Home > Learning Center > Troubleshooting Digital Cameras

Troubleshooting Digital Cameras

Making sure you can figure out your digital cameras is important because the more you know, the better your pictures will be. Check to make sure that your lens is always clean and learn how to focus and auto-focus your lens. Make sure to check your digital cameras model manual to see the resolutions the camera supports. Lastly make sure to sharpen your photos after downloading.

Q: My digital cameras will not turn on.

A: First check the batteries. Next connect camera to an AC adapter. Then remove all batteries, disconnect AC adapter, wait a minute, reinsert batteries and reconnect adapter. Lastly, try to turn the camera back on.

Q: What do I do if my digital cameras got wet?

A: Turn off your digital camera if it's on. Remove all batteries and media devices. Let it dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinserting batteries.

Q: What should I do if my digital cameras burn through batteries?

A: Minimize your use of the digital cameras built-in LCD (assuming it has one) if it has a viewfinder you can use instead. The LCD is the biggest power drain on your digital cameras. Use only heavy-duty batteries that are suited to digital cameras. Ordinary alkalines won't last any time at all. Look into upgrading to rechargeable NiMH batteries.

If you have or can get an AC adapter for your digital cameras, always use it when downloading photos directly to your computer. If your digital cameras use PC Cards or SmartMedia cards, get a card reader that will connect to your computer. This will save battery life and improve data-transfer speed. If problem occurs during very cold conditions, warm the batteries in your pocket or hand just before inserting them into your digital cameras and shooting.

Q: What should I do when my digital cameras won't recognize the media devices?

A: Make sure media is inserted correctly. Make sure media hasn't been write-protected.

Q: What do I do when my digital cameras won't connect with the computer?

A: Always use an AC adapter when downloading directly to a computer. Check with the digital cameras manufacturer to make sure you have the latest version of the necessary software drivers. If your digital cameras connect via a serial-port, check for serial-port conflicts. If you're using a FireWire cable to connect to the computer, turn the computer on, turn the digital camera on and then connect the cable between the two. Don't turn off your digital cameras while the cable is still attached.

Q: What if the flash on my digital camera doesn't work?

A: Check that batteries are fresh. Check that camera hasn't been set for no-flash mode.
Give the flash time to charge before pressing shutter.

Q: If I can't find the pictures I took on my digital cameras, what should I do?

A: Look for playback or review mode on digital cameras to view pictures on your camera. Use arrow buttons to scroll through pictures. Make sure battery is attached properly and camera is powered, to confirm pictures were actually taken.

Q: What do I do if my digital cameras won't take a picture?

A: Check that your digital cameras is not in playback or review mode. Make sure memory card is in camera and that card is properly formatted. Memory may be full. Offload images to computer or delete them. Check batteries. Replace if necessary.
Check flash. It may be recharging.

Q: What do I do if my screen keeps turning off?

A: Check message display for explanation such as focus or lighting. Battery is low; replace or recharge. Some digital cameras have a power-save mode that shuts down.
LCD screen when battery is low. In some models, you may be able to take non-flash pictures with low battery. Battery may be too cold. Warm it to room temperature.

Other information on digital cameras:

Product Review For The Best Digital Cameras
How To Buy Digital Cameras
Buying New Technology
Troubleshooting Digital Cameras
Where To Buy Digital Cameras

Visit the Best-Digital-Cameras message board!