Broken Sony A77 - Poetic Justice?

[Logsi]

After me raving about my Sony A77 and how good the the camera was...my camera is now broken...after a 2 months of use with barely 1k actuations.

I went out and used my A77 for the first time in a long time and when i came home to edit the pictures i was greeted with what the video shows above.

The camera won't write to the memory card or any memory card that i have. It won't format the card and just crashes and reboots. If i create an image database file it crashes and reboots. If i put in an old card with images and video on i get the same image corruption as before, it's definitely not corrupted images. If i take a card out and shoot to review an image in the one shot buffer it will just show a black image. If i try to take a video the screen go garbled where the video should be and crashes and reboots.

I have tried extensively to sort the problem out myself. Take all batteries out, try and reset the camera with the button combination (doesn't do anything), try and reflash the firmware but it's not recognised by the computer, leave batteries out for a day, try different SD cards...you name it i have done it. The problem is, because it's such a new camera no one knows anything about how to fix it. There is nothing else on the internet the same as my problem.

The camera is always well looked after. Not abused and chucked about. It looks brand spanking new still.

I need this camera sorted as soon as possible but Sony are just not playing ball at all and not being very helpful with my situation at all. I sold all my extensive Canon kit to buy this camera and accessories. I really bought into the sony brand and now they are not treating me with any decency at all regarding my issue. I had totally lost faith in Sony cameras. I can't have this happen again and this has happened at the worst possible time and i need to get it sorted asap. Buying a new camera of theirs and changing over from a competitor doesn't win any favours with them and I'm just any other schmuck. I need a camera for the next 2 weeks for work and they are being less than helpful in resolving this situation other than going through a lengthy repair process which is just not possible for me. I want a refund or a brand new camera asap. If i get a repaired item i shall be selling everything and going back to Canon. It's not acceptable for semi-pro camera to have a 6 week repair lead time. Take note, I have been very polite on the phone.

 

[Columbo]

Firstly sorry to hear about your situation.

Secondly 6 weeks turn around is about a standard quote for a repair I'm afraid and that includes Canon & Nikon, of course that means it could be repaired sooner.

There are just as many issues with Canon, Nikon, Pentax etc camera systems. You've been unlucky with this one I'm afraid.

Also if you rely on this camera for work purposes can I ask why you don't have a backup solution?

I'll also add that when my old D80 shutter died it took Nikon 7 weeks to repair.

 

[Logsi]

I do have a backup solution. I have access to my old Canon 40D and can get hold of 5Ds and 7Ds but i wanted to use this camera as i bought it in the first place for upcoming projects.

I have never had any hardware or software fault with a Canon or Nikon so i my experience they have been sterling. It just never crossed my mind that this camera would fail even when it wasn't being used.

 

[#Chri5#]

My initial (but perhaps harsh) thought was that you have put all your eggs in one basket (ie no backup options if taking photos is absolutely key to your job) and now expect Sony to help you out.

It's bad luck it has died now but that can happen with any bit of electronic kit.

 

[Benihana]

My D80 took 9 weeks to repair while I was doing photography at college, sucks but not a lot anyone would do about it. Don't Sony make a lot of the sensors for Nikon gear? Sounds like a really bizarre issue you have I would have recommended a firmware update had you not already mentioned trying it.

All the best with getting it sorted!

 

[Demon]

I don't sees any major backlash on dpreview for the A77, a lot of owners on there..

I think you are just unlucky, but it's consumer level kit, it's understandable, but unreasonable all the less to expect instant replacement of a faulty item after 2 months, however irksome..

I got annoyed at Nikon when my D90 went wrong twice, no replacement, just repaired, in total 12 weeks without the camera.. I sold it soon after and vowed never to touch Nikon again, but I've realised that it was just unfortunate occasion and I'd happily have another Nikon..

Saying all that, the irony is, I've been looking at the A77 myself, but am waiting to see what Nikon's new line up holds at that level!

 

[Logsi]

My initial (but perhaps harsh) thought was that you have put all your eggs in one basket (ie no backup options if taking photos is absolutely key to your job) and now expect Sony to help you out.

It's bad luck it has died now but that can happen with any bit of electronic kit.

Thing is. I have always kept a backup. I settled on a 30D and 40D because i felt it was key to have 2 cameras at all times as a failsafe.

I was hoping that i'd have Sony bodies by the time one may fail.

The only reason I'm expecting a replacement or refund is because it's a new product. I had bought into this new product before selling my old kit and raving about it. 2 months is just not acceptable, especially when i hardly used the thing for nearly a month.

Just seems like i'm very unlucky with anything Sony. It's not the first time an expensive item has failed on me from Sony.

 

[Columbo]

It just never crossed my mind that this camera would fail even when it wasn't being used.

Thats exactly what happened with my D80, one day working fine turned it on the next time and the shutter wouldn't move. It had only done just over 12k actuations as well.
I'm afraid it just happens, the point is that it is still in warrantly which Sony will honour and if beyond repair you will get a new body.

Also fella, you are more than than welcome to borrow my poxy old A550 if you need another Sony body quick.

