What makes old cameras go 'bad'?

[phucheneh]

I've got a Canon A95 that is...I dunno, at least ten years old now? I've always wanted an SLR, but just couldn't justify the expense.

Luckily, though, this camera has served me very well over the years. I will say...my latest phone has really impressed me with its 8MP camera. Definitely the first phone camera I've used that actually...kinda feels like a camera.

But ol' trusty 5MP Canon still takes way better pictures, especially when I've got the time to pull out the tripod and use manual configuration.

But my precious...she is dying, I think.

I used to get the odd picture where, like, half of it was purple and out of focus and such. Usually, at least half of the picture was normal. Then it became, whole pictures of blurry purplishness with psychedelic waves in them and stuff. Now I occasionally even see it on the active display. Seems to go away when I make a drastic change in shutter, ISO, or some other frequently-manipulated exposure-related setting.

As a secondary issue...I'm getting constant 'you're shaking too much' errors, even when on a tripod in decent light. It's the little hands/parantheses icon, plus I never get the typical beep/green light. Still seems capable of taking in-focus pictures, though.

Anyway, long question short...is the camera a goner? Is this a sign of actual failure of the CCD or something? Being made in the 2003-2004 era, I also wonder if this could be part of the 'bad cap' problem that plagued monitors and TV's?

I don't have SLR money right now, and I do have another decent-ish P&S (Panasonic 5MP of slightly newer vintage)...but this camera is an old friend and still just does a great job...when it works.

Any hope for it? I'm not afraid to take things apart.

 

[corkyg]

The only thing I can really pinpoint for decay are any batteries in the camera. Before making any judgments, replace 'em all. Should be two in most cases.

 

[phucheneh]

Internal batteries? Like a CMOS-style batt? Or, okay, 'watch battery' to most...but this is a hardware forum, obviously.

I'll see if I can't find some disassembly instructions...surely they're out there, as this was a super-popular family of Canons. I mean, I could figure it out on my own, I bet...but it's always nice to not learn at the expense of snapped plastic or small parts rolling across the floor.

While I'm in there, I can look for cracked solder joints, bulging caps, and the like.

My biggest curiosity was if this was on the optical side or the digital side. Maybe not the best wording...but I'd kinda equate to fixing a monitor/TV...you can have a problem with the panel, or you can have a problem with the inverter or control boards. The latter I can fix, the former...notsomuch.

 

[phucheneh]

I'm baffled that it took me this long to find this info.

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppo...IMEZONE_OFFSET=null&USERTYPE=1&isSecure=false

Basically, all their popular cameras in the first half of the 2010's have CCD's that will eventually die. I never got any kind of notice; nor does it appear they sent any. I've probably been experiencing worsening issues since 2010. They would've repaired it for free until some time in 2012.

Well doesn't that just blow.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

That's a pretty seriously old camera. I remember using some of those 2-digit Canon A-series P&S's, I think an A65 or A75. Those things were rather well built IMO, and not bad photo quality, and really who needs more than 5MP? Ah well.

Spend $100 and get yourself a Canon ELPH 130 IS. You will feel right at home with it, but it will also be a very significant upgrade.

 

[C1]

I spend quite a bit of time on camera sites (over the years). (It is a minor hobby.)

Regarding CCD sensors is that in some cases plastic was used as the encapsulating media instead of ceramic. Over time the plastic leaked air and the CCD degraded. This happened to a Sony F717 I had and it was repaired by Sony under a special warranty (defective materials). The majority of problems which take out cameras range quite a bit, but mode selector dials going bad probably ranks at the top since they receive constant use. Rubberized grip materials detaching is also up there as problematic. Some cameras too (such OLY C2100 class) had electronics notorious for going bad over time (among other issues including all the one already cited) requiring replacement of an internal circuit card/board.

If you want your cameras to last then make sure to keep it away from dust, excessive moisture, heat and ensure against leaking batteries. Do not stress external dials, buttons levers and switches. Keep it in a suitable protective case bag when not being used.