Serious problem with Canon cameras sensor

[tomperson]

Hi all,
I think I've found a serious problem with Canon cameras.
Yesterday we were shooting a videoclip in a small disco with Canon HV20. Today, as I was checking the footage we got, I found a small yet visible distorsion in the image, which you can see in this frame:

http://www.datz.cc/canon_problem/hv20_problem.jpg

Another frame:

http://www.datz.cc/canon_problem/hv20_problem_2.jpg

Last year i had the exact same problem with a Canon Powershot S2IS, right after shooting in a disco, below you'll see some pictures taken after that shooting session:

http://www.datz.cc/canon_problem/problem_powershot.jpg

Another one:

http://www.datz.cc/canon_problem/problem_powershot_2.jpg

At that time I took my Powershot camera to get it cleaned (I thought it was something to do with dirt), but after checking the problem, Canon official service here said the problem was with the sensor. Due to the fact that I bought the S2IS in the states, the warranty was not valid in my country, so I had to pay something like usd 250 (almost the price of the camera itself) to get it repaired (a process that took more than 6 months because they didn't have stock!!!).

I just thought I have had bad luck with the camera, but now I see there's a pattern. I'd guess it has something to do with low frequency vibrations, as the problem appeared right after working in "noisy" environments such as discos.
Now I'm facing the exact same problem. A friend brought the HV20 from the states, now I'm stuck with a nearly broken product with a warranty that's not valid in my country, so now I have to pay (only god knows how much) for the repair, or somehow get it sent to the states again and to Canon service.

And Even worse, anyone who gets the brilliant idea of shooting in such an environment with a Canon problem risks ruining his camera.

What do you think I should do? I think this is a serious problem with Canon cameras.

[Huy Vu]

Wow, that sucks. But I haven't seen anyone reported anything like this with the HV20. I have the XH-A1 and have never encounter this either. It's possible you just got a bum unit.

[gualbert]

Hi tomperson

I have one question for you since you said you noticed this issue after a shot at a disco... did they happen to have those crazy laser things and coherent spotlights by any chance at the disco club? If so, I would say your sensor got fried by them at those spots. That is why is never recommended to use a CMOS or CCD at disco club if they have lasers (specially those green lasers). Wish you well!

Best regards,

Gualbert

[MOVIE STUNTS]

Send it back for a replacement!

[tomperson]

Laser beams seem to be the problem, at least that was what most people said at hv20.com forum. The worst thing is that this HV20 PAL camera was bought at B&H photovideo, and after talking to them on the phone, they said they just give 90 days warranty on PAL equipment...great, I've had it for 92 days. I guess i'll have to live with this problem or just pay for repair...

:kali:

Interestingly, at that very same shooting session, we had a Panasonic GS250 that was in the exact same environment (even hit by lasers quite a lot), and nothing happened to it. SO i stick to my point of view: The problem is with canon's cameras.

[Jeff Anderson]

Interesting - thanks for following up and letting us know the final prognosis. Odd that it didnt affect the panasonics ccd's. The HV20 is a CMOS, is the Powershot a CMOS as well? Either way I'm keeping lasers away from my cameras...

[tcindie]

I wonder if a UV filter would cut down the intensity of a laser enough to protect the sensor.. Not that it would help you now, but for future reference would be good to know.

[tomperson]

The Powershot is CCD, just like the panny GS250.