Lens flare or a defect in my camera?

[camkela]

I have a Canon Ixus 870is and this camera doesn't seem able to take any pics of the sun. There are several red balls around the sun that completely destroy the picture (see attached photo). These appear every time I try to photograph the sun. Is this regular lense flare or is there something wrong with the camera? Should I bother with a customer complaint?

Thanks in advance for any advice I can get!

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi camkela, and welcome!

For some reason I can't see your attached photo. I checked in two browsers. If you have a link to it, please post it so we can give comments based on viewing the actual image.

In the mean time, you may find this article on photographing the sun useful:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/how-to/nature/sun/

Photographing the sun can be tricky, especially with a small camera that can't take a lens hood. Some people hold a hat or cap near the camera lens to block a direct hit of the sun on the lens. Watch your eyes when photographing the sun!