As mentioned here, I recently sent my new 7D DSLR to Canon Canada, to see if they could fix a couple of problems: i) vertical bands of noise in low (100-400) iso images; and ii) blotchy areas in the shadows. Canon service is a bit of a mystery to many photographers so, for the curious, this is how it went.
Turn around time was satisfactory. Because of reports I had read, I expected it to take five to six weeks. In fact, it was 21 days from the time they accepted delivery until they shipped the camera back. Total time without the camera (i.e. including shipping) was 33 days.
Evanescence (blotchy shadows courtesy 7D)
Communication was minimal. I called the Canon Canada service number (905 795 2005) to report the problems and ask what they would need to attempt a fix. They didn’t want examples (digital files or prints) or the warranty card; just the camera body, a copy of the receipt and a letter describing the problems. I shipped the body to them, insured and trackable, at my expense ($40.00). After that, I had no further contact until a call came from Purolator courier to arrange delivery of the return parcel.
Canon paid for the return shipping. Their choice of Purolator was a bit of a problem. Purolator doesn’t deliver to P.O. boxes. Apparently, Canon doesn’t know this. Thankfully, the Purolator guy tracked down my civic address and left a note, so I could arrange pick up from the local depot before my camera was returned to sender. If it had been FedEx or UPS, I’d have been SOL.
The sheet of paper returned with my 7D was pretty skimpy on detail. It said they “Adjusted focus and cmos”. I’m left wondering whether they tried to address my specific problem or even agreed that there was a problem. It sounds like they just put the camera through a standard service routine and sent it back to me. The image counter came back at 7260. I assume that’s because of the memory card they used in it, not because they took 4500 shots.
The vertical banding is still there. As best I can tell, it’s no better or worse. I haven’t had time to test the focus. It wasn’t a problem when I sent the camera to them and I really hope it isn’t now!
Funky Dory
I received an email survey regarding my service experience a few days after the camera was returned. I don’t expect any further contact from Canon. As for the vertical banding, I guess I’ll just put up with it. For most of my intended uses (fast action, longer reach and as a back-up body), the banding won’t be a huge issue. I will have to reconsider using the 7D as my travel camera, since it tends to trash big blue skies.
Not a happy story but life goes on…