Trying to resurrect an old Digi P&S

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/13/2011 02:05:10 PM · #1

Trying to get an old Canon S230 going (for a kid). Any ideas....

* I have a couple of batteries and they all appear to charge - I put a multimeter on them and get a constant 3.8 to 4.0 V coming out of each battery.
* The camera starts and lens extends for a second or sometimes maybe 10 seconds.
* Battery charge warning is ON
* Try to take a pic and the lens closes automagically.

It's obviously got enough to open/close the lens & throw up a display for a while. I took an eraser (I almost typed rubber there) to the contacts on battery and what I could reach in the body.

Got any ideas for kick starting this one??
Is it just flakes and dead as I strongly suspect?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/13/2011 02:09:18 PM · #2

My old Olympus has been having some problems like that, which I think are related to problems with/damage to the shutter-cover, which also controls the power switch. Seems like I have to exert steady pressure to get it to maintain contact long enough to do anything.

If your camera has a sliding power switch, try holding it forcibly in the ON position and/or press on it and see if that will keep it running.

Message edited by author 2011-06-13 14:09:57.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/13/2011 04:33:23 PM · #3

I've had similar problems with other Canon P&S cams of about the same vintage. The battery will show a good voltage, but as soon as the camera starts to draw current, the battery voltage drops almost immediately. Have you checked the battery voltage after the cam shuts down?

You might try getting a new battery and going from there.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/13/2011 09:31:45 PM · #4

Originally posted by Spork99:

That's the first thing I'd recommend as well... measurement under no-load condition often will give inaccurate and optimistic readings.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/13/2011 10:30:56 PM · #5

Thx guys, Yeah - I was thinking of that but don't want to throw good after bad...... Let me try a cheapie battery and see how that goes.

I called the Canon loyalty thing today and they had nothing much - couple of refurbs @$20-50 under retail :-/ [not sure why people think that's such a great deal] They had a decent price on a G11 but it's not what I want and that was only @70 under a G12 price. I did confirm they had no 5D classics available - You never know :-)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/13/2011 11:57:19 PM · #6

If you end up getting a new camera for a kid you might want to consider something like the Canon D10 -- waterproof and shockproof (supposedly down 10 meters and up to 5 feet respectively).

Nikon AF-S DX 18-105 f/3.5-5.6 ED VR

06/14/2011 12:17:20 AM · #7

Originally posted by GeneralE:

If you end up getting a new camera for a kid you might want to consider something like the Canon D10 -- waterproof and shockproof (supposedly down 10 meters and up to 5 feet respectively).

Yeah... The 12 year old has my old 20D and I got a thrifty 50 for him... He has shown an interest and in the photg club at middle school (developed his first photo sensitive paper the other week) e.t.c....

However..... This is for a 7 year old that is absolute death and destruction on most electronics and a decent chunk of other toys. That would be a great choice but they are a tad more $$ then I was hoping - hence the trying to resurrect the old S230 which to be fair has been a great little camera... Ordered a battery so see what that does... I just depressed that is this works he will have a DIGITAL camera older then he is... I want my time again already :-o(

smardaz

06/14/2011 12:20:58 AM · #8

Originally posted by robs:

* Try to take a pic and the lens closes automagically.

just wanted to say that is the collest accidental word i have heard in a long time. i'm gonna start using it

jomari

Nikon D7000

06/14/2011 01:06:14 AM · #9

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by robs:
* Try to take a pic and the lens closes automagically.

just wanted to say that is the collest accidental word i have heard in a long time. i'm gonna start using it

Very coll indeed.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/14/2011 01:35:06 AM · #10

Originally posted by GeneralE:

If you end up getting a new camera for a kid you might want to consider something like the Canon D10 -- waterproof and shockproof (supposedly down 10 meters and up to 5 feet respectively).

I have the D10 and so far, my kids (aka Mayhem and Mr. Destructo) and I have not killed it.

It works well underwater (I've taken it to 6m). In the cold...I used it on a winter backpacking trip when it was <0F the whole time (just don't use the el-cheapo batteries...they die in the cold after minutes) and it has a few battle scars from being dropped, shaken and/or otherwise abused...it's going strong.