[+]
10.0
Still works great!
We've had this camera for years, and have taken it all over with us on vacations. Still works just fine. Nice little pocket-sized camera!
[+]
8.0
Camera is working just fine
I also bought an Canon Power shot S400 Digital Camera ...and it also stopped working a year ago with the "Memory card Error"..I was looking for a new camera...and saw that I wasn't the only one with that problem....I wrote to the Company and this is what they said..
"Thank you for writing to us. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you. I am sorry that the PowerShot
S400 is giving you a memory card error.
When memory card errors appear, a corrupted memory card might be the
cause. Reformatting the memory card may solve the issue. Please follow
these steps to format a memory card:
NOTE: Formatting a memory card erases all data, including protected
images and other file types.
1. Press the MENU button.
2. In the SET UP menu (wrench/hammer icon), select FORMAT and press the
SET button.
3. Use the left/right arrow button to select OK and press the SET
button.
If formatting the card fails, turn the camera off and re-insert the
memory card. Next, turn the camera back on and format again. If this
does not work, you should try a different memory card. If you only get
the error with one card, you will need to contact the memory card
manufacturer for assistance. Unfortunately, if you have the same
difficulty with both cards, your camera will require service.
We have discovered a memory card communication issue with the S400. If
it is determined by Canon USA that your PowerShot S400 camera is
exhibiting the problem that has been identified, the camera will be
repaired free of charge, regardless of whether the camera is still under
warranty.
We can send you a prepaid, and insured shipping label, if you will
confirm/provide the following information:
Name:
Address (No PO boxes please):
Phone number:
Camera serial number:
Date of purchase:
When shipping your camera, please be sure to remove the memory card and
battery. You are not required to send any accessories or manuals when
shipping the camera. Please package the camera very securely in a
sturdy shipping box to prevent damage during shipment.
Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your
PowerShot S400.
Thank you for choosing Canon..
they were fast and efficient...I followed the first 3 steps and my camera now works..I wish I could have solved this problem a year ago...but better late than never..
It has been a great camera for the years we have put in it. Very clear pictures and easy to use.
[+]
2.0
Just stopped working
I've had this camera for quite a while now but a few days ago it just stopped working. I'm still able to view the pictures on the memory card but an error message (E18) comes up when I try to take a picture. I'm not sure what is wrong but this is the second Canon (the other camera was the PowerShot S60) I've owned that just stopped working for no apparent reason. I was planning to purchase the Powershot SD870IS but am now seriously reconsidering purchasing any Canon Digital Camera. They just don't last.
Have had this for 3 years. Worked great.
Recently dropped it in the Colorado river and it still survived.
So decided to write a review :) Camera does take great pictures and is very handy. Battery life is about 2 years and then you need to replace them.
[+]
8.0
Memory Card Error fix - just shake the camera really hard !!
I bought this camera in 2004 and about a year and a half into the use I had the memory card error problem, did a lot of research and read somewhere it was a loose circuit connection common to this model. Since my warranty had expired then and Cannon at that time would not repair it for free, I decided that if it is a loose connection, maybe if I shake it violently the circuit will reconnect, and it did!! Everytime the error message comes up (and it does recur quite regularly), I just shake my camera really hard (by the strap), turn it off and on a couple of times, and the magic works. Tonight I took the internal battery out and will check back in a few months to see if it will permanently resolve the issue. Because of the picture quality and I don't really need more than 4 megapixel, I still enjoy this camera. It has travelled with me all over the world and been thrown around countless of time in my luggage, it still takes great pictures.
[+]
8.0
fix for "memory card error", otherwise a GREAT camera
I have had this camera for 4 or 5 years now. It takes great photos easily. Small enough to fit it your pocket, but not thin enough to break in your pocket when you sit down. I've dropped it more times than I care to remember and it still takes great pictures.
My only gripe about the camera is that it is FREAKIN' SLOW TO FOCUS. I'm suprised that my finger has not gone through the body of the camera a few times in trying to get the darn thing to click. But I say this about all digital cameras that I've used. This probably depends on how much the battery is charged, but tell that to a 3-year-old who won't stand still or a whale that just jumped out of the water.
