Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera - Page 5 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

You probably have a loose screw in the camera which caused a short and no power. It's a common thing on your camera until corrected. Try this website: www.camerasandparts.com They just specialize in the canon powershots and they're wonderful if you need help with this problem. The great thing with them is they do a correction inside the camera so the problem doesn't happen again. If you have a canon, they're the place for help with these cameras.

That's probably some sort of error code your camera is displaying. I know the most common codes are E18 and E24 on canons, for the E16 try going to the following website and emailing them: www.camerasandparts.com They just work on the canons and I'm sure they've dealt with this problem before. If you end up needing to have it serviced, that site is wonderful and about half the cost of what canon charges, plus they do amazing work on these powershot cameras.

I'm not sure what might be causing that but try this website: www.camerasandparts.com They work on Powershots exclusively and they are wonderful if you have a question or need help with one of these cameras. If you need to have it fixed, they are about half the price of Canon and they do wonderful work. If you email them about the problem, I'm sure they can help you with it.

With regards to a lens error on a G9, the best thing to do is to first try restarting the camera. Do not push or pull on the lens as this will often cause other problems with the camera. Do not blow air in the lens as this generally moves any dirt or dust to the back and it sits on your imaging sensor, you'll end up with poor photos after that. The best thing to do is to have it serviced so it is fixed correctly and working the way it should be. The site that is great for the Powershot Models is: www.CamerasAndParts.com They only specialize in these Powershots and they have your exact lens error problem right on the site. Try them for help. They tend to be the best deal plus they're service is wonderful. You'll pay $89 for the repair, all of the service for that model and the return shipping back to you included with them. They'd be the place for help with this one, best of luck with it.

the DC/DC board or main board may short.
the DC/DC board is not cheap if you can find one.
maybe here is a cheaper way to solve this problem, but too long to post here, please check this link:

http://www.myfixtips.com/blog/digital-camera/who-killed-my-g9-133.htm

A common problem on the G9 is they get a loose screw inside and often it renders the camera useless with no power after that common short. There's a site you can get these fixed very reasonably and they include the correction to those internal screws so it won't keep happening. The site is: www.camerasandparts.com The do superb work on the canons for about half of what canon wants to fix these cameras. Good luck with the problem on yours.

This camera has a common problem where some internal screws get loose and it creates a short and no power. The site that services these is: www.camerasandparts.com Since they only do the powershot models they are really experienced with these. It costs $89 for everything and all of the service for the camera included. They're great for help with these and they automatically do the no power correction on the G9's they service. Hope that is helpful for you, I wish you the best with it.

Most of the time when a Canon G9 has no power, it almost always has the loose screw syndrome inside the camera. When the screws inside come loose, they cause a short and the camera typically has no power at that point. The good news is it's not too expensive to have fixed.There's a great shop that just specializes in the Canon Powershots and is amazing for this G9 no power problem. The site is: www.camerasandparts.com They charge $89 total for the parts, labor, and return shipping regardless of what is causing the no power problem. Their flat-rate service packages are pretty tough to beat but they only service powershots. The neat thing with them is they include all of the service for the camera at the time of the repair and they also perform the no power correction automatically which needs to be done so this doesn't keep happening. For those that need help with this problem, they're fantastic for service on these cameras.

Camera probably has loose screws inside that cause a short. Try this site: www.camerasandparts.com They're wonderful for service on these powershots (they only service the Canons) and they're great and not much at all as far as the cost. The best thing with them is do the fix to the two screws inside the G9's that come loose and cause the short. Good luck with the problem, they're the place for help with these.

Very often on the G9's, they get the problem of the loose screws inside the camera leaving it with no power from the short. Unless you are very skilled, I would leave it to a shop so it can get fixed right.If you go to: www.camerasandparts.com they just specialize in the Canon Powershot cameras and they are completely familiar with this problem. They actually have this issue right there on there site under their service packages. They charge $89 for everything, you get the parts, labor and return shipping all included with them. The neat thing is they automatically include the internal no power correction to any G9 they repair and the other nice thing is they also include all of the service for the camera at the same time.If you need help with a Canon Powershot, they're the place. They do wonderful work on these models.

