Tips to troubleshoot a fault with your camera

Of course, if you are sure of a battery issue go here Camera Batteries & Battery Care.
For camera repair tips follow the links:
DIY Camera and Camcorder Repairs – Error Messages
DIY Camera Repairs; Should I, or Not?
Trouble shooting (When things go wrong with your camera)

It happens with photo-, as well as video cameras. The camera hasn’t been used for weeks or perhaps much longer, you switch it on, and all you see is a brief flash of the power light, or just a symbol on the screen. The next thing you do is to charge the battery. However, the symptom on the second attempt remains the same.  You may say, ‘the battery is a few years old and should be replaced’. So you go to a battery retailer and ask for advice. Sure enough you hear things like: The battery lifetime can be reduced due to wrong handling, it is always better to have a spare battery anyway, we have this special this week etc …
The new battery, charged up and ready to go; the camera switched on… still no difference. $20-$90 later, depending on brand and model of camera, you have to think of a different remedy.

Here is what you do before you go out and buy a new battery:

  • Find the connection, cable and AC Adapter to run the camera of the mains.
  • Check the user manual, if any flashing light or symbols on the screen represent an
    error message.

Summary & Advice
Even if the camera works perfectly OK, before you put it away remove any tape or disc media and disconnect the battery. Follow the links above for more tips on camera trouble shooting and battery care.