By now, there are higher-resolution, faster cameras with bigger screens on the market, but I will stick with Canon when this one ultimately dies. Their optics and electronics are excellent.
Thank you so much schmalyn! Every 2 or 3 years you will need to replace the internal battery to fix the "memory card error". The battery is an Energizer 339 also known as a SR614SW 1.55 volts. Call around to watch repair shops. Radio Shack and Circuit City do not carry this battery. I would recommend buying an extra one ($8 US) and keeping it with your camera stuff. It would really ruin a vacation if you couldn't find a battery, although any photos that you had already taken should be safe on the card.
Not only did changing the battery fix the "memory card error", but the function wheel (as I call it) now works too. I had always assumed it was a physical problem. The function wheel (with the manual overrides and movie functions) has not worked for 3 years -- maybe it never worked, but now it does. The battery is an Energizer 339 also known as a SR614SW 1.55 volts. Call around to watch repair shops. Radio Shack and Circuit City do not carry this battery.
A few comments, there are ELEVEN not nine screws, and I would suggest marking the body of the camera with a thin permanent marker BEFOREHAND. The screws appear to be of different depths and thicknesses. Have a big clear flat surface to work on. As you take out the screws, line up the screws as you take them out. When replacing the front casing, make sure to put the A/V Out rubber flap back in place. Before replacing the back casing, make sure you line up the camera/play switch inside and out.
I cannot be angry with Canon for the battery going dead, but I can be upset with them for not putting it in an externally accessible place.
Great camera that has traveled with me all over thge world. Easy to use and quality of the pictures are excellent.
[+]
10.0
I have had this product for over 2 years now!
This is just a great camera but now outdated at 4mp. but if you don't need the resolution, grab this. it's unbreakable. mine's been on every motorbike ride from lhasa to calcutta and most of the time i don't even have it in the case. its scratched, dented, and the paint is worn off, but it still performs flawlessly. canon, the only way to go.
[+]
10.0
Solid, Trusty Travelmate
I bought my S400 in May 2003 and fit it with a 1GB Lexar CF card. This camera has been with me across 3 continents -- from -10C up to 40C climates -- and easily 17,000 photos in these 3.5 years.
The camera is very solidly built, and has a reassuring heft to it. The Celabrite finish on the front resists fingerprints and is pretty durable (except in the corners where some of it has rubbed off from roughing it in pockets/purses). The S400 has a 1/1.8" CCD sensor, which is larger than most of the subcompact cameras out there -- they have 1/2.5" sensors -- and translates directly into better low-light performance before noise-reduction and processing can even start to help out. Because of this, my next camera will definitely have 1/1.8", regardless of its noise-reduction capabilities.
This was also one of the first cameras to sport an "orientation" sensor, meaning it "knows" which way you're holding the camera when you're taking the shot, and inserts this into the JPG's EXIF metadata. But while normal images are named IMG_xxxx.JPG, the movie files are named MOV_xxxx.AVI, meaning in a normal listing view, they don't show up in chronological order interspliced with the images. And I don't believe the movies have datestamps on them besides the file timestamp. Anyway, for today's standards, the movie quality (resolution and frame rates) leaves something to be desired.
The custom white balance on the S400 is quite good, and saved me from having to do a lot of postprocessing to "un-yellow" some photos.
Focusing on this camera is a little slow, and is definitely audible. But if you plan to take a lot of photos of the same subject (or at the same distance), you can lock the focus once you have it, and keep shooting without re-focusing. This also shortens the shutter lag! Ditto with exposure lock, which is useful if your picture has a wide range of lighting conditions and the best exposure isn't necessarily in the middle or detected by the camera.
A second (and third, maybe) battery is a definite requirement if you go for day trips, because like all Canons, the S400 doesn't show how much battery power is left! You get a flashing red battery sign, meaning you probably have 5-10 shots left; twice that if you turn off the LCD and flash. I found that on vacation, I would go through two full batteries per day. Sidenote: my second battery was an aftermarket with slightly higher capacity (900mAh over 840mAh), and it was 1/4 the price and lasted great until recently, when it stopped holding much of a charge.
