Repair digital camera or buy a new one?

[penguinande]

A few months ago, I bought a refurbished Minolta Dimage S414 for $170 +$20 for the extended warranty. A few weeks ago, I accidently tried to put the memory card in backwards and broke one of the pins in the memory card slot (in my defense, I wasn't being overly rough with the camera, the pin snapped rather easily before I noticed that I had done anything wrong). Because this falls under the umbrella of "mishandling", it is not covered by warranty, and it will cost $140 to fix the camera. The camera is 4mp , has 3x optical and 2x digital zoom. Should I pay to have it repaired or would I be better off buying a new one?

 

[tomerin]

with the prices of digital camera being fairly reasonable you may be able to pick up a new on at a fairly good price. since you are really stuck between a rock and a hard place. fix this one or buy. when we buy anything that breaks rather suddenly we tend to just replace it. i just checked best buts website and they have AN OLYMPUS
camera for what seems to be a resonable $149.this was the cheapest model for a 4mgpixel but of course they have others more expensive
cut this info out from their ad:

Olympus 4.0-Megapixel Digital Camera
Model: D-425

Digital camera novices will love how easy it is to capture amazing photos with supportive features, such as the 10 selectable shooting modes and the help guide on the LCD monitor.

* 4.0-megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images up to 2288 x 1712 pixels; print vibrant pictures in sizes up to 11" x 14"

* 4x seamless digital zoom; 5 lenses in 4 groups, including 3 aspherical elements

* 1.5" color TFT LCD; help guide on LCD provides brief descriptions of functions and shooting modes for improved setting selections

hopefully this helps

 

[shelly3girls]

I was on epinions looking for a digital camera myself. We are hoping to get a new one for our cruise in Dec. Anyway, I noticed that you can actually buy your camera for $147 so I don't think I would pay to fix the one you have. Overstock.com also has your camera brand new for $170.95 + $2 for shipping and $25 for and extended warranty.

 

[penguinande]

I was on epinions looking for a digital camera myself. We are hoping to get a new one for our cruise in Dec. Anyway, I noticed that you can actually buy your camera for $147 so I don't think I would pay to fix the one you have. Overstock.com also has your camera brand new for $170.95 + $2 for shipping and $25 for and extended warranty.

Actually, the overstock.com one is that I purchased. It's a little hard to find, but the item description says that it's a refurb. The one on epinions is reconditioned too; the cheapest new one is $217.

 

[shelly3girls]

penguinande
You are right, sorry about the misinfo. It still seems strange that the cost of repair is so high?? But what do I know about cameras...not much

 

[Lewisc]

Some of the extended warranties are service contracts that cover accidental damage.

It sounds like a pin broke. Any chance of using crazy glue to put it back? Assuming no major abuse you might contact Minolta. Tell them it's a design defect. They might sell you another refurbished unit for less than you've been quoted.

 

[alloyd1170]

I say just buy a new one. I had a video camera repaired and it still never worked right. I had to keep sending it back in and it would sometimes take weeks or months to get it back (it was under warranty thankfully). With the low prices and newer cameras coming out its almost not worth the hassle. I cant wait to check out Sonys new DSC-H1 next month. 5.1 mp, manual or auto operations, 12x zoom, optional wide and telephoto lens (its not a SLR but looks like one), image stabilizer, etc. Plus I already use Sony cameras and so I wont need to buy new memory cards.

alison

 

[manticore]

If you decide to buy a new one, take a look at www.microcenter.com they have 20% off all P&S digital cameras. There are a few good models in the $150 to $250 range and with the 20% off you have an even better price ($120-$200) These are all NEW cameras with manufaturer's warranty. Shipping is $5.99 ground/$8.99 2day/$11.99 next day. This is a reputable B&M retailer. No tax if they do not have a store in your state. This sale is on until the end of the month.