The Most Common Digital Camera Problems
Posted on August 20, 2008
Filed Under Camera Problems, Canon Problems | Leave a Comment
The best time to look for digital camera problems is before you make your purchase, not after. Consumers are often lured into buying cameras base on sales hype, or biased camera reviews. It makes good sense to learn what the most common problems are afflicting digital cameras, and which specific brands and models are the most affected. Knowing what cameras to stay away from, or at least an education expectation of what can go wrong with a camera before you make a buying decision is bound to be a good thing.
With that in mind, lets take a look at some of the most common digital camera problems of note:
E18 Errors
If you’ve done research at all into Canon camera problems, you’ve probably come across the E18 errors. Well documented for it’s problem, what’s most controversial about the problem, is Canon’s lack of enthusiasm in responding to consumers in a favorable way. E18 is basically the error message that appears on the screen of Canon cameras when the lens is no longer able to extend or retract from the camera body. For all purposes rendering the camera useless. Canon refuses to acknowledge a defect with E18 problems, plus they also charge for repairing the problem whenever the camera is out of warranty. In-warranty cameras may or may not be charged for repair. The problem seems to originate mainly around the “A” and “SD” series cameras.
Canon suggests keeping your lens and the immediate area around the lens as clean as possible. If the problem intermittently persists, repeated extending and retracting of the lens could result in permanent barrel distortion.
If the problem starts with your camera while under warranty, I would suggest pushing your retailer for a replacement rather then a repair.
Moving Parts
In any consumer product, moving parts are a primary target for problems. Digital cameras are no different. The lens problem mentioned above is one such example. Those little doors that cover battery compartments, memory cards, and USB ports are places to keep an eye on as well. Especially since they’re prone to being forced by human hands.
Before buying any camera, try opening and closing the doors several times. Fiddle around with them till the sales clerk squirms. They should move freely and easily. When closed they should be secure, with no fear of falling open. While there is a lot of plastic in modern digital cameras, the better made ones, will be beefed up around compartment doors or any moving parts. Pay close attention to these areas.
Scratched & Cracked LCDs
While everyone seems concious about this problem, the best solution, is not to leave that cheap plastic protective film that shipped with the camera on for months after your purchase. It really obscures the LCD quality, and just generally cheapens the look of your camera. Keeping your fingers off the LCD, and always storing your camera in a soft lined case is your best bet for prevention.
If you do develop problems, there is a simple reapair you can try. A tiny bit of toothpaste on the end of a moistened q-tip can remove some surface scratches with very gentle rubbing. Always try on a more obscure part of the LCD (like a corner), before trying it on a more visible area. I have had some success with this in the past.
Image Sensor Problems
The image sensor, is the piece of electronics inside your camera that replaces the film of old school film cameras. It is what is exposed when the apperture opens, and captures the pictures image. While manufactures have been building better image sensors, there is some history with sensors that were damaged due to moisture or even humidity. Images taken with damaged sensors are often extremely distorted like this.
Generally speaking manufacturers have been open to minimal repair charges or replacements with this problem. If it happens to you be sure to contact your retailer or manufacturer.
Conculsion
For the most part, digital camera quality has gotten better and problems along with prices have decreased. It’s still far from a perfect medium. Other articles on this site will discuss specific problems with specific makes and models of cameras. As always I look forward to hearing from my readers, and welcome any comments or criticisms below.
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