Disassembled digital camera
It’s no fun when a digital camera stops working! But the fact is, though rare, it does happen.
Digital camera repairs can be expensive if not covered under warranty or a service advisory. Do a few self-tests first and then call tech support prior to sending your camera to the manufacturer or authorized repair center.
Common digital camera problems
One of the most common digital camera problems is that the zoom lens stops working. The camera won’t focus or fire and you get a dreaded error message. This usually the result of the lens being knocked out of alignment.
Other common problems include broken hinges on memory card doors, broken battery covers and scratched or cracked LCDs. Memory card contacts can become damaged if a card is forced into the slot the wrong way.
Faulty digital camera sensor
Occasionally, a digital camera sensor will begin exhibiting problems. When a sensor goes bad, images may exhibit some or all of the following:
- Strong tints or color casts
- A series of strange lines running across images
- Image distortion.
What to check before sending a digital camera for repair
- Low batteries - a camera may not function properly when batteries a low. Insert a fully charged set to see if things improve.
- Camera controls – it’s easy to inadvertently hit the wrong button or change a menu. Check your settings.
- Full memory card – when a memory card is full, a digital camera may not turn on.
- Reset the camera – reset either via a menu or by removing the batteries for about 24 hours.
- Do a hard reset – if resetting the camera doesn’t solve the problem, do a hard reset. How to do a hard reset varies between cameras, so contact the manufacturers tech support.
If your digital camera needs repair
If none of the above fixes the problem, call an authorized repair service center. You will be asked for the model and serial number of your camera. Fully and accurately describe the problem.
Don’t forget to inquire about an estimate for the repair and shipping costs. Ask how long it will take before the camera is returned.
Also ask if the repair work is still covered under warranty. If not, and you purchased the camera with a credit card, you may have an extended warranty by the credit card company.
For minor repairs, such as a broken hinge, using a local repair shop may be less expensive.
Check manufacturer service advisories
Sometimes camera malfunctions are the fault of the manufacturer. When this happens, service advisories are published listing the affected cameras. If yours qualifies, it will be repaired at no charge even if the original warranty expired. Contact the manufacturer or visit its website website to find out if there is a service advisory for your model, and what steps to take.
To repair or not to repair a digital camera?
A digital camera repair can cost 30 to 50% of it’s original price. If your camera needs repair, weigh the cost over buying one that is new or factory refurbished. Also consider the age of your digital cameras. Many new models have considerably improved during the past few years.
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Hard reset for Canon compact cameras: this has worked for some Canon camera users who had problems starting their camera. If you know how to do a hard restart for you brand digital camera, post it in the commenting section below and it will be added to the article.
- Put fresh batteries in the camera and remove the memory card.
- Double click the on/off button and the camera will turn on and then off.
- Hit the on/off button once more. Hopefully, the camera will start normally.
Please note: Digicamhelp offers basic information about camera problems to help you determine if your camera needs repair. If it has a serious problem such as not being able to turn it on and off, a blank LCD screen, a stuck lens or sensor or other problem that can’t be resolved by resetting your camera, contact the camera manufacturer tech support.
Hello
I had a freak accident with my Fuji Fin Pix S2000HD. It ending up in a puddle of water lens side up, but everything else in the water. I thought I had rescued it, until I notuced later it had turned itself on and was very hot. I immediately tried to turn the camera back off, but ended up taking the bateries out. We tried to dry the camera out using a blow drier, to no avail. Replaced the batteries, still nothing. Lense seesm to be stuck in the in position. It there anything else I can try. Left batteries out for more than 24 hours, also to no avail. Please advise. I love my camera and do not want to replace if at all possible.
Marianna, my best guess is that your camera is beyond repair, but the only way of knowing for sure is to contact Fujifilm tech support. If repair is available, it may cost more than buying a new one. Ask if they have a customer loyalty or upgrade program where they may give you a discount on the camera. Or perhaps you can get a refurbished camera of the same model.
Hello
I have a problem with my Mercury Cyberpix S380D.
After coming back from a trip i connected the camera to the only USB
port in my laptop which was unstable. I started the transfer of the pictures
i had stored when i tripped on the cable, and it pulled off while it was
transferring pictures. From then on, when i switch on the camera, the LED
indicates that it’s powering on then it switches off. I tried taking off the
batteries, changed the memory with no avail.
What should i do?
Thank you
Harry
Harry, take the batteries out of the camera for several minutes; then reinsert it and see if the camera works. Next, call tech support to see if they can help or tell you if the camera is in need of repair. Before repairing a digital camera, weigh the cost of repair vs. replacing it with a new one.
Gail, thanks for the answer… But what if the camera is not supported anymore?
(because this one i bought 6 years ago from Hong Kong and I live in Egypt)
What can I do in this situation?
Thank you
My Nikon Coolpixmop S3000 fell off the table and dropped on the hard floor. The lens was extended out before it fell. The lens is no more retracting and the camera does not come o again… can this be repaired…. nothing looks broken on the outside. thanks
mosi, sorry to hear about your camera but that’s something only a repair center can tell you. Call Nikon tech support to see what they have to say. If it can’t be repaired ask if they have a Customer Loyalty Program like Canon to get a camera replacement.