There have been, of course, many complaints about a famous "memory card error", but I haven't had it happen to me. [...].
Sadly, some 5 hours before New Year's Eve 2007, my camera refused to power up. It didn't make it into 2007, but it gave me a great run for the money!
[+]
10.0
Lasted me 3 years and still snapping away
I love this camera - I bought it after a trip to Europe where I shot 32 rolls of film and came back to the expense of developing them all only to find that half were garbage.
Ever since I bought this camera I have been taking pictures like crazy and the ones that are not garbage come out beautifully! I have played with all the color and quality settings and they really do provide fantastic results.
The video is the most recent thing I have been playing with and with my 7 month old baby reaching all sorts of milestones I am happy not to have to drag my camcorder everywhere!
I'm due for an upgrade but only cecause I am a new technology junkie and I am craving something new and exciting!
[+]
10.0
Canon makes good on problems
I've had the Elph S400 for 3 years. It took excellent photos though its movies were pretty grainy. I also experienced the "memory card error" problem which caused it to cease functioning. But Canon has a recall program for this camera and will send you a mailer to return it to them for repair if you call. No mechanical product is perfect and all you can ask for is good service if it fails. I got it.
[+]
2.0
Neither fix works on my "memory card error"
I loved this camera for almost three years, until the famous "memory card error" struck. After taking the camera apart and removing/reinserting the battery, AND after holding down the Menu button to restore default settings, the "memory card error" message is still there.
Grrrr.
[+]
10.0
A Great, Convenient Little Camera
My wife and I bought this camera as a wedding present for each other for use at the Guest Book signing table at our wedding, and we took it on our honeymoon.
The battery lasts a very long time. The optical quality is outstanding. We bought a 1GB CompactFlash card, so we shot our entire 2-week honeymoon without having to download, and we were not being stingy on the number of shots. We even used it to shoot some video.
One downside is the amount of time to shoot one photo after one was just taken, however that could be because the memory card we got was not a high-speed card, just the regular speed. Hardly the fault of the camera.
We did not experience the memory card problem we've heard some reviewers have had.
After 3 years of use, our camera finally succumbed to our rough-and-tumble lifestyle when we accidently smashed the screen while on vacation. The camera still works, though, but we're going to replace it. We're definitely going to get another Canon PowerShot series camera as our replacement, probably the SD400 or better... Happy hunting!
I have had this camera for about 3 years now, and I find it to be an amazing camera for the average person. I am not a professional photographer, yet I can capture some great shots with this little guy.
Recently, I got the "memory card error" that has been mentioned in a few of the reviews. I also read the trick (taking the face off and popping out the internal battery and putting it back in) and gave it a try. This worked wonderfully, and I am so happy that I don't have to get a new camera!
I can't say that I have ever had any problems other than the memory card issue. The S400 has been very pleasing.
Canon is great!
[+]
6.0
Memory Card Fix instructions - Love this camera
July 13, 2006: I used this camera happily for 2 years before getting the memory card error. Here are some more details about how to remove the internal battery: You must remove NINE screws in order to get to it. Four screws by the loop (then the plate comes off, remember which side is up); One screw by the front of the tripod hole, plus the Two screws next to it along the front of the camera; and the Two screws on the side by the A/V Out rubber cover. GENTLY pry the front of the camera off (I used a tiny flathead screwdriver, inserting it into the crack and gently turning it), and then lift the lower right corner of the copper flap (it might be held down by a touch of adhesive). Gently pop out the little battery. Reverse to assemble. I haven't seen whether it works as a fix yet, but I know I wanted more instructions while I was doing it, so I thought I'd provide them for the next person.:)
August 2, 2006: After performing the fix, I took the camera on a 2-week vacation, took tons of pics and videos, and had absolutely no trouble. The memory card error would definitely have shown itself at least once during that time if it had not been fixed. Hooray!!
