Digital cameras have become increasingly popular because of the quality of digital photography--and the lowering costs of the cameras. You can find a good quality digital camera for less than the cost of a comparable film camera. And, like film cameras, the digital version is virtually trouble free. In fact, most problems are really photography issues--poor exposure, inadequate lighting, thumb over the lens--rather than something you need to repair. Even so, knowing how they work and what can go wrong will keep your digital camera producing great photos longer with less trouble.

How Does It Work?

A digital camera takes photographs that are electronic rather than on film. Digital photography blends the technologies of photography and computers. The digital camera uses a computer chip to record an image focused on it by a lens. The electrical charges are read and turned into digital information or data. The data for the image is then transferred to a removable and reusable memory card in the camera. The resulting images can be stored, viewed, enhanced, altered, and printed from a computer. Also see the Film Camera Fix-It Guide.

What Can Go Wrong?

In most cases, the problems you may have with a digital camera can be resolved by referring to its owner's manual. It's amazing what digital cameras can do--and what settings are available to you if you know how to use them. So spend time with the manual. Unlike film cameras, it doesn't cost you anything to try things and see the resulting image.

As you can see, digital cameras have no parts that are easily replaced by the consumer. However, you can open it up to clean it or dry it if necessary.

What mechanical problems can occur with your digital camera? The camera may refuse to turn on or off. The image quality may be poor, the camera can use batteries too quickly, the camera may not connect with a computer, the flash may not work, the camera may not take pictures, or the screen may keep turning off.

Fix-It Tip

Digital cameras can rapidly go through batteries, especially if you use the lens zoom, a built-in flash, and the LCD. So keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand, preferably in the case in which they were purchased so the tips don't touch each other.