So while this is 2 years old, I only became aware of it this month and have used it to my great advantage.
I owned both a Digital Elph S230 and the S1 IS 10x zoom Canon cameras. Both are included in the Canon Service Advisory shown below. In a nutshell, the CCD can fail causing poor image quality in the LCD viewer as well as the resulting picture. Menus continue to display normally.
I sent my S230 in for service under the program. No serial number on the camera (was a sticker that wore off years ago), no proof of purchase. Just put it in a box and shipped it to Mississauga. A week later I got a refurbished SD630 in return
Then I decided to send my S1 IS. Tomorrow I will receive my new S5 IS in return 8)
I paid a LOT for these two cameras. The S230 cost me $550 + tax not so many years back, and refurb'd SD630's are selling on eBay etc. for $140. So it's not like Canon is losing their shirts on this program, and the defects are real. A colleague in my office here has an S1 where the image was actually blank, but menus continued to function (i.e. not a problem with the LCD). His camera has been sent in.
Good on Canon for doing this. If you have a camera mentioned in the following list I'd encourage you to scrutinize the image quality. If you're not happy with it, send it in. PM me for more details on the submission process / letter if you like. I didn't call them first - just sent in the cameras.
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http://canoncanada.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/canoncanada.cfg/php/enduser/prnt_adp.php?p_faqid=4304
Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated Oct.31, 2006)
It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006
Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.
Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor.
Canadian residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Information Centre for further assistance at 1-800-OK CANON. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email using the Contact Us tab above.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.
I owned both a Digital Elph S230 and the S1 IS 10x zoom Canon cameras. Both are included in the Canon Service Advisory shown below. In a nutshell, the CCD can fail causing poor image quality in the LCD viewer as well as the resulting picture. Menus continue to display normally.
I sent my S230 in for service under the program. No serial number on the camera (was a sticker that wore off years ago), no proof of purchase. Just put it in a box and shipped it to Mississauga. A week later I got a refurbished SD630 in return
Then I decided to send my S1 IS. Tomorrow I will receive my new S5 IS in return 8)
I paid a LOT for these two cameras. The S230 cost me $550 + tax not so many years back, and refurb'd SD630's are selling on eBay etc. for $140. So it's not like Canon is losing their shirts on this program, and the defects are real. A colleague in my office here has an S1 where the image was actually blank, but menus continued to function (i.e. not a problem with the LCD). His camera has been sent in.
Good on Canon for doing this. If you have a camera mentioned in the following list I'd encourage you to scrutinize the image quality. If you're not happy with it, send it in. PM me for more details on the submission process / letter if you like. I didn't call them first - just sent in the cameras.
----------------------------------
http://canoncanada.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/canoncanada.cfg/php/enduser/prnt_adp.php?p_faqid=4304
Service Notice: CCD Image Sensor Advisory (Updated Oct.31, 2006)
It has come to our attention that the vendor-supplied CCD image sensor used in certain Canon digital cameras and digital video camcorders may cause the following malfunction: When the product is used in recording or playback mode, the LCD screen and/or electronic viewfinder may exhibit either a distorted image or no image at all. While reports of this malfunction have been rare in the United States, we have determined that it may occur if the product is exposed to hot and humid environments.
Affected products:
- Camcorders: ZR60, ZR65 MC, ZR70 MC, ZR80, ZR85, ZR90, ELURA 40 MC, ELURA 50
- Digital Cameras A60, A70, A75, A300, A310, S230, SD100, SD110, A40(*), A80(*), A85(*), A95(*), S1 IS(*), S60(*), S200(*), S330(*), S400(*), S410(*), S500(*)
*Models added as of Oct.31, 2006
Malfunction:
It has been confirmed that the connecting parts of the internal wiring of the CCD used in affected products may become disconnected, especially if the affected products are stored or used in high-temperature and high-humidity environments. If this occurs, the signal is not output from the CCD normally in Shooting Mode, which may cause a distorted image or the absence of an image. This malfunction can be confirmed on the LCD monitor screen during shooting. The same malfunction also appears on the recorded image.
Canon's Response:
Effective immediately, and regardless of warranty status, Canon will repair, free of charge, the products listed above exhibiting the above-mentioned malfunction if Canon determines that the malfunction is caused by the CCD image sensor.
Canadian residents are kindly directed to contact the Canon Customer Information Centre for further assistance at 1-800-OK CANON. Support hours are Monday thru Friday - 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (EST). Alternatively, if electronic support is preferred, please send your email using the Contact Us tab above.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this issue, and appreciate your understanding in this matter. Thank you for your support and patronage of Canon products.