Looks like the latest Point and shoot cameras from Canon (270HS and 280HS) are not working properly, even after Canon released a firmware update. Even worse, the update seems to have created regressions : zoom focusing less than before, white balance changed, etc.

If you would like to know more on the subject, especially if you were out looking to purchase these, it is recommended to read the lengthy thread in Canon USA forums.

Here is a recap :
- users purchase Canon SX280HS and SX270HS and immediately notice a show stopper : when they switch to video mode, the battery flashes, and sometimes later the camera turns off completely asking for a battery recharge.
- Canon initially denied the issue.
- then, after a while, acknowledged the issue. More precisely Canon USA acknowledged the issue, Canon UK still dismissed it.
- Canon USA announced later they were working on a fix, but with no time for arrival. Those who purchased their cameras were therefore asking themselves what to do : return the camera and get the money back, or wait Canon services to do something about it.
- weeks later, Canon finally issued a fix (go to the Canon website, support section, choose SX280 HS or SX270HS model, click on Firmware, and that should get you to the proper download). The firmware update mentions two fixes : 1) improvement of battery consumption (nobody needed this) 2) fix for the improper battery flash in video mode. The latter matches the issue users were having, giving hope that the end was near.
- some people out there immediately took the chance on the firmware update, unfortunately it went downhill. Of the few who have posted back, only one or two noticed a proper behavior (and they have probably not emptied their batteries yet). A number of other either see no improvement at all, or little improvement, or little improvement with new problems such as the zoom not doing the speedy focus it was doing before (which is the main feature of the latest Canon point and shoot cameras over last year's), and some even experienced a troubled white balance.
- it goes without saying, Canon is in deep shit. Users will simply return their cameras and be done with Canon for now and the future.

Bye bye Canon.

It is a shame a big brand like this goes downhill in so little time. Can Canon save themselves now or is it too late ?