IXUS 750 (SD550) & 800 IS (SD700 IS) : Flickering LCD Screen

[Airborne Diver]

Today I am out shopping for a new Digital Compact camera for my diving trip. I settled on either the IXUS 750 a.k.a SD550, or the IXUS 800 IS a.k.a SD700IS after reading loads of good reviews in the magazines and on the Net (4 out of 5 Stars). I was very suprise when I visited a retail store that sells both of the models.

The LCD screen is flickering constantly!!! on both the model!!!

It is not so obvious in the well lited shop but when I point it towards the floor or a much darker area, the flickering became very obvious! :light:

Did not have a chance to test it on a Night scene condition, I wonder what will happen then. I do not remember reading about this problem in the reviews. According to the salesman, he said that this is a problem with all Canon camera! I do not quite believe him as this is not a new technology and with the excellant reputation of Canon's camera how can this be possible? I have handled many Digi-Cam of various makes and models but have yet to encounter this problem yet.

Can any one please tell me whats wrong with the camera? Is it due to any setting or maybe low power on the batteries? Maybe its true that this is a problem that Canon can't retified before they launch the models.... If you own any of the above mentioned models or have encounter the same problem before, please share it with me feedbacks about the two models (especially on the negative aspect) are most welcome so that I can reconsider about my choice. Appreciate your help, Thanx!

 

[CompuDude]

I can think of three options:

1) Bad camera. Did you try out more than one?

2) Bad battery. Although I would think it wouldn't work at all in that case.

3) Your eyes are sensitive to the refresh rate used by the LCD display. All displays do this to some extent, especially when viewed at off-angles. Not many people can see it, but there are some who can. This is not a defect in the screen, this is something unusual about your vision that allows you to see something that others can't.

I used to have the SD550. LOVED that little camera. It was stolen, and I've since replaced it with an S80, but I am considering adding an SD700IS to my photo arsenal, just because I like the little guys so much. None that I have seen have demonstrated this "issue" that you describe in normal use.

 

[Airborne Diver]

Thanks for the speedy reply There were 2 more guys taking a look at the SD 700IS, then the saleman pointed out the flickering issue to them.(I overheard it when I am waiting for my turn to be serve) when it is my turn to try on the camera I notice it too! Personally I don't believe it to be a design fault too but the saleman said it happen to all the canon camera. Then when I tried on the SD550, the same thing happen!!! Unbelievable....Guess its just "bad display set" lol will visite another shop to try again. I am about to visit your site to check out your photos taken with the 550 Is it possible to attach a strobe to the canon casing?

 

[CompuDude]

Thanks for the speedy reply There were 2 more guys taking a look at the SD 700IS, then the saleman pointed out the flickering issue to them.(I overheard it when I am waiting for my turn to be serve) when it is my turn to try on the camera I notice it too! Personally I don't believe it to be a design fault too but the saleman said it happen to all the canon camera. Then when I tried on the SD550, the same thing happen!!! Unbelievable....Guess its just "bad display set" lol will visite another shop to try again. I am about to visit your site to check out your photos taken with the 550 Is it possible to attach a strobe to the canon casing?

Only the Pt. Dume and Santa Cruz shots on my site were with my SD550, after that, it was stolen and replaced with an S80.

When you point the screen at your FACE do you see flickering, or just when you point it away at the floor? Personally, I could care less if the screen flickers at the FLOOR, so long as it looks good when I'm looking at it.

Incidentally: Just because a salesman tells you something doesn't mean it's true. Of course, the same can be said for the internet.

 

[mister_potato_head]

I have a Ixus 750 and haven't had a screen flicker problem.

When I was choosing I had the same dilema as you, 800 or 750, the only benefit I could find with the 800 is that it has a higher ISO rating to 800, the 750 had higher megapixalage.

I plumped for the 750 as I like to take the largest photo's possible and crop them down, the higher ISO rating would have little effect for my UW photos or the type of photo's I take on land.

The only slight flaw to the 750 is that the UW casing is not neutrally bouyant, it is positivly bouyant. My only Powershot A80 was neutral and it made it very useful for passing it to other people during a dive, not that the 750 is overly bouyant, and they sell weights to make it neutral I believe, which I'll go for when I can find a set.

 

[Airborne Diver]

I have found out the problem!!!

The screen will only flicker if you aim it at the fluorescent light, but it flicker more seriously with canon cameras! Sooo... NO Problem... I went ahead and bought a 800IS. The reason I chose so is because the lens has a capability of 35mm-140mm, compared to the 750, 37mm-111mm. Mega pixels is not too much a concern to me as I usually do my prints in standard size. The underwater casing from Canon is neutral. Too large the pixels will also eat up my memory card. There isn't really much diff between the 2 model except those mention above.

I am very happy with it after I bring it along for my Holiday in Okinawa! The casing from Canon is neutral and it works....Phew...pretty easily. This is my first time taking UW Photo, so I am satisfy with the outcome as the camera handle easily above and under water. focusing is also very fast. Just take the shot as close as possible so that the bulit-in flash can do its job. The pictures turn out with brilliant colours!

So I am a happy man now with a 800IS in my hand LOL

 

[rad21]

I have found out the problem!!!

The screen will only flicker if you aim it at the fluorescent light, but it flicker more seriously with canon cameras! Sooo... NO Problem... I went ahead and bought a 800IS. The reason I chose so is because the lens has a capability of 35mm-140mm, compared to the 750, 37mm-111mm. Mega pixels is not too much a concern to me as I usually do my prints in standard size. The underwater casing from Canon is neutral. Too large the pixels will also eat up my memory card. There isn't really much diff between the 2 model except those mention above.

I am very happy with it after I bring it along for my Holiday in Okinawa! The casing from Canon is neutral and it works....Phew...pretty easily. This is my first time taking UW Photo, so I am satisfy with the outcome as the camera handle easily above and under water. focusing is also very fast. Just take the shot as close as possible so that the bulit-in flash can do its job. The pictures turn out with brilliant colours!

So I am a happy man now with a 800IS in my hand LOL

Airborne Diver,

That is good news! Can you post some photos? I just got my SD700IS and Canon Housing. I will try it instead of my Oly 5050 which is too bulky/complex for a quick dive trip.