Canon 7D photos can show traces of earlier shot

Canon has warned that traces of one photograph taken with the company's new higher-end EOS 7D SLR can sometimes be seen in the next.

Canon's EOS 7D

(Credit: Canon USA)

The good news: new software for the camera should be able to fix the problem at some point. "Canon is currently investigating and analyzing the cause of this phenomenon, and we are planning to release a firmware update to address this issue," the company said in a a service notice.

The problem occurs only when shooting continuously, Canon said: "In images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible. This phenomenon is not noticeable in an image with optimal exposure. The phenomenon may become more noticeable if a retouching process such as level compensation is applied to emphasize the image."

The Canon 7D, which just arrived on the market, costs about $1,700 and can shoot 18-megapixel images at speeds of up to eight frames per second.

(Via Cameratown)

[dbagpiper]

Wow, nicely done Canon! Now if we could just get you to release firmware updates for your other cameras so users don't have to keep hacking them and getting updates from the "unsupported" market (black market) to make them behave and perform as advertised...

I think Canon (and consequently, their customer base) would greatly benefit from less new model releases every year and more support on their existing products. Once you lose a customer to a bad product, its pretty hard to get them back and very costly if you do!

[sanenazok]

I think you mean "grey market." Black market means illicit, etc. You probably just meant unsupported. I for one am happy with my entry level SLR, but then again I was happy with my point and shoot one before.

[Rants&Raves]

So either they read the CCD before it had time to reset, or the camera is drunk.

[Shankland]

A nitpick: Canon SLRs use CMOS sensors, not CCDs. I can't comment on whether that makes the camera more prone to intoxication.

[futureman123]

Canon is pure garbage! i have been shooting video and stills with them for over ten years... but after recently having to deal with there "repair" department... never again! Sorry Canon, you have lost my business FOREVER!

[JimBob88--2008]

They're not pure garbage. They're very nice indeed. Did you say "please" and "thank you" - it helps.

[Rufous03]

Personally I have never had an issue with Canon's tech service, they have always been helpful and courteous. The only thing that annoy's me is their electronic answering system, but that seems to be a problem with all companies these days. I had a mark on the front element of one of my L series lenses, well out of warranty, they replaced the element no charge! If the 7D has a problem, I am positive it will be rectified by Canon ASAP. When they introduced the 1D MK III there was a glitch with certain serial numbered units, again repaired ASAP and they extended my warranty by an additional year. If you purchase "Grey market" equipment, you shouldn't expect Canon to honor the warranty or help you. No one else does!

[Australian_Photographer]

Canon has too many models, none of which have the refinement they used to have and all give a bit of a mixed message. You now have two entry level, at least 3 mid range and 2 high end models. All I see is customers becoming more and more confused by it. 50D vs 7D vs 5D?