Yet another new thread...possibly dead sensor on a digicam -- how can I be sure?

[AndrewR]

My mother-in-law's old Canon P&S is not taking pictures anymore, but it will show pictures that have been taken previously. When you take a photo, the shutter works (I can see it opening and closing), but the resulting "image" is all black. The back LCD still works, and the flash still works.

It's not worth getting repaired, but any suggestions for places I might look online for a DIY repair/diagnostic?

 

[Fardringle]

It could be something as simple as a loose or disconnected wire. If that is the case, a simple DIY job could take care of it. Most places I know of will charge around $100 just to look at the camera, plus whatever it costs to actually fix the problem. If the camera is more than a year or two old, it's probably not worth the cost.

 

[jpeyton]

Certainly sounds like a sensor problem.

I assume you've already tried resetting the camera to its defaults?

Depending on the age of the camera, it is probably not worth doing any kind of serious diagnosis or repair on the sensor (even DIY).

The market is absolutely littered with digital cameras, both new and used, especially in the P&S segment. Your M-I-L could probably pick up a used (but working) model of her camera on eBay for cheap, or just check a 'Hot Deals' forum for a inexpensive replacement that is probably much better than her current Canon.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I would contact Canon and see if they offer any kind of recycling services for the camera. They might give you a coupon for further Canon purchases if you do this (HP does this). Then go out and get a new camera.

 

[AndrewR]

Oh, she bought a replacement camera awhile ago (the S5 -- nice P&S). She thought I could take a look at it since I'm quite a bit more technologically savvy than she is. I think I might crack it open and see what it looks like inside after I reset to defaults. If not, I'll try contacting Canon for recycling. It's almost tempting to salvage the LCD and see what kind of a Frankenstein display I could put on my computer.

 

[episodic]

Do what fuzzy said. Lots of cameras are flagged with certain defects that manufacturers will fix for free.