Digital cameras 101

[hemattock1]

I was given a camera as a present for Christmas, and within a month of using it, I accidently set the camera to P- Mode by pressing the camera icon repeatedly instead of the playback button. Now, my camera is set to this specific shooting mode and it will not allow me to exit it, or change to another shooting mode.

I have followed all the advice from my Olympus user's guide, but nothing works. I also thought I'd try to see if it would upload pictures to my laptop. When the cable was connected and i turned the camera on, the settings appeared on the camera screen such as 'PC, printing' etc. I could not even use the arrows or press the OK button to select an option.

The only buttons that do appear to work are the ON/OFF button and the shutter button.

Please can someone help me! I have a new baby neice or nephew due next week and I want to take pictures!!


Thank you, Holly

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Holly,

Sorry to hear about the problem with your camera. I shoot almost exclusively in PMode do I wouldn't consider it a problem, however the real issue is that you should definitely be able to switch mode.

I would try resetting the camera by taking the batteries out of the camera for at least a half hour. Change the batteries while the camera is being reset.

Insert the fully charged batteries and see if your camera now works. Hopefully it will. If so, all the settings will revert to the factory default, so you'll have to go back in and change to any preferred settings.

If resetting the camera doesn't work, call Olympus tech support for a professional assessment of the problem. You gotta get photos of that new neice or nephew!!

[hemattock1]

Thank you very much for such a speedy reply!

I already tried yesterday to take the batteries out and leave it, which i did so for about two hours. I then put new fully charged batteries in and nothing had changed, although I am giving it another go today.

It looks like I will have to phone Olympus up, or see if my Mum still has the receipt to get it repaired under warranty!

Thank you so much for your help,

Holly 

[ShutterbugGail]

It really does sound like a defective camera. Nothing you describe seems like it would break the camera. Of course, only a professional tech support person would know for sure, so do give them a call. Sounds like it is still under warranty. If your Mum misplaced the sales receipt, tell them where and when the camera was purchased. If you have other receipts, such as a canceled check or credit card statement, that should do too.

Related reading - Tech support: getting meaningful help

http://www.digicamhelp.com/camera-care/repair/tech-support-getting-meaningful-help/

[hemattock1]

I believe it is still under a year's warranty. My Mum found the receipt luckily, and I also recieved an email reply from the manufacturer, who only told me how to change the shooting mode back, but it doesnt work so I clearly do have a faulty camera!! I am able to take it back to the shop it was purchased from who will send it back for repair, or give a refund.

Thank you for your help once again.Holly.