[+]
10.0
Canon will fix the memory card error for FREE!
This is an amazing little camera that takes beautiful vibrant pictures and I was relieved to find out that Canon is offering to inspect it and fix it for FREE even if your warranty has expired. This was taken from their website. Pass the news along!
If it is determined by Canon USA that your PowerShot S400 camera is exhibiting the CF Card communication problem that has been identified, the camera will be repaired free of charge, regardless of whether the camera is still under warranty. In addition, a refund of a previously paid repair will be made if it is determined by Canon USA that the repair of your PowerShot S400 was prompted by the CF Card communication problem that has been identified.
We have implemented a plan to assist those of our customers whose S400 cameras have exhibited the CF Card communication problem that has been identified. Repair service will be performed free of charge. U.S. residents are asked to contact the Canon Customer Support Center for assistance at 1-800-828-4040.
[+]
6.0
Solution to the CF memory corruption problem - it works - for now
I tried Ronald Jones' suggestion for fixing the memory card error problem got immediate results. So, for now, my camera is back in business. Many thanks, Ronald!
We tried every trick on the web to fix our memory card error. It just cannot be permanently fixed. We will never buy another Canon camera.
[+]
8.0
Memory Card Error easily fixable
Besides the new "Canon" recall that offers a repair for all Canon Elph S400, I did a lot of research after my camera did this (mind you my Memory Card Error came after 3.5 years of use of my camera), and the trick is...... drumroll.. charge the battery to its full capacity.
For some reason this trick ALWAYS works.
Hope this helps for y'all...
[+]
8.0
Solution to the CF memory corruption problem
It could be that resetting the camera to its default state (by holding down the "menu" button for an few seconds) initiates a soft reboot of the camera that is as effective as the hard reboot resulting from removal of the internal battery (and it's a lot easier). Any failures with either method?
[+]
2.0
MEMORY CARD ERROR TOO
Like so many others, I experienced the memory card error. It renders the camera unuseable. I have contacted Canon and, thus far, they are not willing to do anything about it. I would strongly advise AGAINST buying this camera, because it seems likely (if not a sure thing) that your camera will stop working after only a short while -- for me, it was about 16 months.
[+]
2.0
S400 ** MEMORY CARD DEATH **
I'm playing the same broken record here. I bought this camera 2 years ago. Never had a problem with it and was very satisfied. It was recommended by 2 friends who own it as well. 2 months ago...BINGO.. "MEMORY CARD ERROR". My 2 friends..same thing. Based on all the research that I have done, this camera has a life of 1.5 to 2 years. This is completely unacceptable for a product that costs over [...] I haven't tried the "opening" the camera solution (by C.Gallo), but might be forced to soon. One ray of hope, is that it looks like Canon might finally be owning up to their mistake. Here is a link to their website stating that they recognize a "problem has occurred" and that they will fix the camera for free:
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&keycode=2112&fcategoryid=223&modelid=8777
Don't know if its true...? Based on the amount of people having this issue, I would assume you would get your camera back in about 2 years. Until then, SONY is a great option.
[+]
2.0
E50 Memory Card Error
I'd love to give this camera the 4 stars it deserves, but this morning I finally got the persistant "Memory Card Error" or "E50" error message. I've had this in the past an was able to reformat the otherwise seemingly perfect memory card and get past it, but this time it wouldn't go away. I read all about this error online and tried a freshly charged battery and reformatting the card in a PC, but nothing made it go away.
I finally cleared it up in time for today's birthday party by inserting and removing the card 20 times in a row, so possibly it is a dirty contact problem, but I've used Compact Flash cards (and PC cards) for almost 10 years without having a problem that I'd blame on dirty contacts.
The next time it happens I'll try the factory reset or disassembling the camera, but this is unacceptable in a $400+ camera that has less than 6,000 pictures taken on it.
Otherwise, the camera has performed well. The macro focus is amazing and it's almost nearly like having a microscope in your pocket. The high speed continuous shooting feature works well, at least with the flash off at not at the highest resolution.