 

[Raymond Lin]

This is one area where Canon has the advantage with the CPS, provided you qualify (higher the better), the turn around time in my experience, at least with lenses is inside a week (sent off Tuesday, returned Friday). I think they will event loan you a replacement if they cannot meet the deadline. But of course, this require you to actually qualify for CPS, as a nonmember, you would go to a queue like everyone else, although at least you can choose which Canon authorised repairer to go to, can always call up direct and ask about their lead time before sending it off.

6 weeks is a long time but they are allowed and there isn't really anything you can do to hurry them. It is also their right to repair, replace and refund. In that order.

 

[Logsi]

This is one area where Canon has the advantage with the CPS, provided you qualify (higher the better), the turn around time in my experience, at least with lenses is inside a week (sent off Tuesday, returned Friday). I think they will event loan you a replacement if they cannot meet the deadline. But of course, this require you to actually qualify for CPS, as a nonmember, you would go to a queue like everyone else, although at least you can choose which Canon authorised repairer to go to, can always call up direct and ask about their lead time before sending it off.

6 weeks is a long time but they are allowed and there isn't really anything you can do to hurry them. It is also their right to repair, replace and refund. In that order.

I think i am going to try and get CPS if i jump back. Thanks for the post.

Sony have a PrimeSupport service but only on broadcasting equipment.

 

[Demon]

I think i am going to try and get CPS if i jump back. Thanks for the post.

Sony have a PrimeSupport service but only on broadcasting equipment.

Hang on, unless I've missed something,

CPS (and NPS) have quite 'high' entry levels, CPS I think is lower, the qualifying bodies/lenses (need 2 bodies, 3 lenses from their list of qualifying kit).. mere mortals would struggle to get even silver CPS membership..

The irony seems that you would need enough kit that you have 'backup' inherently etc, the fast turnaround is obvously a bonus!

For the mere single high end pro-sumer level of things you seem to be out of luck with all manufacturers.. I tend to keep my old DSLR's and a lens or two just in case..

Is this Sony poor turn around linked to the fact the effects of the floods and no new A77 stock in the UK at the moment a compounding factor?

Surely just a cheap body of eBay as a spare to tide you over is by far the cheaper/easiest option? unless you are doing it professionally of course.

I get you've had a bad experience, but as you are finding out, all manufacturers can have long turn around times and will repair first rather then replace for most faults, I wouldn't be too hasty myself, as I've done the knee jerk thing over my D90 and slightly regret selling all my Nikon stuff to this day.

 

[Balb0wa]

Ive sent plenty of things off to canon , when i wasnt in cps, and most i ever waited was 5 days.

 

[Demon]

Ive sent plenty of things off to canon , when i wasnt in cps, and most i ever waited was 5 days.

It's more likely that in this case the fact the Thai Floods have meant there is no new stock of A77's in the UK (Sold out in all but a few high street stores) which probably means A77 spares are also not abundant..

I'd be interested in knowing if Sony repair them normally in the UK and it's just a shortages issue, or if it's standard to ship stuff off for 6 weeks because I've been looking at the A77 if the new Nikon's aren't to my liking..

 

[Logsi]

It's more likely that in this case the fact the Thai Floods have meant there is no new stock of A77's in the UK (Sold out in all but a few high street stores) which probably means A77 spares are also not abundant..

I'd be interested in knowing if Sony repair them normally in the UK and it's just a shortages issue, or if it's standard to ship stuff off for 6 weeks because I've been looking at the A77 if the new Nikon's aren't to my liking..

The A77 is great don't get me wrong but this has left a bad taste in my mouth with regards to reliability.

I don't have time to pursue the refund route so i'm just going to send it off today. I hope they get it and either give me a refund as they won't have any stock for long time or just send a new one straight away.

 

[Alpherah]

Sounds like my experience with the a200 back when, the camera (New, boxed, retail) after about 2 weeks it wouldn't turn on anymore.

Was a right game to get my money back as i purchased it from a trade event in Birmingham, so had to go direct through Sony's CS service, even though it was from an official Sony stall at the event.
Hell, even a replacement would have been nice but Sony insisted it was something I must have done.
3 weeks later they eventually agreed to refund me, so jumped over to a D40 instead.

 

[Andy90]

oops double post pls delete.

 

[Andy90]

I need this camera sorted as soon as possible but Sony are just not playing ball at all and not being very helpful with my situation at all.......


I want a refund or a brand new camera asap. If i get a repaired item i shall be selling everything and going back to Canon. It's not acceptable for semi-pro camera to have a 6 week repair lead time. Take note, I have been very polite on the phone.

For info:-

Sellers of consumer goods within the EU are obliged to guarantee the conformity of the goods with the contract for a period of two years after the delivery of the goods.

Certain standards exist for assessing when conformity can be assumed and when not. If the goods are not delivered in conformity with the sales contract, consumers can ask for the goods to be repaired, replaced, and reduced in price or for the contract to be rescinded. The final seller, who is responsible to the consumer, can also hold the producer liable in their business relationship.

This is regulated in the Directive 1999/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees.

Link to PDF. Note that it is your choice whether or not you get a replacement, a repair or a refund, not the vendor.

 

[J1nxy]

Have you been dealing direct with Sony and were they the original point of purchase?