Canon SD1100 Happy Ending

Well, after my third try with Canon factory repair related to problems mentioned earlier during my tests of the SD1200, a replacement optical assembly allows my camera to shoot clear images once again. It's not quite as good as my first SD1100, but it's acceptable compared to what I've seen from new models in retail stores, so I'm quitting while I'm ahead! In addition, the repair was free.

Here is a set of images I took when I got my camera back from the repair center the first time. In the left image, I framed the tree near the lower left corner in the image area, and on the right, I centered it. When the camera is in good working condition, the entire frame is in focus:


Note that I typically do my tests with all objects in the same focal plane, so it's not simply a matter of focusing on one object and not another.

Here is an image from the repaired camera. If you zoom in you can see some blurriness in the very corners, most noticeably in the lower left. If you're not looking for it, you might never notice it.


Much better! I'm still convinced the lens manufacturing process has slipped in quality somewhat in the last couple of years. It may be coincidence, but I looked back on my old cameras and they are made in Japan. The newer ones are made in China. I've heard people report that Canon claims this makes no difference, but I'm not ready to accept that based on what I've seen.

Then again, because of my troubles, I'm also more observant of differences in clarity. I also may be ready to step up to a higher grade of camera. Running with a DSLR in my backpack is probably not in the cards, but I can still hike it in :)