The indoor lower-light performance is pretty pathetic compared to my in-law's higher-end Canon. I absolutely need the flash to take any indoor pictures except still lifes. The flash is pretty harsh and I often soften it with a tissue over the flash lens.
The autofocus is a pain and I often have to refocus a shot several times to get it right. At least you can lock the focus once you get it where you want it, but a manual focus would have been a great additional feature. Much more useful than all the customizable sounds and graphics on the display.
[+]
2.0
It was great for 2 years, but then... MEMORY CARD ERROR!!
If you want your digital camera to last you for more than 18 months, then don't buy this one! It erased all of my valuable pictures too!
Thank you so much C. Gallo for telling us about the "memory card error" fix. It worked like a charm! I had to take out all ten screws though to get it to come apart, but I was careful to mark which screw came from which place and I got it back together with only one scratch (I stupidly tried to use a knife to jar it open after I removed the first 5 screws).
Good news: I am so grateful that I dont have to rush out and buy a new camera just yet.
Bad news: I lost all of my vacation pictures when this first happened. How long can I expect my camera to go before this happens again?
Thank you!
Cindy
[+]
4.0
Same "Memory Card Error" problem with Digital Ixus
I've had the same memory card error problem with my Ixus, which I've had for two years. I just got back from Turin & the Olympics very annoyed that I couldn;t take pictures at the Opening Ceremony! Anyway, I unscrewed the front plate, lifted the plastic covered copper shielding & removed the small battery in the bottom right hand corner. A 2-minute wait, and then I replaced it. I had to re-format the memory card, but now it's working OK!
[+]
6.0
Middle of the road and repair advice
I bought this camera mainly as a snapshot camera. I especially liked the size of the camera. Eventually I started using some of the more advanced features and found it to be fairly easy to use. Unfortunately I never really found the pictures to be all that great. Coming from a Kodak I was surprised at how the Canon failed to deliver better pics than it did. Nonetheless it was a good camera for what I needed.
Then, like it seems everyone else has, I encountered the E50 memory card error. After looking online at potential fixes and seeing what Canon suggested and their cost, I found myself looking at new camera's last weekend. Something I really wasn't planning on being in the market for just now.
Fortunately I happened across a solution yesterday that did eliminate the memory card error, at least for now. Last night I took 300 pictures and downloaded them onto my PC and no problems.
The fix: I turned the camera on and put it in playback/review mode. I held the menu button down until I got a screen that asked if I wanted to restore the camera to factory settings and said Yes. I tried it in picture taking mode instead of review mode and it did not work, but when I did it in review it changed the settings back to factory and like I said, worked like a champ last night. I'll keep pushing it for a while and see if my error returns and report back.
UPDATE:Two weeks and at least 1000 pictures later the camera is still working fine. I have four CF cards and after the fix all but one worked. The other I just did the same fix as before and it works as well. .
[+]
2.0
Huge disappointment and waste of money
The camera worked fine with minor complaints for about 2 years. The zoom is not that great, up close automatic photos are ALWAYS out of focus, and the red eye feature doesn't work that well. I lived with the shortcomings, because it was a nice, small, convenient camera, but now it doesn't work at all. Like everyone else, I got the "Memory Card Error" problem. I lost some great pictures of my 3 month old baby, and now it looks like I need to start shopping for a new camera. I'm going to try the battery fix, but even if that works, I don't trust that it will keep working, and I don't want to lose any more photos. I'll never buy another Canon.
[+]
6.0
Good camera until the Memory Card Error....
I've owned this camera for almost two years with no problems, and just like all the other reviewers, I got the 'memory card error' and my camera stopped working. Thank you all for posting the your comments on how to fix the memory card error. It worked for me too! (my tip: I stuck all the little screws on sticky shipping tape to prevent them from rolling around) You all save me from buying a new camera...I was actually on Amazon looking for a new camera before I decided to check out the comments on the Canon PowerShot S400.
I've enjoyed this camera because it's small and easy to carry around, but one of the downsides of the camera is that you have to press hard on the button to take the picture. It's not a big deal for me, but when you ask others to take the picture for you, you have to explain to them to hold the button longer.
