First digital camera, thinking of an A80 but concerned about E18 error

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

I am not an expert on the A80, but have owned one since May 1. I tried a Raynox tele-converter that unfortunately was not an exact match - it did not allow the camera lens to extend all the way when it powered on. This generated the dreaded E18 error. I immediately powered off the camera, removed the lens, said a quick prayer and powered on the camera. All was well.

I've taken nearly 4000 pictures and I love the A80 for the great combination of functionality and portability.

kurt helgerson said:

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital
camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems
to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned
about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is
this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I
want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips
with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have
this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the
price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

Click to expand...

write in to the forum to ask about it. I rarely see anything from an actual owner, except in cases like the one just described by duppydog. I mean, it probably happens, but it seems fairly infrequent, and about the same between different camera models too. Don F.

Duppypog said:

I've taken nearly 4000 pictures and I love the A80 for the great
combination of functionality and portability.

kurt helgerson said:

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital
camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems
to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned
about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is
this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I
want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips
with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have
this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the
price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.DForbesRowanPhotos.OrangeCountyandSurrounding.PhotoShare.co.nz
A-Eighty: As Qrtan says, a Gem! It's a terrific camera!

Gee-Five: Has great features & image sharpness -- and it's black!
(There! Now I can't be accused of harming newbie camera searches).
D. F. R.

I've had my A80 since March and it performs brilliantly. I don't know any A80 owners who have experienced this error. Don't let it influence your decision to buy the A80 if it's the right one for you.

Rose
--
http://www.pbase.com/romy_uk

Forbes said:

Duppypog said:

I've taken nearly 4000 pictures and I love the A80 for the great
combination of functionality and portability.

kurt helgerson said:

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital
camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems
to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned
about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is
this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I
want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips
with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have
this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the
price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.DForbesRowanPhotos.OrangeCountyandSurrounding.PhotoShare.co.nz
A-Eighty: As Qrtan says, a Gem! It's a terrific camera!

Gee-Five: Has great features & image sharpness -- and it's black!
(There! Now I can't be accused of harming newbie camera searches).
D. F. R.

Click to expand...

I have the S400 and it's also prone to the dreaded E18. Though I didn't discover this until after I got it. Once I did find out about this it worried the heck out of me for awhile, but I ended up just letting it go and having fun with my wonderful little camera. If you look a little farther you'll find there are indeed some things that can be done if you might happen to be amoung the unlucky few who get this. Get your camera, go out and have some fun, and don't forget to share!
God Bless,
Jim
Nikon CP995, CP800, Canon S400

icq#47512307
http://www.pbase.com/jrj02

E18 error, another forum myth.

kurt helgerson said:

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital
camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems
to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned
about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is
this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I
want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips
with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have
this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the
price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

Click to expand...

kurt helgerson said:

I'm new to digital cameras and my Dad wants to get me a digital
camera for my graduation. I was looking with him and the A80 seems
to be my perfect camera in terms of specs, but I am very concerned
about this E18 error that they seem to randomly get. How common is
this and how easy is it to repair (such as costs after warranty)? I
want a camera that takes great detailed pictures, good movie clips
with audio and costs less than 350$.

Are there any other cameras that are more reliable that don't have
this error occur that match or beat the A80 while keeping the
price? Or is the E18 error nothing to really worry about?

Click to expand...

A80 great little camera, but best forget the good movie clips, with almost
any digital camera. If you want good movie clips go buy a movie camera. Its
an eye jaring 15fps at 320x240 with sound. You cant use the zoom while
in movie mode, you have to zoom first then start the movie, this is to
prevent zoom noise on the movie. If you want better movie clips you
will need to look at the Sony DSC-V1 640x480 @30fps mpeg4, beware
that this will devour your memory card in no time at all and memory stick
is about 2-3 times the cost of CF.

Also beware of the weak CF door on the A80/75/70/85 it is extreemly
flimsey and made from 0.5mm plastic, just made to break, I broke one
while testing the camera in the shop, put me off Im afraid as Canon will
charge $200 for the out of warranty repair on this, they replace the
complete body shell!! Barmy or what.

Think you may do better to look at the S50, more robust same features
plus some, smaller and great price now the S60 is here.
--
Graham Dyke