Deciding when and if to send in a digital camera for repair isn't as easy as it sounds. You have several different things to consider as you make the decision about a camera repairing versus cutting your losses and purchasing a new camera. Use these tips to help you know when it's time to send in your camera for repair.
Before sending it in, be sure you've checked the camera for all of the "easy" problems, such as: A discharged battery, a malfunctioning memory card, or a dirty lens. Such problems don't require a repair center to fix ... just some common sense.
If you're having a particular problem with the camera, check the manufacturer's Web site for any service announcements related to your model. If the camera's problem is related to a recall, you can have the repair done for free.
Along a similar idea, if the problem you're having with your camera is covered under the manufacturer's warranty, always send in the camera for repair. Never turn down a free repair but always prefer to go a professional repair center.
• Check the camera's user guide for any clues to fixing a simple problem yourself, especially the "troubleshooting" area of the user guides. The camera manufacturer's Web site should have digital copies of the user guide and possibly a troubleshooting FAQ that you can use as well. Most of the troubleshooting tips in the user guide are simple fixes you can perform yourself.
Before choosing the cost of a repair, consider how "roughly" the camera has been treated. For example, if you've dropped the camera a few times, its future lifespan has been shortened, meaning it might not be worth spending a lot on a camera repair.
Try to take emotion out of the decision about repairing the camera. It's easy to become attached to a particular camera, especially if you've shot some memorable photos with it over the years. But, to make the soundest financial decision about a camera repair, you need to remember that the photos reflect the memories you've created, not necessarily the camera itself.
If your camera is an older model an out of warranty, it might not be worth repairing, depending on the problem. Contact the repair center to see if they'll give you a cost estimate or some advice.
For a DSLR camera, repairing even an older model makes more sense because the DSLR model will cost more to replace than a point and shoot camera. In addition, you probably have invested in some lenses and other accessory equipment that may be specific to your model, making a repair make more financial sense.
Finally, always take into account the current value of your camera when considering a repair.
Before sending it in, be sure you've checked the camera for all of the "easy" problems, such as: A discharged battery, a malfunctioning memory card, or a dirty lens. Such problems don't require a repair center to fix ... just some common sense.
If you're having a particular problem with the camera, check the manufacturer's Web site for any service announcements related to your model. If the camera's problem is related to a recall, you can have the repair done for free.
Along a similar idea, if the problem you're having with your camera is covered under the manufacturer's warranty, always send in the camera for repair. Never turn down a free repair but always prefer to go a professional repair center.
• Check the camera's user guide for any clues to fixing a simple problem yourself, especially the "troubleshooting" area of the user guides. The camera manufacturer's Web site should have digital copies of the user guide and possibly a troubleshooting FAQ that you can use as well. Most of the troubleshooting tips in the user guide are simple fixes you can perform yourself.
Before choosing the cost of a repair, consider how "roughly" the camera has been treated. For example, if you've dropped the camera a few times, its future lifespan has been shortened, meaning it might not be worth spending a lot on a camera repair.
Try to take emotion out of the decision about repairing the camera. It's easy to become attached to a particular camera, especially if you've shot some memorable photos with it over the years. But, to make the soundest financial decision about a camera repair, you need to remember that the photos reflect the memories you've created, not necessarily the camera itself.
If your camera is an older model an out of warranty, it might not be worth repairing, depending on the problem. Contact the repair center to see if they'll give you a cost estimate or some advice.
For a DSLR camera, repairing even an older model makes more sense because the DSLR model will cost more to replace than a point and shoot camera. In addition, you probably have invested in some lenses and other accessory equipment that may be specific to your model, making a repair make more financial sense.
Finally, always take into account the current value of your camera when considering a repair.
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