All-in-one printer/scanner/copiers are nice and all, but everyone knows that you don’t really need ink to scan a picture. That doesn’t stop manufacturers from making our gadgets unable to perform other functions when they’re out of printer ink, an intentional flaw that is wasteful and frustrating. This week, we’ve heard from owners of Epson, Canon, and HP all-in-ones who complain that the devices are a useless lump of plastic without a print cartridge. They aren’t the only companies to pull this trick, but some tipsters have let us know that there are ways around the flaw. [More]
If You Want To Scan Without An Ink Cartridge, Maybe Don’t Buy An All-In-One At All
By January 24, 2013
Bad News: Canon Printer/Scanner/Copier/Ink Cartridge Devices Also Won’t Scan With No Ink
By January 23, 2013
Yesterday, we posted reader Venkat’s story about his Epson all-in-one refusing to scan because the printer cartridge was empty. He vowed to shun Epson forevermore, and that he would replace his old printer with a Canon. Well, about that… Two different readers wrote in to let us know that Canon all-in-one devices are also ink cartridge-selling devices as opposed to all-in-one printer/scanner/copiers. [More]
Canon Recalls 68,000 Rebel Cameras Because You Shouldn't Have An Allergic Reaction To Digital Photography
By August 15, 2012
While some people might think they are allergic to the overly Photoshopped images in their friends’ Flickr and Instagram feeds, that’s not quite the same as an actual camera that could cause an allergic reaction for the person taking those photographs. [More]
Canon Takes Your Working Camera Apart, Won't Send It Back
By September 15, 2011
John had read here on Consumerist dazzling “Above and Beyond” stories about out-of-warranty Canon cameras that the company had fixed for free because of a mechanical defect. He had a camera that was mostly functional, but didn’t work in extreme temperatures. He sent the camera in for warranty repair, and learned that it wasn’t eligible for a free repair, but they could fix it or send him a refurbished newer model for $170. Too bad. John already has a second camera, though: could they send it back to him? No. Could they apply that same “customer loyalty program” discount to a more expensive model so John could stay with Canon, but upgrade? No. [More]
This Is Kind Of A Crappy Thank-You From Canon
By April 27, 2011
“Our thanks to you!” trumpets this e-mail that Howard received from Canon after buying a printer from them. Well, that’s nice. How is Canon thanking their customers? By offering a free smartphone and Android app to customers…if they sign a two-year contract with Verizon. Isn’t that the deal you can get from Verizon if you walk in off the street? [More]
Why Is Canon Still Selling Camera They Claim Is Out Of Stock?
By December 17, 2010
Sara has a wonderful husband who is getting her the digital camera and lens kit of her dreams for Christmas. He even ordered it six weeks ago, in order to make sure that it would definitely arrive in time for Christmas. It hasn’t showed up yet because Canon claims that it’s out of stock. Fine….so why does their Web site list the same exact item as “in stock”? [More]
Before You Buy A Store's Extended Warranty, Check With The Manufacturer
By December 9, 2010
It’s no surprise that an electronics store salesperson might try to talk you into an extended warranty that you don’t need. However, reader Chris learned recently to be even more cautious in his dealings with salespeeps: they might be misinformed as to how long the manufacturer’s own warranty is. Or–gasp!–even trying to mislead customers. [More]
Canon 7D Or Barbie Video Girl: Which Is Better?
By August 24, 2010
Sometimes when you’re comparison shopping for electronics, it helps to find a fan-made video test that looks at the devices side by side. Luckily for you, if you can’t decide whether to buy an $1800 Canon 7D or a $50 Barbie Video Girl, now you’ve got some help. (Hint: only one of these can be called “the sassiest camera money can buy.”) [More]
Canon Fixes 5 Year Old Camera For Free
By July 30, 2010
There was a defect with CCD chips on Rob’s camera, so Canon fixed it for free. Rob would just like us to let people know that he had a great experience with Canon. [More]
Canon Is Far, Far Nicer To You Than They Really Need To Be
By November 2, 2009
Reader Kelly writes in to share her positive experience with Canon. She used one of our posts as a guideline before calling in to Canon with an issue with an out-of-warranty printer. Let’s see how it went…
Canon Replaces Lazy Reader's Printer 6 Months Out Of Warranty
By October 18, 2009
Canon is apparently a very nice company. So nice, in fact, that they will apparently replace a product out of warranty even when it’s the customer’s own forgetfulness that led to the delay. That’s what reader Chris reports happened when his Canon printer broke down.
Above And Beyond: Canon Replaces Broken 5-Year-Old Camera For Free
By May 6, 2009
It shouldn’t surprise me when a company stands behind their products’ quality, but it really does. One reader was so happy with her experience with Canon that she had to share it with us.
Canon PowerShot SD770IS 10MP For $159.99 (30% Off)
By February 19, 2009
Spotted a good price on a Canon PowerShot SD770IS 10MP at Amazon for $159.99 – 30% off list price. [Amazon]
Canon's Rebate Program Is Blurry And Poorly Lit
By September 22, 2008
Brett has now been the victim of two failed rebate attempts through Canon. They ignored the first one, and rejected the second one with a claim that he can clearly disprove. He’s trying again. Unfortunately, it looks like Brett’s experience with Canon isn’t unique.
Morning Deals
By September 10, 2008
- 6PM.com: DC Brand Shoes $20 + S/H, all sizes/styles, 856 to choose from
- Nicorette: free pack of Nicorette White Ice Mint (warning, site is slow)
- Circuit City: Panasonic SH-FX85 Wireless Multi-Room Speaker Kit for $44.96, requires in-store pickup
Highlights From Buxr
- Hewlett Packard: $400 Off $999 or more for Desktop Purchase w/ coupon code: DT1158 (Good for 2250 uses)
- NewEgg: Targus Notebook Wireless Optical Mouse for $8.99 w/ Free shipping after $20 off coupon code: EMCAKAKAK
- Buy.com: Av Lab Solar Backpack Charger for $29.99 w/ Free shipping after rebate
Highlights From Dealhack
- Best Buy: Toshiba Satellite Dual Core Notebook PC $500
- Geeks.com: Canon Pixma iP6210D Color Inkjet Photo Printer $35 with Coupon
- Musicnotes.com: 20% or 30% off Guitar Guru Interactive Lessons with Coupons
Canon Uses Comically Oversized Box To Send You Something They Could Have Taped To A Postcard
By April 29, 2008
Earlier this week I ordered a part from Canon USA Service for one of my Canon cameras and it arrived today. I am impressed for the fast shipping but not so much by the efficiency of the packaging.
Additional photo inside.
Canon's Customer Service Is Helpful, Painless
By November 9, 2007
A reader writes in to commend Canon for their efficient and—brace yourselves—helpful customer service: “I was on the phone less than two minutes beginning to end.” Among the surprises: the customer service department was based in the U.S., he was called back when a rep was available instead of being abandoned in an endless hold loop, the people he spoke with seemed motivated to help him, and the Canon rep had enough autonomy and intelligence to come up with an alternative solution when the original problem couldn’t be solved.
