Help! My digital camera sliding door is stuck open!

[may06orbust]

My Canon Powershot S50 digital camera turn on/sliding door is stuck open and really frozen there. Of course the rechargable battery is now dead as well. I did get it turned on once and it gave me an error message code on the screen, but I don't remember the code now. This stinks because we leave for WDW on May 10th!

I checked out the Canon website today and of course my warranty has expired, I think we bought it in 2003 or 2004. I submitted my camera information for a repair quote--$147! I realize that they will only charge the actual repair cost, but Canon wanted my credit card # before they would accept my camera for repair (I have to mail it to them).

Has this happened to anyone else? If so, can you give me some idea the cost of this type of repair? Or should I just start looking as new cameras. I'm not too worried about our vacation, my DD19 has a digital that she can bring. TIA!

 

[Jeanne B]

You and I posted at the same time on your other post so I'll repeat my reply here just in case you don't see my other one...

I submitted my camera information for a repair quote--$147!

For that much money you can buy a brand new A5x0 series for that price or slightly more. Circuit City has the A530 for $149.99 (although I prefer the A6x0 series).

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Cano...sem/rpsm/oid/146233/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I read on slickdeals that Canon has a trade-up program. They'll give you a certain amount for your current camera towards a refurbished camera with a 6 mo warranty. It may be worth a shot, I've read at least one post by a person who had a power issue with his camera and he was able to trade it in. You would just want to be sure to do some research online to see if you're really getting a good deal or not. To find out about their trade-up program call Canon @1-800-828-4040 and ask for tech support.

 

[may06orbust]

Jeanne B, thanks for the link. I think that we're going to start looking around for another camera. The nearest Circuit City to us is 1.5 to 2 hours away, doable. I will call the 800 number today after work to see if I have any other options. Thanks Jeanne!

 

[may06orbust]

It is the E18 error. I spoke with Canon on the phone yesterday and I was given 2 choices:

1. Mail them my camera to repair at a cost of $147.
2. Purchase a 2005 camera at a cost of $185, including shipping.

I think I'll be buying a new one, but definitely NOT a Canon! Thanks everyone for your support and suggestions.

 

[Jeanne B]

That's too bad. For p&s cameras I love Canon but it's unfortunate they won't take any responsibility for the E18 error I've seen mentioned on photography boards so many times.

 

[luv2go2disney]

We had the same problem AT WDW a couple of years ago. I was devastated!!! Luckily the camera kicked out of it and we were able to make it through the rest of the trip. But shortly after we got back we got the error message again and sent it into Canon and of course the repair bill was over $100. We just ended up buying a new camera instead of reapairing or upgrading to a new refurbished camera. IMO that is a waste of money to buy a refurbished from Canon, you can buy refurbished for cheaper on Ebay(with warranty) if that is what you choose to do!!! Good luck.