With all the new digital cameras out there, there are certainly better cameras out there. But since this camera is working again, I'll keep it around for awhile. Thanks again for all the comments on how to fix the memory card error!
[+]
6.0
Gallo is awsome, camera less so
Gallo you are awsome. We tried everything with this camera, even calling the manufacturer. Extremely unhelpful - same garbage - send it in and pay them money for something they broke when building it. And when just a little fix will do. I was amazed that taking out the battery was so easy. I took all the screws out just to be safe but laid them to the side in order. Took no time to put them back.
I would say that otherwise, the camera is durable and easy to use, especially for a young person. And the quality of the pictures is good for the time it was made. My daughter was 14 at the time and had no trouble using it. The only drawback is that you have to use their battery, unlike my Olympus which uses AA and when you're out in the woods camping, it's not likely you'll find electricity. So ease of use is good if you're always near an electrical source.
[+]
8.0
Battery change did the trick!
Same as everyone else has reported... after a little over two years of owning the camera I started getting "Memory card error"(s). Bought a new CF card, but the errors kept coming back. I could no longer see the pictures on the card, either!
I followed C. Gallo's advice, took apart the camera and replaced the small internal battery (it's on the front of the camera, to the bottom-right of the lens... so try just taking off enough to get to that area).
Others have reported that just buying a new rechargable battery (the kind you can easily take out of the side) will do you good for about a year. I'll try that next if the error crops up again.
Thanks, C. Gallo!
[+]
2.0
Just trying to bring the stars down....
Same problem here folks, memory card error frustration. I will be attempting the battery removal technique. For those interested, there is also a potential class action suit that may someday happen with their camcorders, see http://mysite.verizon.net/resohb20/ for more info. I had the cassette removal problem with my Z40 camcorder and destroyed many of my good miniDV tapes (and the valuable material on them).
[+]
2.0
Memory Card Error Nightmare
I am so disappointed with this camera. We purchased it 2 years ago for $500 and it started acting up with this memory card error message about 6 months ago. But, it would always work to turn it off and then turn it back on again and it would be fine however a couple weeks ago it just wouldn't "come back to life". It just said no image and had erased all my pictures. I went and purchased a new memory card thinking that was the problem but the new one did the same thing. I then emailed Canon customer service and they responded quickly however they told me it would cost $119 to send the camera in to be fixed or I could do the PowerShot upgrade program and get a Canon PowerShot S500 for $199 + shipping. I am so ready to purchase a new camera but after reading these reviews I am going to try the internal battery trick first. I agree - you could do better!
[+]
2.0
Taking out the internal battery worked
I want to thank the poster who did the research to take out the internal battery. I think it's working, but I really can't tell. I would think that we need to replace the internal battery no? If you're going to take the camera apart, make sure you go to Radio Shack and get their precision screwdriver kit. The screws are size 0.0 not 0. As another poster mentioned, make sure you track which screws come out of where. There are three different sizes and it gets tricky putting it back.
Oh and I just want to say that Canon really sucks. I can't believe that they didn't address this issue. My next camera will be a Nikon. I see that some SD400 customers are also complaining about a similar issue.
[+]
4.0
Memory card error...fixed (for now)
It seems that my experience with the S400 is very similar to everyone else's. I've had it for 18 months, and suddenly...Memory Card Error. I tried several different suggestions to fix the Memory Card Error, but to no avail. Finally, I tried the one below from C. Gallo of taking the internal battery out, and reinserting it. That did the trick! I didn't know which screws I had to remove to get to the battery, so I ended up taking all of them out. However, all that was required was to remove the front panel, which is held by 5 screws (1 on the bottom, by the tripod screw hole, and 4 on side by the loop).
[+]
6.0
Fixed my SD400 memory card error
Just like C Gallo says - take it apart, remove battery (I left it out for a minute or so), put it back together. Not hard. Just keep track of where the screws go. :)
[+]
2.0
What a disappointment!
