S3 stabilizer concern

[jonalta]

I noticed some weird results from my S3 probably related to stabilizer error.
I had shots that captured differently (frame lower by 1/5) than what I composed in the LCD. And the pict was bright but so blurred although I got good focus (green square) when I composed it and 1/125s shutter. It also kinda made some unusual motor (or gear) sound before taking the shot.

Although this only happened once or twice last week, i was wondering whether others may have the same experience.
Thanks.

It may also be related to temperature. but it was only 8 degrees C here and I know other people use S3 at much lower temps. I even accidentally dropped my old S2 last year into 1 ft snow for 10 sec and was fine:)

[nap]

wow jonalta, you have something scary going on there. although i have no solutions to your problem, i hope it is only temporary. goodluck!

[BowerR64]

Your not the only one dude, ive had it happen before also. The sound i heard was a clank as if the gyro was out of balance or somthing. When the picture snapped i heard this clank and the image was not centered anymore in the preview. I think the IS unit is wearing out.

I think we should be using this feature sparingly. When shooting wide i dont think we need it on. Ive only had it happen once but i wasnt misusing the camera at all. It was on a tripod and i was using a timmer. There was no reason to even be using the IS function i just had it on and forgot about it.

[jonalta]

nap, thanks nap. yep, i hope its not permanent.

BowerR64, exactly the same case as what you explained. and I think it happened to me just twice. I never dropped my S3 and was taking that shot stably.
I hope i wont encounter this again.

Anybody had this concern answered by canon?

Does the wearing rate of the IS increase with more frequent power OFF and ON? In this case, is it better to keep the S3 ON even when idle than turning it off after every shot?

[BowerR64]

Im using mine in shoot only mode, how is yours set? How many shots do you have on yours? Ive never dropped mine yet either so its been taken good care of. I think im near 4K shots.

[jonalta]

Im using mine in shoot only mode, how is yours set? How many shots do you have on yours? Ive never dropped mine yet either so its been taken good care of. I think im near 4K shots.

Always set "shoot only" also. I take care of my S3 very well i can say. even placed silica gel packs in may camera case and storage box for moisture protection. made my own effective hand strap also so it never had any bump or drop.
Anyway, I am soon to be in the 4k mark as well. now, 3480.