ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! What would you do?

[StrwLady]

Ok while sitting waiting for the "Boo to you parade" I needed to change the batteries in my camera. (Fuji fine pix s5200) I had it on a tripod that was opened to about 24 inches. I put the tripod down and reached for my back pack and bumped the camera. I tried desperately to catch the camera strap. I was like slow motion. Sadly I did not. I did have a uv protector filter on the lens so luckily the filter shattered and not the lens. After doing several test shots I thought all was fine.

Later when I got home and downloaded the pictures I noticed most of my zoomed shots were out of focus. I assumed that was just because of movement, low light and what not. But I also had a few shots of my sons bday party too. I noticed several of those out of focus too or a different subject was in focus. So I became concerned. Today I took several test shots. It seems that about mid range of my zoom the camera can not grab and lock in the focus. I did shots in several lighting levels and put in fresh batteries. Still it's the same results. Before mid range and after the focus seems to be fine. Even when hitting the upper limits of the digital zoom. I think I notice a slightly different sound coming from the camera when I zoom but this could just be from paying so close attention at the moment.

I called a local camera repair shop. He said his guesstimate of repair cost would be around $100. But he obviously couldn't say for sure. There would be a $40 fee to look at the camera that would be taken off of repair cost if it was repaired. I'm just not sure what to do. When I bought the camera in May it cost me $400. Now it's down around $250. I'm really not in the market to buy a new one and I said if I ever did I would upgrade to a digital SLR. But that's really out of my price range right now. And I really don't to see if there is a similar camera under a different brand that might be cheaper because I LOVE this camera.

I'm just not sure what to do. I'm worried that if I do have it repaired for about $100....will there be something else damaged but not broke yet that will break after wards. But I don't know if I should just buy another s5200 and put this one up on ebay selling it as is. Sigh

Any thoughts on this are greatly appreciated.

Take Care

 

[Anewman]

$100 is an estimate, it could be higher...

Just sell it for what ever you can get(ebay) and purchase a replacement. If you like that model it goes for $229 at Buydig(no tax, free shipping).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'd scrap the old one and start fresh. I'm always looking for an excuse to by new toys.