Hi, I have a canon upgraded point and shoot – all of a sudden when i press the button to take a picture the frame goes dark and the picture comes out dark. It doesnt happen when I am taking action shots tho…HELP i love ma cam
nix, try resetting your camera using the reset menu. If that doesn’t work, try a hard reset. Put fresh batteries in the camera, remove the memory card, and then double click the on/off button. The camera will turn on and off again. Then turn the camera on again and hopefully, it will start normally.
This has worked for others and it may work for you. If not, contact Canon tech support.
Richard, “strong winds and sporadic rains” and a non-waterproof digital camera don’t mix. Condensation probably formed when you left it in the car for two hours. Contact Olympus tech support to see if there is anything you can do to save the camera.
If you need to replace it and you take a lot of photos in varying weather conditions, consider some of the more rugged compact cameras such as the Canon D10, Fujifilm Z33WP, Olympus Stylus Tough 8010, Panasonic TS1 or Pentax Optio W80.
Panasonic DMC LZ2 LCD is blue. Can check menu, playback, but cannot record pictures or see an image. Just blue screen. Happened suddenly. Have changed batteries.
Carol, oh boy, it sounds like there may be something wrong with the LCD. Try the reset button, and then taking the battery out of the camera for several minutes. If nothing changes, you should contact Panasonic tech support.
I have a canon SD1100. For a few days now whenever I turn on my camera the screen is black and when I take a picture it’s just a picture of black. But I can still look through all of my old pictures on the memory card.. I’m thinking it has something to do with the lens but I’m not sure..
Kaitlin, it’s best to call Canon tech support to determine the problem. If your camera needs repair and it’s very expensive, ask about their Customer Loyalty Program.
I have a NIkon s630 it turns on, lens extends, rotary button works but OK button & zoom does not works, no picking in any menus I swapped the rear of the camera with another s630 and have the same problem, so it looks like the rotary control is ok but the signal from the OK is not accepted. What is the hard reset key sequence for this camera?
I was able to reset the clock in the camera with it hooked up to a computer, so it appears all is not lost.
Thanks
walterb, I’m not sure what the hard reset is for Nikon digital cameras; why not ask here? It may be similar to the Canon hard reset, which is as follows:
- put fresh batteries in the camera but no memory card;
- double click the on/off button so the camera turns on, then off;
- hit the button again and, hopefully, it will start normally.
Ooops, forgot to hyperlink to the Nikon Talk Forum at dpreview. Someone there should know the hard reset for Nikon digital cameras.
Hello,
I dropped my Olympus E-510 three feet onto a concrete floor and now it wont focus on anything manually or automatically. The shots are all VERY blurry no matter what I try. I tried resetting, taking batteries out, turning off and letting it sit, and it still performs the same.
There are also light vertical lines across each shot.
Does this sounds like a repairable problem?
Thanks
Jessica, three feet onto a concrete floor is some drop. Sounds like the sensor was damaged, and perhaps even the in-camera image stabilization. The only way to know for sure is to contact Olympus tech support.
Hi,
I got a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and I accidently insert the wrong USB cable into my camera’s usb slot and it kind a push the chip inside backward and now when I use the correct usb it was unable to connect ti the camera. The camera is working fine but I cannot use the only usb cable to transfer he photos from the camera to the computer. Can it be repaired and how much would it cost.
Thank’s
Amit
amit, the usb connector can probably be repaired but you need to get an estimate of the cost from Panasonic. My guess is that it will be less expensive if you buy a Secure Digital memory card reader. If you use a Secure Digital High Capacity memory card, make sure you get a reader that accepts SDHC cards. Glad your camera is still working.
I bought a Canon PowerShot S2 IS on e-bay, but the batteries had
corroded and it won’t power up. I got a refund but still have the camera
and would like to fix it if possible. Sent it to Canon, but the price to fix
was too high. I had read something about possibly using a solvent to
clean, but forgot the name of the solvent or cleaning agent. Anyone
know how to remedy this? Thanks.
The only solvent that I know of is Eclipse Cleaning System Solution though it’s generally used for cleaning sensors and lenses. I suppose you have nothing to lose by giving it a try.
If you’re still in need of a camera, call Canon about their Customer Loyalty program. You may be able to get a refurbished camera for a very good price.
Have you heard of putting your camera in a bag of uncooked rice grains for 24 hours if you suspect moisture has gotten into it? I tried it with mine, but it didn’t work. Not to say it won’t. I think My camera was past help by the time someone told me. Maybe it will work for some one else.
marianna, yes I’ve heard of people placing their camera in a bag of uncooked rice as a last resort. Lots of comments about this on the web so, if you need to give it a try, do a search to learn about the experience of others.
