One discovery I have made is that DSLRs are perfect for portrait photographers and wedding photographers. Why is it then that they are slower to switch to digital SLR cameras? It seems that commercial photographers learned about and started using digital cameras long before the average portrait photographer.

My thought is that possibly they are afraid? Afraid of the learning curve and afraid that the quality just isn’t there unless they spend an ungodly amount of hard earned cash on some scary looking gigantic array of confusing and awkward, let alone “how am I going to learn how to use this stuff” equipment.

The truth of the matter is all you really need is a 5MP digital camera. Digital SLR’s have the quality needed and I’ve seen many photographers with amazing results. Yes, even if you have only a 5 or 6 MP camera.

There are many reasons, here are 5 good ones.

1- Service

These days a real camera repair shop is very hard to fine and service for film cameras is evaporating even more rapidly. Most shops that say they will repair your camera will instead send it to the manufacturer and charge you for something that you could do yourself for less. yourself. If you look online you can still find a real digital camera repair shop including ones that specialize in digital SLR camera repair and charge much less than the $250-300 flat rate repairs that the manufacturers offer.

Many digital repair parts are replaceable by the consumer such as battery doors, memory card doors and other body parts like zoom switches. There are plenty of people who want to repair their own camera and replace the LCD screen or lens, but many prefer to leave the repair to a professional service instead.

The real problem with finding good Canon digital camera repair for example is lack of knowledge. Most any store you go to and ask about repair will tell you to throw the camera in the garbage and buy a new one. A retail store has no idea that there are actual affordable camera repair options available, including parts for the do it yourselfer! A couple simple searches on Google will go a long way to help you find a reputable repair shop for your Sony digital camera repair.

2- Quality

The quality of images captured with a high quality lens, properly exposed and well posed is more than enough, even if you shoot JPEGS. Yes, JPEGS. Over 90% of the more than 30-40,000 exposures I put through my camera every year is shot in JPEG mode. Why would anyone in their right mind shoot in such a “low quality” mode? The reason is simply because it works.

Portrait photographers do not need to create the very sharpest, highest resolution images available. If they have in the past, they’ve always degraded the image through retouching and other means. It’s ironic if you think about it? You can still shoot in RAW mode if you wish, but it isn’t really needed.

3- Control

People want their photos fast. We live in a drive-through world and minutes count. In our studio we create a slide presentation for our sessions and we show them to the clients within 20 minutes of every shoot. Customers love it. Customers get the results instantly. If the customer is there waiting to view the shots from the shoot is already planning on spending money then sales will go up. Their is ample evidence that when you show the images sooner, and you create large projected images, which is a cinch with digital, sales go up. Using a DSLR it gives portrait photographers greater control over the sales flow and this means and increase in profits.

4- Retouching

Let’s face it, people want to look good. What used to take hours and whole lot of aggravation with spray booths, smelly and dangerous lacquers, is now possible with absolute ease. Farming out all retouching took weeks and sometimes months to get back and we incurred huge retouching bills.

Not to mention the loss of control I had over the retouching aspects. It was up to the subjective interpretation of the retouching artist to enhance the images the way I wanted them retouched. Now, with a few basic skills, and all those years of retouching experience all transferred over to the new darkroom, my computer, I can easily retouch to any degree I like. In mere minutes. With fantastic results. This ultimately translates to satisfying a basic need that needs to satisfied in our clients, their vanity. Customers want to look good and they want to see the results right away.

5- Innovation

I could go on for days when it comes to what new products, ideas, services, sales processes, packages, etc, etc. . . I have created due to using a digital camera instead of film.

I am once again excited about photography and the new possibilities. When you apply the power of digital, and get a handle on it in your workflow, you can create new and exciting products like never before.
I’ve seen it and experience it every week in our busy little small-city studio. The proof boils down to the quality of the product, which is shown by your net profits?

After all, we are in business first, and creative artists second, right? We are in business to make money and survive. We need new and exciting angles, ways to stay afloat, so we can pay our bills, keep the bankers happy and provide for our families. No one can predict how digital photography will ultimately evolve, but my bet is with it all the way.

