S3 IS Rattle

[AdamCKach]

Hi folks:

I'm new, and a little frustrated. I purchased an S3 IS today. I had to look at three different units before I found one without any dust or lens imperfections. I purchased one and opened it at home to discover the lense had some sort of scratch on the protective coating. At the store, another had a bit of dust under the lense. None of these are refurb units. The third one I checked out -looked- fine.

When I brought it home, I noticed a rattle coming from the bottom left side of the camera (when looking at the viewing screen). When I tilt the camera, it sounds like it moves laterally. However, without looking inside, I cannot be sure of this.

Using its video function, I recorded the sound. As I recorded, I tilted the camera left to right. At the very end, I gave it a slight, slight shake. There is no sight because I had a barrell attachment and lens cover from an older Canon on it. However, you can hear the noise. You may need to turn up your volume. It sounds like a coin when it is nearly flat but still rotating.

I assume this is abnormal, right? I'm a little frustrated, and am tempted to return the Canon completely. I like the camera immensely, but these little build issues bother me.

Any insight into this is appreciated.

[BowerR64]

That is bizarre.

[truflip]

that IS weird.. care to try another camera? mine came out of the box perfectly.. but I think the store I bought it from opens the boxes and makes sure they sell only the 'perfect condition' cameras. where did u buy yours?

[AdamCKach]

Thanks for the quick replies!

I purchased it at Staples for a succession of reasons.

(a) Last week, Office Max advertised it for $399.99. However, the Office Max here had none left.
(b) Staples did, though, and matched it to 110%.
(c) In addition, I had a $50 off $200 coupon for Staples from my Business Gold Rewards.
(d) My Sony DSC-P200 broke after I took it to the beach (stupid, stupid move - always take disposables) and microscopic sand got into the lense element.
(e) At the end of the day, it cost me $360 and change (ignoring the purchases online of rechargable batteries and some new filters - which, heh, may be for sale if I return this).

You might say that the price sold me the camera because Sony wanted $189 to fix my P200. And, I wanted the S2 before the Sony, but the S2 was not released until a bit after the P200.

[truflip]

are they plastic wrapped? you can probably have the staples guy open the camera for u so u can inspect it before you go home with it =) just bring your SD card, 4 AA and shoot around a bit.. i think they should let u do that.. ;)

[XaiLo]

Maybe they got delivered by UPS ;) seriously though sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble finding a good speciman of a sweet camera. I picked up both of mine online. Matter of fact I had the opposite problem trying to keep a good one. LOL I had a couple of tres bizarre incidents but hopefully I'm past them now. Totally my fault, all I can say is I hope you find a good one it's more than worth it.

[AdamCKach]

Well, I went to a few Staples, and everyone had the rattle. However, I think I am the cause. I know nothing about the inside of these cameras, but I assume they have some sort of gyro in them. The noise I was hearing was likely the gyro. Of course, at dead silence, and with the speakers turned up, I'd hear the noise. Canon touts the silent zoom during video, but I can also hear that. Moreover, assuming there is a gyro in it, shaking it would likely make the noise louder as it compensates for the shaking. If you place your ear tight to the camera and shake it, something will make noise.

That being said, I picked up another S3 IS. I took video with it, this time with a sound source, and it came out perfectly. This is truly a fantastic camera.

I picked up a 52mm adapter, polarizer filter, UV filter, and lens cap from Lensmate so that I would protect the lense and mechanical element. As I previously mentioned, I purchased Maha 2700 mAh batteries and the 401FS charger. Finally, I topped it off with a Lowepro EX 120 since my old Sony case was much, much too small (but then again, the P200 is a tiny camera). Right now, I am in new digicam heaven.

Lastly - this site seems like a great place. I look forward to learning and sharing information. Thanks all.

[BowerR64]

Yeah i knew there is a gyro in the IS and that is what makes the IS work but i didnt know it sounded like that.

[truflip]

dont forget to drop off some pictures =) glad to hear you've settled with the S3 :D