martianflash

I have a Canon A-80 which I bought in 2003 for about USD 385/- Around 3 to 4

months ago, I noticed a problem with the images captured using this camera. The

images looked as if they were behind a mesh of red lines and were totally

distorted. I took it to the Canon service center in Karachi where the service

person told me that the CCD card had a problem. According to him, the digital

cameras develop this problem especially because of the temperature change.

Sometimes, we have quite hot weather in the summers here in Pakistan.

 

The CCD card replacement cost me PKR 5,500/- (approx. USD 92/-). I got the CCD

card replaced and took the camera home. After a few days when I actually used

the camera and tried the Zoom I found out that the "Zoom Out" function was not

working. That is, I can Zoom In but cannot Zoom Out. I took the camera back to

the service center people who told me that I must have done something with the

camera that resulted in this problem. This was not the case!

 

Now the service center staff is telling me that the whole board will have to be

replaced which will cost me PKR 8,000/- (approx. USD 134/-)! And they told me

that this is the only solution. The workaround given by them was to Zoom-In

while using one mode, change to C1 or C2 mode where (amazingly) the camera zooms

out! This had me wonder.. if the Zoom-out function works in one mode and the

zoom-in is also working in other modes.. shouldn't that mean that the board is

ok since it is performing both functions (in different modes) w/o any problem!

 

I am quite confused and need your help with this issue. What are the possible

reason(s) for the Zoom-out problem? Could it be a re-assembling related problem?

Do I really need to get a new board installed? Is there any way the Zoom

function can be restored without replacing the board? Or are the service staff

just trying to rip me off :) This will really help me make an informed decision.

 

I also plan to file an official complaint with the service center in this

regard. Not my fault if they messed up!

One of my nephews touched the lens of my A80 which has left a

fingerprint on the lens. That was a few months ago. Also because of

the air pollution in our city, the A80 lens captures dust particles.

 

I took the camera to a photo development center but they refused to

clean the lens for me. I'm searching for the Canon Service Center in

Karachi-Pakistan. In the meantime, could anyone please help me with

some tips about cleaning the A80's lens? I don't want to ruin the lens

because I read that it's quite sensitive!

 

Also, is there anyway I can protect the lens? I don't have the adapter

to use the UV filter. Thanks!

Thanks for your replies.

 

From Albert's web site, I understood that his settings helped him capture people in action. He says something like he can take out the camera and capture people in motion. I can bear the slight motion blur but what good is it if it doesn't differ from the auto action mode?

 

I will try to find a canon support centre here in Karachi. Will also check the manual to see if the mode switching should behave differently. The switching between auto modes works fine. The problem is only with switching to C1 mode.

 

Guys, could you suggest any good site for introduction to photography concepts. Something that you have found helpful for a novice like me :) The google search returns too many sites!

BTW the ISO is set to 50! Shall I increase it? I usually capture images indoors or during daytime. Here, in Karachi (Pakistan), the sunlight is too strong most of the times.

 

Another question that comes to my mind. A photography teacher once told me to capture the daylight photographs between 6am (after sunrise) and 4pm as that's the best time to capture the daylight shots (I think he was referring to the local scenario). Any suggestions on that?

I have set the C1 settings as the site suggests, nutleigh. Let's see if it helps or not. I have noticed one thing. If I go to some preset mode (e.g. portrait, scenery) and then shift to C1, the pics are totall out of focus. But if I turn of the display and then turn it on again, the focus is clear. Same happens when I turn on the camera in C1 mode. Is that normal?

 

I asked my mum to move her hand while I took the pic in the suggested settings but there was still motion blur.

Thanks for the replies guys. I know about 2-staged image capture of digital camera. The contrast image is of sunrise not sunset. I remember the scenery mode had longer shutter lag when it was relatively dark outside and the motion blur was even worse. The lag reduced as the sun came up. I will try to capture the images at 9am when there is good sunlight and see if the motion blur reduces in all other modes as well.

 

My problem is that when I complete the pressure on the trigger, after locking the focus, sometime it moves the camera a little bit. The same thing has happened with other people who were using my camera. I haven't really had any motion blur issues with a point-and-shoot film camera even when I was extremely careless with hand movement.

