Classic dropped camera- repair advice?

[Izzie]

Camera in question- "Birdie", a trusty Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS.
3 years of heavy use, and finally had that awful, gut-wrenching, crunchy drop.
Of course it happened halfway through my trip in DC- in a surprisingly clean subway. (The Metro there rocks!)

No housing damage to speak of.


However, you can imagine how my heart dropped when I noticed that I can no longer get clear macro pictures.
Before I had even gotten a chance to shoot pictures of the Botanic Gardens and all their orchids.


The camera still zooms and focuses smoothly, no unusual sounds.
Am I correct in suspecting that something is no longer calibrated?


About repairs:
1. How much would you expect this might cost to fix? I do not think the camera is under warranty anymore.

2. Are there any decent chain stores that do repairs? Like Wolf Camera?

3. What should I look out for at a Repair Shop?

4. What kind of questions should I ask?



I also have an older Nikon Coolpix that was my first digital camera, which this Canon replaced when the Nikon refused to focus properly in any light dimmer than full sun. I suspect it also needs to be cleaned and re-alligned.
I appreciate any insight!

[stefpix]

if the camera is worth less than 2/300 $, buy a new one...

[Call_Me_Bob]

i would get a new one, if yours isnt working. you could get it fixed at rits pix in dc maybe.

[Call_Me_Bob]

if you still are in dc that is

[tcrane]

I would avoid Wolf camera in every situation, they are overpriced and generally don't know what they are doing. Check out the Canon repair center, you should be able to register online for that. However, as someone pointed out, the cost of repair might be more than purchasing a newer camera.

It sounds like the problem is with the lens/focusing mechanism, in which case it will probably cost quite a bit to have it fixed.

So sorry, btw! I've been there. Dropped my 20d once with my favorite lens on it, thankfully the lens was fine and I fixed the camera on my own, but it's just the worst feeling in the world.

-Tristan

[Swamper]

Buying a new one is great but I would also send it to Cannon and ask them for help. You might get lucky plus you have nothing to lose.

[stefpix]

if under warranty i would fix it. how much would it cost to replace with something equivalent? probably 50 $ more than fixing it. Usually repairs are flat rate. just use google and you find answers to your questions, if canon does not give a price via email or phone.

[Hedge]

I agree with Stefpix that it will probably be as cheap in the long run to get a new one although when this happened to my then 15 year old trusty film SLR I managed to get a new body for peanuts on e-bay. If you like the model this may be a cheap place to get a refurbed or little used one second hand as it probably isn't in the shops any more. But think of all the clever things a newer model will do, not to mention probably using less batteries and better megapixel rating!!!!


PS I do not work for a camera company in sales ( although maybe I should!)

[stefpix]

more megapixels do not mean much, can be actually worse if the sensor does not increase size. sensor size matters more.
prefer 10 / 12 pixels and a large sensor than 18 on a small sensor.

things they do not really get fixed anymore. They will replace parts.

I just paid 150 to fix my Nikon D80. The do not make it anymore but an equivalent new camera would prob run between 7 and 900 $. small cameras are not worth fixing. you can buy something decent under 200. Not worth to spend 18 $ to ship it for an estimate. Would consider repair if the camera is worth mor than 300 or repair is below 100... or about 100.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Could you live without a camera until you can afford to get a dslr like you wanted? If so I would do that. But I know, I wouldn't be able to live without a camera for that long