subject: Geeks On Site: Tips On How To Save Your Digital Camera [print this page] Photographs have always been special, and nowadays we can share them with loved ones all over the world thanks to the Internet. So now, more than ever maybe, you want your camera to be in top working order, and always ready to go!
The first thing you should do when your camera stops functioning as it should be, is to check its warranty. Then take it to the manufacturer if the warranty has not expired. Although even if it has expired, Geeks On Site recommends you take your camera to the nearest repair shop, and see if you can get it fixed by a professional, hopefully at a reasonable price.
If however the price of the repair equals the price of a new camera (and you really do not want to buy a new camera), we have gathered some tips on how to try to fix your digital camera yourself. The tips have helped some, but you must remain aware that they may not work for all. In fact, following these tips might even aggravate your cameras problem. If you however have nothing to lose, we suggest you take the bull by the horns and read the following carefully:
1.Card error. This is one of the errors your camera is most likely to suffer from. It can be caused by several things, from a bump in the camera to an overload of information. The glitch is not dangerous to the camera itself; but you will pine after those lost images if you did not make time to transfer them onto your computer. If your LCD screen displays CARD ERROR or MEMORY CARD ERROR, first and foremost, remove the memory card, let your camera rest, and put it back in. If that does not do the trick, check if you have inadvertently locked your memory card by sliding a tiny little switch on its side downwards (to unlock, simply slide the switch back up). If you are absolutely sure you have not touched your memory card, try it on another camera to see if the problem is with the card or with your camera. If the same error message appears, there is no way around it: you must format your memory card. In fact, the error is most likely due to you not having formatted the card sufficiently in the past, hence the information overload. Now does formatting mean erasing all the pictures in your memory card? Yes. Does that mean you will lose all possibility of retrieving those images? No. There are numerous free programs on the web that can help you try to retrieve your data on a formatted memory card. You will need to download the program(s) on your computer, and you will need a card reader, which is a relatively cheap purchase if you do not already have one (the card reader will come in handy later on too when transferring pictures from your card onto your computer). Out of the many file recovery programs available online, Geeks On Site recommends Recuva. The program is free to download, but users are encouraged to support the company with donations.
2.Stuck lens / other lens error. The second most common error to occur with your camera is probably a stuck lens, or other problems with the lens (not zooming correctly, makes a funny noise when coming out of the camera). When faced with a lens problem, first check that you are not running out of battery. If the problem persists even when you have changed the batteries for new ones, try the following: Place the camera on its back, the zoom pointing to the ceiling. Hold the shutter button down, simultaneously pressing the power button on. If that does not do anything for you, the problem is perhaps of a more physical nature (for example there might be sand blocking the lens from moving). Tap the lens lightly with a pen to see if there is an improvement. Finally, (and this is at your own risk!) try dropping the camera bottom down from a very low distance to a wooden or similar surface, this shakes lose whatever was preventing the lens from moving.
3.Battery error. The cure for this error is the same as above. First, try replacing the battery (let the camera rest in between battery changes), and if the error continues drop the camera from a low distance not higher than your knee down. Bumps in the camera sometimes trigger system errors, and it takes another bump to fix them. Note however that oftentimes these fixes are only temporary; in the long run your best bet is buying a new camera.
4.Stuck shutter. If the pictures you take are coming out white, black or partly black (like having a curtain drawn on part of the image), you are most likely facing a problem with your cameras shutter. To fix a shutter problem, you can try a trick that requires a bit of concentration and luck! First, turn the flash off and set the longest exposure time possible in your camera. If you cannot manually set the exposure time, choose a mode in which the exposure time is long (usually this would be the night mode). Then, take a picture in a dark room. Normally in these settings the cameras shutter remains open for many seconds in order to get enough light for a decent picture. During those seconds, quickly remove the battery from your camera, wait a moment, and put the battery back in. Cutting out the power supply while the cameras shutter is open may trick your camera back on track. Try the move several times if you have no luck the first time around.
Finally, always take care of your camera like you would your computer. Digital cameras tend to suffer more glitches than the good old fashion cameras, but that is no reason to be put off. If you know you will not use your camera for an extended period of time, remove the battery and memory card, and keep the camera in a secure place, safe from humidity and direct sunlight. And remember, if you need any help with your digital software or peripheral installations, the experts at Geeks On Site are just one phone call away (888-360-GEEKS)!
