S2 IS washed out

[don't_shoot]

Hi all, another dreaded nooby here. I searched, maybe not well enough, but couldn't find this one. All of a sudden, my S2 IS shoots completely unusable, washed out images outdoors, in every mode. I have reset the camera, removed all batteries, formatted the card and performed small animal sacrifices, to no avail. I have set the exposure to -2 - NG.
This past Christmas a friend tweaked some settings so that I could take indoor shots without the flash because I wanted to get the lights on the tree. She couldn't possibly have changed anything that would affect all modes, could she? Even Auto mode doesn't work. It's now purely an indoor camera that almost never needs the flash.
Any ideas?

[Jon]

Well, she might have set the ISO as fast as possible. She might have loaded CHDK. Or the problem might be coincidental. Can you post some examples (and include the EXIF data with them) of both indoor and outdoor shots?

[don't_shoot]

Thanks, Jon. I read the tutorial on attaching pics, but I'm not sure about the exif data.

[Jon]

You can copy the important part of it (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) from the image properties menu selection in most image editing/viewing programs, including Zoom Browser, which came with the camera, or the free IrfanView (http://www.irfanview.com) application.

[don't_shoot]

OK Jon, here goes...

Data on 1663.jpg:
Shooting Mode
Auto
Photo Effect
Off
Tv (Shutter Speed)
1/200
Av (Aperture Value)
4.0
Light Metering
Evaluative
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
Auto
Lens
6.0 - 72.0 mm
Focal Length
9.1 mm
Digital Zoom
None
IS Mode
On
Image Size
1600x1200
Image Quality
Fine
Flash
Off
White Balance
Auto
AF Mode
Continuous AF

Data on 1674.jpg

Shooting Mode
Program AE
Photo Effect
Off
Tv (Shutter Speed)
1/5
Av (Aperture Value)
2.7
Light Metering
Center Weighted Avg.
Exposure Compensation
+1/3
ISO Speed
Auto
Lens
6.0 - 72.0 mm
Focal Length
6.0 mm
Digital Zoom
None
IS Mode
On
Image Size
2048x1536
Image Quality
Fine
Flash
Off
White Balance
Auto
AF Mode
Continuous AF

[Jon]

Your sensor is failing. The timing is coincidental; notice the horizontal lines in both the indoor and outdoor samples. Have a look at this sticky (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=238911) and give Canon Service a call. If they agree that's the problem (and in the US they generally have) they'll send you a mailing label to send it in and will fix or replace it even though the original warranty is up.

[don't_shoot]

Thanks so much for the help and the quick response Jon. I hope I can return the favor someday although I wouldn't expect to be much help on photography issues.
BTW, does troll really taste like chicken?

[Jon]

I just slay 'em. If you want to munch on one of the left-over carcases you're welcome to.

[don't_shoot]

Hi Jon,

Just wanted to follow up on this. Canon didn't agree that this was the sensor problem you told me about They want $161 to fix my camera or I could opt to buy a newer refurb as part of their "Canon Loyalty" program. At this point I don't feel I owe them any loyalty. Maybe it's me but I think a quality camera should last more than 3 years. I refused the repair and declined to buy another Canon that's already had to be repaired.That's the last Canon product I will buy.
Thanks again for your help and best of luck with your slaying!

[heez10]

Hi Jon,

Just wanted to follow up on this. Canon didn't agree that this was the sensor problem you told me about They want $161 to fix my camera or I could opt to buy a newer refurb as part of their "Canon Loyalty" program. At this point I don't feel I owe them any loyalty. Maybe it's me but I think a quality camera should last more than 3 years. I refused the repair and declined to buy another Canon that's already had to be repaired.That's the last Canon product I will buy.
Thanks again for your help and best of luck with your slaying!
I trash caned my S2IS and bought an A720IS, fantastic camera, until I dropped it, now I have a superb A1000 IS. When it comes to compact cameras, you buy anything other than Canon it is your loss. My DSLR is Sony.:cool:

[don't_shoot]

Why did you trash can your S2?