symptoms to contact the nearest Canon Service Centre.

Free repairs will be made for affected products in cases where it has been confirmed that the internal CCD wiring has come off.

Please click here to find a list of approved local service centres.
Last modified date: 26-Oct-06