!9# Troubleshooting Common Digital Camera Issues

!9#: Troubleshooting Common Digital Camera Issues

Digital cameras are machines and therefore can encounter problems when you least expect them. This is a reality even though many of us think that the quality and high end cameras are free of problems.

Keep in mind that cameras can experience wear and tear with constant use. The end result is mechanical problems such as when parts of the camera jam or when control buttons don't work properly. But take heart, there are quick fixes you can do to solve common camera failures.

Shutter is not working right. This part that you push to take a shot normally goes up and down. It is up for a certain period of time to allow light to pass through the lens so that it reaches the sensor to expose a scene and register it. Once the shot is captured, the shutter then goes back down.

In the event your camera shutter jams such that it does not go up and down as it should, your images will appear either too bright. If the shutter becomes stuck, chances are your images will be underexposed. Possible causes for this problem are faulty timer, camera was not used for quite some time or the shutter curtains might not be aligned properly.

To fix this, there are steps you can take but be sure to be extra careful. First, set your digital to manual mode and turn off the flash, LCD view and image stabilization feature. Next is to set the shutter to the slowest speed of about 15 to 30 seconds and try to take a shot. Then during the exposure, open the battery door and close it again. The idea is to interrupt power during exposure in order to open up your shutter. You can do this step a few times.

Another common issue is the fast draining of batteries during cold weather. Low temperatures normally affect battery performance. Alkaline batteries are more prone to this problem compared to the nickel metal hydride and lithium-ion packs. The best thing you can do then is to bring extra batteries if you're planning to shoot during the winter season. Make sure you keep them warm inside the camera bag or in your coat pocket and replace the cold batteries when needed.

Condensation is a third issue with digital cameras. This takes place when the device is used from a warm environment to a cold one or the other way around. As condensation happens, your lens usually gets foggy and the internal parts can also be affected.

To solve this problem, you need to control your location and avoid exposing your digital camera to extreme conditions. When you change location, make sure to seal the camera and your lenses in an airtight plastic bag. Include a desiccant canister inside to keep the device warm in a gradual manner. You will then find out that the moisture will build up on the bag and not on your camera. Using a desiccant such as one made form silica gel will help absorb the moisture but you also have to chance them regularly to make them work well.