Hi
I accidentally dropped my kodak easyshare M340, now it won’t switch on, the lense is stuck on the out position and when I press the on button it flashes green once then red three times. I.ve tried charging the battery and even removed it from the camera nothing works. Please advice do I need to take in for repairs and I’ve tried kodak support but their website says they no longer offer support for that model
You need to call Kodak for an estimate of repair. It may be less expensive to buy a new camera, plus you’ll have a longer warranty (usually one ).
I dropped my Canon IXUS 1000 HS by accident today. It showed a message – ‘camera error detected – will automatically shut down & reset. E16′ When I tried checking the camera in review mode, it said ‘memory card error’. What can I do to rectify this?
The Canon E16 Error code means that there is something wrong with the lens mechanism. You can try removing and reinserting the batteries. If that doesn’t fix the problem, contact Canon tech support. The problem with the memory card is probably related to any damage that occurred when you dropped the camera. If your camera is too costly to repair, ask Canon about their Customer Loyalty program.
Hi, I have a Sony Cyber-shot DSC – S950 my camera will not work unless the memory card isn’t slotted in properly it will just stay on Sony welcome bit.. and nothing else.. if it isn’t in properly it allows me to take about 3 pictures.. is there anyway I can solve this? Please please help
Thank you
Tayla, bring your camera to a store and try a new memory card (or try a friends). If the camera works, then your card needs replacement. Otherwise, your camera slot may be damaged and will need repair. If the cost of repair is too expensive consider buying a new or refurbished digital camera.
hello,i wondered my canon digital camera is broken,there is a line around the pictures ,blurred and the side of the picture burned,,my digital use is canon IXY 510 IS this is a japan version of IXUS 110.am so disappointed,pls reply and thank you for your consideration,,
diva, try a hard reset that’s mentioned near the end of this article. If it doesn’t solve the problems, call Canon tech support to find out the cost of repair, and if it’s worth the cost. If not, you may be able to get a reasonably priced, refurbished camera under their customer loyalty program.
Hi I have a Panasonic Lumix DMCFZ30. Somehow there is a speck of matter behind the sealed lens. I dont see anywhere that I can disassemble to gain access to that area. It is out of warranty and Panasonic wants to swap out a replacement at the rate of $200 bucks plus shipping each way. It appears that the era of a local camera tech is gone, leaving us to the merch of the Manufacturer. Do you have any different thoughts on this problem…….
barolo, if Panasonic is going to replace your camera with a newer, equivalent camera for $200 plus shipping, I’d personally jump at it. Your camera is now six years old (if you bought it when it first came out). You can’t buy a decent superzoom in that price range. A newer camera, even if refurbished, will most likely have improved features and you’ll have some sort of warranty, which could be doubled if you charge it with a credit card that offers an extended warranty.
btw, if the speck shows in digital images and you have an editing program with a clone tool, you may be able to edit out.
Hi there,
I’ve got the same problem with two different cameras. I have a Canon PowerShot SD 780 IS(Husband’s) and a Fujifilm JX315(Daughter’s) and neither of the cameras will switch on. Both have done this within a week of each other so its just a fluke!!
On the Canon one, we were simply looking through photos. When I switched it back on about 2 hours later to download photos, it just wouldn’t switch on. Got a fresh new battery and it simply won’t work.
The same thing kinda happened with the Fujifilm except this time, were about to download photos on my laptop and it and just won’t switch on. Bought a new battery but again, nothing happens.
Pleeeeeease help. We’re away to Orlando next week.
Andrea
Andrea, try a hard reset as outlined in this article. If that doesn’t work call your digital camera tech support. (also, if your batteries are old, they may not be recharging correctly).
I have this SONY DSC Wx7 digital camera… was charging and I On the camera, it was in the Screen Menu, but after awhile, it shut off suddenly with the lens Open and Out, now it can’t Close Up the lens, No power at all… how can i solve this?
Tried reinsert battery and to no avail. any solution?
ling, you may want to try a “hard reset.” They way to do a hard reset for Canon cameras is outlined at the bottom of this article. Call Sony tech support and they can probably walk you through the specific steps for doing a hard reset for your brand camera. The may have other suggestions too, or can determine if the camera needs repair.
Hi Gail Bjork,
Do you think Sony will repair this? Cos it’s brand new which just bought last month and still under warranty.
But usually this type of cases, can it be repair? Or totally can be thrown away? I saw some other forums saying that if repair may need to pay A sum which cost alot … and some says totally cannot repair . Sigh~
And MY SD memory card, i insert into another camera, it stated’ Card Error”
I still have photo inside which i want, Do you think I can retrieve the photo back?
I have a sony dsc-w350…suddenly one day i found that, when i try to take an image or video,it is dark on LCD,no image is shown,totally dark…when i captured it,it remain dark…no image is shown…i reset the settings,but no change,
Please help me.
Tuhin, try what is known as a hard reset,
Put fresh batteries in the camera and remove the memory card.
Double click the on/off button and the camera turns on and then off.
Hit the on/off button once more.
Hopefully, the camera will start normally. If not, contact Sony tech support. Good luck.
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