Question on Canon camera's and E1 error

[ejg62]

I am considering acquiring another camera in addition to the Olympus C-5060. Olympus discontinued the C series and I am reluctant to go with the SP series because of lower quality lens. How does the Canon A series compare the Olympus C series? Are they similar? What Canon series is similar to C if not?

Also my research has indicated Canon camera's frequently incur an E18 error (Google Canon E18). This error has to do with the lens mechanism (retracting and focusing). Has anyone come across this issue? Is it with all Canon camera? Or have they fixed ith with recent models? And how easy is it to resolve?

I have been thinking of the A620 or A630 (Or possible the 710 that is due later this month). What are peoples experience with these models? A concern I have is the low maximum appiture setting of 4.1F (or 4.8f for the 710 IS), I would perfer a number of 7-8 as the smallest appiture setting.

Thanks for any responses.

Jim G

 

[alcina]

Can't comment on the error as in all the A series I've been using (from the A20 and beyond!) I've never seen it.

Almost all compacts have their smallest aperture at f8. Their largest apertures range from 1.8 in the Oly 5050 to 2.8 or 3.5 or 4.5 etc. Wider apertures are "faster" and theoretically allow you to shoot with less light. However sometimes the trade off in wide open is a "soft" image. Most compacts have sweet spots for apertures 4.5 - 5.6 or thereabouts so I personally wouldn't stress too much over those figures.

Check out the Sticky on Getting Started as inside you will find links to some current threads on several models....

 

[Jamdiver]

?

Also my research has indicated Canon camera's frequently incur an E18 error (Google Canon E18). This error has to do with the lens mechanism (retracting and focusing). Has anyone come across this issue? Is it with all Canon camera? Or have they fixed ith with recent models? And how easy is it to resolve?

.....

Thanks for any responses.

Jim G

I had an E18 error on my Canon Powershot A610 a few months, sent it back to Canon and it was repaired quickly and free of charge per their warranty agreement.
It's an infrequent error, but something that's infuriating that no one seems to be exactly sure what triggers it.

The consensus seems to be sand, dirt or grit getting into the lens barrel and causing a problem with it opening and closing.
I certainly wouldn't let that stop you from purchasing the A630 or A640 though.

I have a thread here detailing my E18 error and experience with Canon.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=128995