Anyone remember when color film and paper was introduced as a mainstream commodity? I don’t, I was just a wee lad, but I heard stories about the many studio owners closing their doors and packing it in because they didn’t want to keep up with the demand and latest craze that color film and color paper had created.

I have always been a fan of photography and shot many rolls of film over the years. I never thought I would switch to digital, but once I gave it a try I was sold and haven’t looked back.

You are set to go buy your new camera. You’ve got your money in hand and you’re ready to start shopping. Before going off to purchase the most gleaming model you can afford, prepare yourself with the following essential buying tips.

1- Understand what you want from a camera and why. Consider your capabilities and interest in photography, and how a digital camera fits into your lifestyle. Different models are better suited for different situations. See if you might fit into one of the three photographer-types listed below:

Novice User: Are you new to the world of digital photography? Many low-cost point-and-shoot digital cameras include a range of standard features that are simple to learn and operate, making them an ideal choice for the beginning or casual photographer.

Intermediate Photographer: If you take a wider array of photographs — from quick snapshots to vacation photos to sporting events — you’ll need a versatile, full-featured camera that can handle a range of zoom scenarios, photo subjects, lighting conditions, and so on.

Serious Amateur: Are you an experienced photographer that is prepared to pay a higher price for the features, flexibility, and control available only with a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses?

2- Determine your ideal camera type, point and shoot or SLR. Make sure you understand the relative strengths and limitations of point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras, and which is best suited for the photos you want to take. Due to ever increasing advanced features being included on “bridge” cameras, the differences between them and digital SLR’s has become less prominant; though each of the two classes have their own distinct advantages.

3- Get a feel for the camera. Hold the camera and take a few photos with it. You’ll get more enjoyment from a camera and use it more often if it fits comfortably in your hand and the controls are easy to use.

4- Look beyond the megapixels. For high-quality photos, consider the size and type of the camera’s image sensor.

5- Check out the zoom and focus features. A high powered zoom lens gets you close to the subject but don’t use digital zoom, compare optical zoom capabiliites only. Auto focus features also are important, but a camera with manual focus features can give you greater flexibility.

6- Eliminate blurred pictures forever. A built-in image stabilizer can go a long way to eliminate blurred images. Electronic image stabilization is a good start, while optical image stabilization is even better.

7- Low-light capabilities matter. The way a camera perform indoors and other lower lighting situations is as important if not more so than outdoors and bright light settings. Cameras that have high ISO sensitivity (ISO ratings 800 or higher) will be better able to capture properly exposed images with reduced blur in dimly lit situations.

8- Take into consideration the high end features. Think about what additional technology features you want in your camera — such as face detection or in-camera retouching — to help you achieve better results and enhance your overall photography experience.

9- Accessorize in style. Know what accessories you would like to use and what other devices you want to connect to your camera, such as an HDTV to view your photos, in order to make sure it has the right inputs and outputs.

10- Dare to shop and compare. Before deciding on a specific model, look at the models above and below it. Sometimes you can get amazing features for only a small price difference.

After you have decided which camera is the best one for you, further your education and love of photography by learning more about exposure and other tricks a little beyond the basics, or how to use Adobe Photoshop which will help you enhance your photos greatly with just simple fixes.

If you ever drop your camera or otherwise damage it, make sure you check around for an affordable digital camera repair shop online. The most commonly searched terms are Canon camera repair, Nikon camera repair & Sony camera repair when looking for somewhere to take your camera when it breaks. This is because Canon, Nikon and Sony have most of the market share when it comes to digital cameras, not because there is anything wrong with their products.

Ever since the introduction of the digital camera, a war has raged within the photographer community. There are those that would claim 35mm film is the one true “professional” media, and digital its casual, amateur counterpart. Conversely as costs go down and quality increases, there is an ever expanding group of professional photographers who shoot only in digital. So what’s a consumer to think? Is 35mm still the way to go, or is it time to trade up for a new digital model? It’s time to look at each format and decide once and for all which is better.