 

As for the softer images, shouldn't the images be more crisp with A80? I mean, the facial features of the people should be clear instead of softened out.

 

I think you guys are right. I need to get rid of the auto modes which are basically there so that someone buying the camera can start capturing images immediately. I'll see if I can find a good book/web site for basic photography concepts. Thanks once again!

Used photoshops contrast and brightness adjustment features.<div></div>

I used "scenery mode" of A80.<div></div>

Hi All

 

I have an A80 and I usually use its pre-defined modes (e.g. portrait,

action, scenery, etc.). Most of the time I get motion blur in the

pics. Unfortunately, I don't have a steady grip and looks like the

camera is too sensitive! The only solution I've found is using Action

mode. But even then the pics are not crisp. Please note that I'm a

newbie so I don't use the shutter/apperture priority modes.

 

Secondly, the colours aren't very bright and lively in auto modes.

Even the blur colour of sky isn't blue enough. That is, the contrast

is not good. It becomes much better after I use Photoshop for

contrast/brightness adjustments. See the "before" and "after"

imagesbelow. I used contrast and brightness adjustments to help bring

out the colours.

 

I'm attaching the samples. Would highly appreciate tips and

suggestions. Thanks!<div></div>

Yes, I checked the page but the test results were from 2003.

What is the highest power available for NiMH batteries?

This has been a very useful thread for me as I have to buy rechargeable batteries for my Canon PowerShot A80. Can anyone recommend some brand names to look for? Or shall I buy NiMH batteries from any manufacturer?

Thanks guys. I have decided to keep the Chinese model. Still have to test it though!

Dear All

 

I have got a deal from the local dealer for Canon PowerShot A80. The

box and the camera say "Canon Inc. Made in China". Is it advisable or

shall I try to buy a Japanese make? Any quality issues. I appreciate

all the help and suggestions that you can provide!

Thanks Rob. I did not understand it before :)

Jeff, at dcreview.com, wrote in his review:<br>

<i>"The one item that you can't use on the A80 is an external flash."</i>

<p>

Is there a workaround that you're suggesting?

Thanks for the suggestion, Rob. I'll definitely check that. I thought A80 didn't have support for external flash.

Thanks for the guidance. This sure is difficult! What with all the specs for these converters and spacers (a totally new term for me). This has me confused to death. I guess I need to learn more about what these factors mean and how they affect my buying decision so that I may be able to make a well-informed decision.

 

BTW, I wish they had a pop-up flash which did not get blocked by the adapter/lenses.

Does that mean the add on lenses are of no use??

Thanks for your help. Yes I have checked Trevor's photos and they gave me the confidence to select this camera. I am currently trying to get the local price for A-80 and its accessories. Let's see how it turns out.

Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. I am more worried aout these because I am a bit new at photography. Secondly, the camera will be used by others in the family so I had to make sure they don't kill me for investing in this one!

I would appreciate answers to the following queries:

<p>

1) In how many steps does the A-80 lens move from min to max focal length?

<p>

2) Are there non-Canon lenses available for further extending the

range? And has anyone ever used them? If so, how was your experience

with it.

<p>

3) Is the over-blown highlights issue too common for simple

point-n-shoot pics taken on auto settings?

<p>

Thanks for the help!

Thanks Denis. I am now looking into Canon A80. Have you tried that one? Any comments/suggestions?

 

I read a message from April 2004 saying that they might be discontinuing it though there's no such news on the Canon web site. Does anybody know if it's true?

I am finally thinking about buying a digital camera. My available

price range is between US$350 and US$400. I came across the Sony W1

and read a review or two according to which it looks like a good

option. Since it's quite new (released in May 2004) and I am a newbie,

I would like the opinion of the experts and the people who have used

it. I liked the possibility of using filters and lenses with this one

(in case I decide to spend some money in future).

The other competitor was Canon S500.

 

I plan to use the camera for sometime as I won't be buying another one

for a few years I think.

 

Your views and suggestions are highly appreciated!