The first couple of years were great. But then I had the MEMORY CARD ERROR of death and was shocked to find out that it's the norm for it to disfunction after 18 months. I paid $500 for this camera so it was an expensive mistake. You can do MUCH better.
[+]
2.0
Joined the memory card error club...
Was great until it I started getting intermittent memory card error messages after about two years. I would power on and off a bit and then it would eventually return to normal. Sometimes I had to delete the last picture because it wouldn't take pictures beyond that picture. Now however, the message is permanent. I tried a new memory card since it says "memory card error" - apparently that's not the problem. Go figure. With all the complaints on this camera to the point where there's a memory card error "club", don't even bother with this one. The other problem I had with this camera is the autofocus lag in taking pictures which is key when you need to get priceless moments. I've lost many because of the lag of this camera.
[+]
8.0
Fix the memory card error
I was finally able to fix the memory card error I was getting on my Canon S400. After almost throwing the camera away, I did a last search online and found a way to fix it that worked for a lot of people. What you need to do is open the camera and remove the camera's internal battery and insert it again. This might seem like a major task, but it's actually not all that complicated (although if you are not comfortable with opening electronic devices and handling tiny screws, you might want to stay away). Here's a diagram to help you out: http://www.huroncamera.com/diagrams/Canon_Digital/POWERSHOT_S400_IXUS_400.pdf (the battery is part #3 on page 4). Don't be scared with the diagram, as you won't have to take the entire camera apart. You will only need to open up the camera. Good luck!
I've had this camera since October 2003, and I haven't had any significant problems with it. I have experienced the memory card errors as previously described, but only twice, and the errors were not fatal. As soon as I went on my computer and deleted the faulty photo, I could resume my photo-taking. I use my camera on a fairly regular basis - perhaps twice or three times a week. I haven't had any problems connecting it to the computer via USB cable. I chose Canon because their colors are more vibrant than those of other camera manufacturers. I would definitely recommend this camera for casual use.
[+]
2.0
great camera until memory card error appears
i got this camera in june 2003, and began experiencing the "memory card error" problem intermittently from the very beginning. since powering off/on usually cleared up the problem, i didn't pay it much attention.
in february 2005, the camera pretty much stopped working altogether, and i haven't used it since. i didn't realize the problem was widespread, and now i am angry that canon is so unresponsive and won't stand behind their product.
i really loved the camera while it worked; very easy to use, and it took good pictures. too bad it is useless now. i highly recommend that everyone call canon support to register this problem: 1-800-828-4040. make sure they take your name and information to be able to track these complaints!
I too have just fallen victim to the infamous "memory card error" plaguing the S400 model produced by Canon. The camera is a bit shy of 21 months old and suddenly started spouting "memory card errors" left and right. Initially I thought the Simpletech memory card was to blame, but after seeing all these negative reviews on Amazon, now I know better. Canon should pull their act together and compensate their customers. Class action anyone?
[+]
2.0
Yet another memory card error case
I've loved this camera like no other gadget I've ever owned.
So much that at least 4 friends bought one on my recommendation.
But at 20 months the memory card errors started.
A few days ago when I called Canon, the rep said he'd never heard of this behavior before.
So tonight I did a web search and... WOW! I am clearly not alone.
The biggest disappointment is not that the camera is failing,
it is that Canon's management is failing its customers.
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2.0
Important: Camera worked great for 1.5 years, now is useless!
Hi,
I am a reasonable consumer. So when I paid $400-500 for a product, plus the $50/per memory card, I expected to have something that will at least work for 3 years. Sure it might be slower than newer cameras, but it should still function.
I've been getting the memory card error for the past 3 months, and I used to be able to just re-start the camera, or re-format the memory cards. Now, the camera will not work at all anymore.
This is very disappointing, as there are many other brands out there with digital cameras, and I chose to buy the Canon based on the feedback from my friends and review web sites...but now I recently found out that they have pretty much written off this camera as well.
It's a shame b/c it was a great product when it worked, but now I will probably never buy another Canon product for the rest of my life...what's the point in buying a brand name if it is just as cheap as the no-name stuff?