Most of the time you just need to have the flash replaced on the camera. Of course it could be something else. I would say to email them at www.camerasandparts.com They have a service package for your G9 which will fix the problem no matter what is causing it, plus they service up the whole camera for you at the same time. They do top-notch work on these cameras and are much less than most places since they're service packages are a flat-rate.

May need a sensor cleaning. If you need help with a Canon Powershot that is acting up, try this site: www.camerasandparts.com All they do is specialize in the services and parts for the Canon Powershot cameras. If you need service, they offer a flat-rate service for the Powershots and it's not much at all. They are wonderful if you need a hand with one of these cameras. Good luck

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include “E18 lens error”, or “lens error, restart camera”. Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.
The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many Canon's, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.
A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.
Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.
The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:
Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.
Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.
Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.
Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.
Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in “no heat” setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).
Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.
Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.
Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

Fixing a Lens Error on a Digital Camera

This has to be THE most common failure mode for a digital camera. Some common error messages that might show up on the LCD's of cameras with this problem include "E18 lens error", or "lens error, restart camera". Some cameras might show nothing at all, but merely make a beeping noise as the lens goes out, then in, then the camera shuts off. Sometimes the lens won't even move.

The problem is actually quite common throughout all camera brands. Usually it's sand or grit interfering with the lens extension mechanism. Or the camera's been dropped with the lens extended. Or the camera has been powered on, but the lens had been blocked preventing its extension. Or the battery ran down with the lens extended. Believe it or not, one BIG contributor to lens errors is using a camera case. Sand, gunk, case fibers, etc... accumulate at the bottom of the case. These materials love to cling to the camera by electrostatic build-up from the camera rubbing against the side of the case (especially those cases with soft fibrous intreriors). Once these materials work their way into the lens mechanism, that's all she wrote. I have many cameras, and NEVER use a case for this very reason.

A camera owner that suffers this problem may have no recourse for having the camera repaired. Many camera makers will not honor repairing this problem under warranty as they claim it is due to impact damage to the camera, or sand or debris getting into the lens gearing mechanism (neither of which is covered under warranty). The quoted repair cost is usually close to or more than what the camera is actually worth.

Fortunately, about half the cameras that suffer this failure can easily be fixed by one of the following methods. None of these methods involve opening the camera, although some have potential to cause other damage to the camera if excessively done. If the camera is still under warranty, before trying any of these, please please first contact your camera's maker to see if they'll cover the repair, or to determine how much they'll charge for the repair. Who knows, you might get lucky. But if they quote you a number that's higher than the value of your camera, you may want to consider the following methods.

The methods are listed in the order of risk of damaging your camera. Thus make sure you try them in the listed order. And remember, these fixes (especially #6 and 7) should only be considered for a camera that's out of warranty, who's cost of repair would be excessive, and would otherwise be considered for disposal if unrepaired:

Fix #1: Remove the batteries from the camera, wait a few minutes. Put a fresh set of batteries back in (preferably rechargeable NiMH 2500mah or better) and turn the camera on. If that didn't work, try pressing and holding the Function or OK button while turning the camera on.

Fix #2: Remove the batteries, then remove the memory card. Then install new batteries, and turn on the camera. If you get an Error E30, it means you don't have a memory card installed, so turn it off, slip in the memory card and turn it on one last time.

Fix #3: Insert the cameras Audio/Video (AV) cable, and turn the camera on. Inserting this cable ensures that the camera's LCD screen remains off during the start process. Thus extra battery power is available to the camera's lens motor during startup. This extra power can be useful in overcoming grit or sand particals that may be jamming the lens. If the AV cable doesn't fix the lens error by itself, consider keeping this cable installed while trying fixes 4, 5, and 7 as a means to provide extra help to these fixes. But note that I DON'T recommend keeping the cable installed during Fix 6 as you may damage the AV port while tapping the camera. Reinsert the cable only AFTER tapping the camera.

