Digital cameras 101

[arnott]

Hi all,
       I am using a Canon S2IS camera and the outdoor pictures are coming too bright. I have reset the camera to factory defaults and still getting the same results.

The pictures taken indoor look okay, but the pictures taken outdoor when it is sunny.

Earlier my camera had the "black view" finder problem and used the suggestion here:  http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7593_102-0.html?messageID=3023897#3023897 and it seemed to have solved the problem. I have attached 2 pictures, 1 taken indoor and 1 outdoor picture.

you can see the original pictures at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/45090722@N07/.

Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong ? Has the camera become defective ?

thanks for your help
arnott

[admin]

Hi arnott and welcome to the Q&A Forum!

Boy this problem is a stumper! Usually when a sensor goes it affects all photos. The inside looks fine but the outside shot looks like it has a sensor problem because of the lines as well as significant washed-out exposure.

I've peeked at the EXIF data for each photo, and looked at the largest sized image in you Flickr gallery. Everything appears to be fine as far as settings. You even used minus 2 exposure compensation for the outside shot, which should have prevented over-exposure.

There are really only two things I can advise at this point. The first may not even help but it's worth a shot. Do a low-level format of your memory card.

If that doesn't help. I think the only route to take is to contact Canon tech support. They can confirm if it's a defective sensor. If it is a defective sensor and the cost to repair is not worth it, ask about their Customer Loyalty program. They usually give a discount on another camera should you want to get the Canon brand.

I owned the S2 and simply loved it.

Please let us know what happens. Good luck!!


Related reading:

Canon Customer Loyalty program:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-logs/cool-stuff/canon-customer-loyalty/

Exposure compensation

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-features/advanced-settings/ec/

EXIF data

http://www.digicamhelp.com/glossary/exif-data/

[arnott]

Thanks admin for your quick reply. I did a quick format of the SD card and it did not help . I will contact Canon tech support.

[arnott]

Canon tech support suggested I remove the battery and SD card for 20 mins and try again.

The pics look little better : http://www.flickr.com/photos/45090722@N07/4144166681/. (Or maybe because the sun is not bright as earlier).

Something wrong with the sensors ?

Thanks
arnott

[admin]

I don't think that image is much of an improvement at all. I do believe it is a sensor problem. I personally would feel uncomfortable using a camera that is unpredictable, unreliable and doesn't properly expose images in full sun.

Contact Canon again about your options. Also ask if there have been any service advisories for the sensors in cameras like the S2. If so, you might be entitled to a free repair.