EOS 20D problem!

[greghalliday]

Just to let you all know. I have just uncovered a problem with my new 20D. Browsing around on the internet, it doesn't seem to be a unique one either. Here it is:

When using flash (either built-in or external 420EX) the image is consistently 1 stop underexposed. This happens at all times except when using flash exposure lock. If FEL is used, the exposure is spot on. If I use flash exposure compensation set to +1 stop, the image is also correct. Strange, eh? I wonder if there is a kink in the new E-TTL II programming with my particular camera body. The Canon rep stated that he had heard of this, but it was not a common issue. I assume that my body is a recent build as it came from B&H with the latest firmware (v. 2.0.3) installed. They are having me return it to be fixed. Which is fine, but WHY ME? I live in the middle of the desert on an indian reservation and the nearest reliable post office is 30 miles away! Arrrrrgh. Why can a camera which is so great on all other fronts have such a stupid little problem? I suppose I could just set the flash exp. comp. to +1 and leave it, but when you do this and then use FEL, the image is 1 stop overexposed! I can't win. Anyway, if any of you have a similar problem, just call Canon and send the camera back. BTW, I was leery about having to use Canon's customer support, but so far they have been great.

[BMWJNKY]

I noticed this problem with my 20D this weekend while taking pictures at a party, they all came out dark. Did they say what the fix for this was or just to send it in? I really don't want to send it back since I just got it about a week ago.

[greghalliday]

Sadly, they said send it in.. No mention of a firmware update or anything. I suppose if you never use the flash exposure lock function, you could just set the flash exposure compensation to +1 stop and leave it there. That solves the problem at least partially. Oh well. I too just got my 20D and will hate to part with it.

[BMWJNKY]

Well, I just downloaded the newest firmware from Canon so I'll see if that makes any difference.

*update*

After getting the new firmware installed in the camera I made some lighting conditions similar to what I was shooting in last night and the exposures look a lot better.