Canon S30 image problem (single spot)

[snapper73]

I just purchased an S30. I didn't notice it on the first few photos, but on subsequent ones, I see a red dot/spot almost in the very center of each image. The camera is brand new, and there is no visible debris on the lense (I lightly cleaned it anyway). I first thought this was a problem with the LCD until I transferred images to my PC and could still see the spot. The spot is only noticable if that area of the picture is a dark color etc.


Any suggestions besides exchanging it? Thanks in advance.

[BigBit]

You have three choices:

1) Exchange it
2) Get it repaired (essentially the same thing - exchanging it is probably better)
3) Live with it and be prepared to spend a lot of time digitally touching up photos (hopefully with good result).

Choice 1 sounds the best to me. That's what warranties and exchanges are for.

[JohnMN]

I had a similar problem on my Powershot A40 but the 'spot' was down in the bottom righthand corner. It only appears in dark areas of images and if I'm using a slow speed shutter. Is this a problem other Canon users have experienced or is it just on a few cameras? I'm no expert on CCD technology but it looks like a number of 'pixels' are either misfiring or they're burnt out. How could this happen on a new shop bought camera? Any info would be appreciated.

JohnMN

[snapper73]

I swapped mine for another S30 at BestBuy. I just received an email from Canon's Customer Care that stated "the spot may due to a bad pixel on the CCD in which case it would need to serviced." I don't think this is a "common" problem, not sure though. I attribute my particular problem to my outstanding good luck. ;-) My new camera is working perfectly... I am more than pleased.

How long have you had yours? I might suggest taking it back if it is relatively new -- I would hate to be forced to mail one to canon for repairs. Anyway, good luck!

snapper
NC, USA

[JohnMN]

It was two months after I bought my A40 that I noticed a blue/purple spot down in the righthand corner. I think this is too late to take back to the shop where I bought it from. Also, they don't give replacements while the camera would be away getting fixed. I had a similar problem with a Canon video camera a few years ago and got 'burned' trying to get it back again from the shop I took it back to.

JohnMN

[Kutchey]

My theory is that the spot(s) that appear that some people call "orbs" is the focus beam residue if you will. I think that when you focus it actually shoots out a small light that doesn't fade fast enough sometimes before the picture is taken, given the acurracy and sensitivity of these wonderful cameras.