Cameras & Camcorders

[vally]

Hi!! I have been searching the site hoping someone has asked a similar question, but I don't think anybody has. Anyway, my mom bought a Canon Powershot SD1300 IS last summer or around then. A few days ago she turned the camera on, (the battery was low,) then it turned itself off, however the lense would not close, and the camera wouldn't turn back on!! After charging the battery, she turned on the camera it beeped and on the screen read:

Lens error

Will Shut Down Automatically

Restart camera

We have been wondering and trying to find out how much it would cost to repair the camera (I don't think there is any protection plan on it) and if it would be just as cheap to buy a new camera. However, we are going on vacation on March 20th so if it would need to be sent somewhere far away, we couldn't do that because we need a camera for vacation!! Also, I bought the same camera on February 26th, and am now wondering if I should try to return it, or if I should hope that it will last longer than my mom's!!

Please help me if you can, I'm not sure what to do...  Thank you. 

[hiblet · Accepted solution]

Hello,

I had a similar Canon Powershot (Elph-type) camera with this same problem. It was an earlier model (maybe an SD1000? I can't remember).

Anyway, I decided that it wasn't worth it to try to repair it, and I bought a new one (newer model). 

Overall, I've had 4-5 of these Elph-type Canons and that one camera was the only one that had this issue. I will admit that I was not very careful with the camera - I rarely kept it in a case and would just throw it in a purse or tote bag to take with me. I'm guessing that my actions contributed to the problem 

I'm not saying your mom was hard on the camera - it could be an issue with the camera. The lens cover mechanism may be very sensitive and more susceptible to dust or humidity, leading to the lens error. 

So, to try to answer your questions...

For your mom's camera - I think the Canon SDs have a 1 year warranty... (I'm not positive). One option would be for her to send it in for service and to use your camera on vacation.

For your camera - I think you can buy the Geek Squad protection for up to 30 days after purchasing the product (I'm not positive). I'd recommend getting the protection for your camera (like a 3 year plan, if they have one). That way, you know your camera is covered, too.

I'm a BIG fan of Canon cameras. I've had the Powershot SDs, a Powershot G-series, and also have a Canon 7D DSLR. I think they build a high-quality product and that some weird "glitch" happened with your mom's camera.

You might also want to check Canon's website. Look up your camera model and click on the tab to read customer reviews. You will be able to see if other people have had similar issues.

I wish I had more concrete answers for you, but hope my experiences and conjecture helps at least a little!

~hiblet

p.s. Have a GREAT vacation! 

[vally]

Thank you!!  

We ended up sending mom's camera in, and thankfully it was covered! Then we went and bought a Sony Cyber-shot W310. It seems to be a good camera. I think mom will resume use of her Canon when it is fixed. I am glad to hear that problems with Canon cameras are not very common. This is me and my mom's first Canon camera. I had a Kodak Easyshare before, and it only lasted under 2 years. Anyway, I did get protection for my camera, I think a 2-3 year protection. I learned my lesson from my Kodak, which was just out of warranty!! I would like to become a fan of Canon cameras also, hopefully this one will last, and meet my needs and expectations!! I had read many reviews of the Canon Powershot SD1300, and other cameras too. A problem with Canon lenses was mentioned at least once, but otherwise people seemed to like the camera.  

Yes, thank you for your help and suggestions!! I hope that me and my mom do have a good vacation!!  We are leaving tomorrow!!