Digital Camera Question

[woodwardiocom]

I own a Canon PowerShot A60, which has served me well for many years. Now there appears to be something wrong with it. The image on the screen, and any photos, are grossly distorted, by a sort of horizontal blurring.



Is this a breakdown of a part which can be replaced, or do I need to buy a new camera (before my honeymoon)?

Comments

[nakor.livejournal.com]

This is one of two things. Either the CCD---the core component of the camera, the image sensor---is busted, or the cable to it is loose. I would be surprised if it is the cable.

Some A60s were recalled for a bad CCD that could lead to problems like this. Try calling Canon or your local rep to check whether yours is covered; they might manage to get it turned around to you quickly enough. My own experiences with Canon service involved a round trip for the camera to Hong Kong as carried by a world-class record-setting swimmer, who personally took it over a six month journey under the Arctic, battling seals and walrii. His heroic story almost distracts me from the months it took for the camera to travel for one day of service.

[trowa-barton.livejournal.com]

Maybe you should add that to the registry?

[szasz.livejournal.com]

When I first read this I thought you were making a joke about fixing a camera problem by making a change to its Windows registry, and I laughed out loud. But what you are actually suggesting upon second reading makes sense.

[quezz.livejournal.com]

I'd get a new camera. It's a good excuse. :)

[szasz.livejournal.com]

Something's wrong with the way the image data is being clocked out of the CCD. The fault is either the CCD itself, the processor, or the cabling between the two. Unless it's the cabling, I doubt it is going to be fixable, and hardly worth it if you've got several years on the camera. And as someone else pointed out, it's not likely to be cabling, unless this started happening after a fall or severe jar.

Relish in having a good excuse to buy new technology! You're allowed.

[be-well-lowell.livejournal.com]

I agree, and add that diagnosing the problem will probably be expensive (in time or money) enough to not be worth it. Digital cameras have a lifetime that's unlikely to exceed a decade, and may well be half that.

I have no intention of throwing out my (virtually) bulletproof Pentax K1000 and its assortment of lenses. Even if I haven't used it in a while.

[ariesd.livejournal.com]

gotta go with a bad CCD, not sure if the A60 is CMOS based or not.

However, we figured we would offer the Sony T-1 (5MP) along with the DVD player for the trip. Having 2 digi cams we don't mind lending one out, so the offer is there if you have not purchased one or would rather wait till either it is gifted to you via registry or in order not spend extra money for now.

As much as I dislike Hunt for their cost and somewhat anal ways, I would suggest just a flyby of their store and ask them to look at it. They may have a different opinion.

[sunspiral.livejournal.com]

Whatever it is, figure a cost of around $200 to get it fixed, which is just not worth it. I've found that consumer electronics lasts about 3 years, and budget accordingly.

[fotofile2002.livejournal.com]

I really like the modern art vibe of that photo though, busted sensor or not !

The A60 isn't really worth repairing. What is your budget for a new camera ? My mom just got the new Canon G7 with 10Mp and it rocks ! B&H had it for about $600 total with the cards and an extra battery.

[pixel.livejournal.com]

I recently picked up a Fuji FinePix s700 and have been really happy with it. You get a lot of SLR functionality with a simpler and cheaper package. It is bulkier than a regular point & shoot though.

If you want to see the image quality, everything I've taken Since July 2nd has been with this camera.

Some shopping around netted one for $200 at a local Circuit City.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

Merci for the suggestion.