Fix #4: Place the camera flat on its back on a table, pointed at the ceiling. Press and hold the shutter button down, and at the same time press the power-on button. The idea is that the camera will try to autofocus while the lens is extending, hopefully seating the lens barrel guide pins in their slots.

Fix #5: Blow compressed air in the gaps around the lens barrels with the idea of blowing out any sand or grit that may be in there jamming the lens. Other variations include blowing with a hair dryer in "no heat" setting, or sucking the gaps with a vacuum (careful with this one).

Now we're entering into the realm of potentially damaging your camera in conducting the fix. There is definitely some risk here, so take care when conducting the following two fixes.

Fix #6: Repeatedly tap the padded/rubber usb cover on a hard surface with the intent of dislodging any particles that may be jamming the lens. Other variations include hitting a side of the camera against the palm of your hand. A lot of people have reported success with this method. HOWEVER, there is also some potential for damaging or dislodging internal components with this method, such as unseating ribbon cables, or cracking LCD screens.

Fix #7: Try forcing the lens. More people have reported success with this method than with any of the other methods. HOWEVER, there's obviously some potential for damaging your camera by using this method. Variations include gently pulling, rotating, and/or twisting the lens barrel while hitting the power button. Attempt to gently straighten or align the barrel if it's crooked or twisted. Another variation includes looking for uneven gaps around the lens barrel, and then pushing on the side of the lens barrel that has the largest gap (note pushing the lens barrel all the way in is NOT recommended as it may become stuck there). While doing any of the above, listen for a click that indicates that the lens barrel guide pins may have reseated in their guide slots. If you hear this click, immediately stop and try the camera.

The camera probably got shorted by some loose screws inside. You can get that fixed for very little. A shop that is wonderful for these and only specializes in the Canon Powershot's is: www.camerasandparts.com The neat thing with them is they also do the correction to those internal screws that are known to come loose. It runs $89 with the repair, the service for the camera and the shipping back included. They're wonderful if you need service for one of these cameras. Good luck with it.

What you are experiencing is a very common no power problem on the G7 (also the Canon G9). They develop a no power problem from some screws getting lose inside the camera. There's a shop that can help and is extremely familiar with this specific problem. Try this site: www.camerasandparts.com All they work on are Canon Powershots and the work they do is fabulous and all for about half the price of most places. The thing that's great with them is they include the service for the camera at the time of the no power repair and they do the correction for no power on all G9's to prevent the no power problem from reoccurring. I hope that helps, they're fantastic if you need help with one of these cameras. Just so you know, it's only $89 with them for everything which is quite reasonable. The best part is they do such great work on the Canons. Good luck.

Camera just has a lens error and will need to be fixed. There is a great place that just does the service exclusively on the Canon Powershots and they do fabulous work on these. It runs $89 with them for everything, parts / labor and the service for the camera. The site is: www.camerasandparts.com Hope that helps you some. If you need a hand with one of these models, they're the place as they do exceptional work and they are completely reasonable with their flat-rate pricing for these models. Good luck with it.

The very common problem on the G9 (also the Canon G7) is they develop a no power problem from some screws getting lose inside of the camera. There's a site that can help and is extremely familiar with this problem. Try this site: www.camerasandparts.com All they work on are Canon Powershoits and the work they do is fabulous and all for about half the price of most places. The thing that's great with them is they include the service for the camera at the time of the no power repair and they do the correction for no power on all G9's to prevent the no power problem from reoccurring. Hope that helps, they're fantastic if you need help with one of these cameras. So you know, it's only $89 with them for everything. Hope that helps.

Try this place: www.camerasandparts.com If they don't have it, they'll get it if it's for a Canon Powershot. They have everything for these cameras as long as it's a Powershot. If you ever need to have one of these cameras serviced, they're fabulous for service work on these as well. They are about half the price of most places and they do fabulous work only for the Canon Powershots, they don't work on any other brands. If you don't see the part on that site, they should have an email address to email. I'm sure they'll be able to help you with it since you have a Powershot.

I would like to say that the fallen screws shorted the circurit board. More details see Who killed my G9?