Yikes Something's Wrong With My Camera!

[Kirislin]

I've never had a problem before but now it's playing up. I try to download the photos onto my computer by plugging in the camera. The EOS utility screen comes up as always but then nothing, usually the camera has a think and then gives me the option of downloading all images or just the new ones I've taken. That screen isn't coming up now. I only have the green light to show the camera is on but the screen is just black. I've tried reformatting and then took one test shot, so it's the only thing on the camera but it's not working. Help, what is wrong with my camera and what can I do.

[PossumCorner]

... what is wrong with my camera and what can I do.

Pretty disappointing news. If it is still under warranty, go there. If it is not, go to Shutterbox in Toorak Road, he will give a quote before doing anything.

For anyone interested, plugging a camera into a computer generally ends in tears, why take the risk, that's what card-readers are for: they are cheap enough, they work, they save stuffing the electronics in your camera for no reason.

[Kirislin]

I'm a computer dummy so I just followed the instructions from Canon on how to download and used the gear provided. I know nothing about card readers and wouldn't presume to know more that "they've" told me, I haven't had a problem until now.

[kja]

Check the camera battery. If it's low it may cause a problem. Take it out and put it in again. STupid, I know but it can work

Then check to make sure your cable is really connected - does your computer recognize the camera as being there? If so, manually transfer the files to a folder on your desktop.

When you hit the play button on your camera, do you see the shot you took and can you scroll through the images?

Tomorrow, go to Kmart and buy a card reader. They are cheap and will help avoid some issues and you don't have to worry about your camera going wonky

[rubiton]

Agree with kja - get a card reader - they come up as an extra drive on your computer and you just open and when they come up copy across.

[ruthless]

Hope you can get it fixed Kirislin

[Kirislin]

thanks for the suggestions, looks like I'd better look into a card reader, are there different sizes/capacities, I know nothing about this stuff.

Anyway kja's suggestion of taking the battery out and putting it back worked. thanks! Either way I have a 5 year warranty, another thing HN convinced me I'd need so if it happens again I might just utilise the damn thing.

[kja]

No different sizes or capacities, card readers are basically like your hard drive. The difference is that you stick the data holder (card) in and out instead of just leaving it there as with a normal hard drive

There are different speeds and different readers with bells and whistles. I am using an el cheapo multi card (8?9? different types? dunno only use SD and CF and once in a while XD) reader that works a treat. I've tossed two newer ones because they kept giving me errors. I think I spent $12 on mine

The SanDisk ones are meant to be excellent - fast, reliable. But I'm too cheap to buy one. I just stick the card in and it takes however long it takes. I can do a filled 8GB in not too long so I don't see the need for faster at this stage

[PossumCorner]

... card reader, are there different sizes/capacities, ...

Different qualities or maker-names, so prices vary. As kja said the K-mart ones are fine, about $20, similar at Rabbit or Kodak shops. Ted's and Camera House might be $30-50, but they can also answer questions or give a bit of advice. (Teds vary, some going backwards, Ringwood are okay). Make sure it will take both SD and CF cards: so if you change cameras, have one on trial or whatever that takes the "other" size, your card reader has a slot for it.

Don't let them sell you a high capacity storage unit, like an Epson 2000 or 4000 at over $1000. They are very handy but way over-kill for general use. Great if you do weddings and need to back-up card contents for safety, or a long day shooting at sports and need to back-up everything to free your cards for re-formatting, that sort of thing. Very nice to have, but just not a priority at the price (yet).

I so agree with you on camera instruction books, some leave out too much (mine only suggest re-charging the battery before connecting to computer: they leave out the bit that it's better not to). Most of the hard-cover books give more detail and make it clear and understandable - a good book on any model camera pays for itself pretty quickly.

Good outcome, kja nailed it.

[rubiton]

The one I bought as a backup to the card slot in the computer is a Kingston Media reader 19 in 1 - cost about $20 or $30 dollars online.

I got it just in case the prongs in the computer one end up bent somehow so I have a back up right away. Havent used it yet though (hopefully I wont but I know its there)