Digital Photography: Amateur?
It is true that there are many digital cameras on the market, and like their 35mm counterparts there is an endless supply of variables that can impact the images each one is capable of producing. Image quality (in terms of depth of field and color contrast) has always been a major concern for those that choose digital and is still one of the most common excuses heard from the opposition. Add to this the fact that finding a digital camera that could match the sheer raw data contained in a photograph on film was both arduous and incredibly expensive, and the 35mm enthusiast has a fairly solid argument.

But fortunately for the consumer, the price of an excellent digital camera has dropped steeply in the last few years, while the “quality for the dollar” has increased dramatically. Canon’s popular “Digital Rebel” line of SLRs has given people an affordable (under $1,000) entry-level camera that produces near professional results. And since Canon isn’t the only camera company, it’s a safe bet that consumers can look forward to even better cameras at lower prices in the near future.

35mm: Is it Antiquated?
In these modern times, why even use film at all? It’s certainly no secret that film has an unforgiving and often expensive learning curve, and recent trends show that more people prefer digital for just those reasons. After all, when taking pictures at an event like a Super Bowl, would it better to have the potential for thousands of pictures, or just the film you have with you? Sports photographers answered that question by taking over 10,000 digital images in a single Super Bowl game.

However, just as some music enthusiasts claim that everything sounds better on a record, there are plenty of photographers who agree that there is no matching the warmth and familiarity of a fresh roll of film. In fact, developing film manually and printing photos in a darkroom is one of the most rewarding and hands on photography experiences one can have. Sure, photos can be endlessly edited and re-edited using fancy tools like Adobe Photoshop, but clicking a mouse is just very different than the tactile sensations of the darkroom. And of course, having someone else print up a roll of film can take as little as an hour.

And the Winner Is..
Neither! Based on the availability of technology and the vast resources devoted to this topic, there’s really no single point that wins this battle. As with many debates, the winner here is going to be entirely up to the needs and desires of the individual. Families wanting to shoot and print their pictures on the fly may choose digital due to its instant gratification and convenience, while others may stick to good old film so they can print up doubles and put them into family photo frames. No matter what you choose, in the end, people can still easily print out their pictures so they can hang them on the wall in collage picture frames or display them on a desk or dresser in a special unique picture frame.Thanks to powerful yet affordable innovations in digital and the classic, do-it-yourself familiarity of film, the choice is now directly in the hands of the consumer- right where it belongs.

The continuing development of digital camera technology offers near limitless choices for the professional and amateur alike when looking to achieve the best photographs possible. There is a wide array of camera options ranging from compact digital cameras to large DSLRs. Each type of camera available has pros and cons associated with it, so shopping for the right camera can be confusing. Nevertheless, it will still boil down to the type and specifications that each person is looking for.

With any digital camera, there will be an assortment of features and utility levels which will make a good camera well above a thousand dollars. The current leading digital camera brands include Canon, Nikon and Sony.

Probably the most essential parts of a digital camera are the lens, viewfinder and the LCD screen. These parts should be regularly cleaned and maintained. These sensitive components such as a camera LCD screen should never be bumped or have a battery put against it inside the camera case; you don’t want to have to pay for a digital camera LCD screen repair Purchasing some good quality lens cleaning items such as a brush or blower and lens cloth and cleaning solution can be important. A lens blower can help remove dust and dirt, while a cleaning solution and cloth can remove debris that the blower cannot. One simple way to protect your camera lens is to always put the lens cover back on when you are done taking pictures.

Be sure to store your digital camera properly when not in use. Always store your digital camera in a cool, dry space to avoid extreme tempertures and condensation. Always keep the camera out of the sun and from cold temperature. Always remove the batteries from your camera when it will no be used for any length of time. Also keep in mind that magnets of any kind should also be kept away from the camera.

Besides just the camera itself, you should also remember to take care of your accessories such as memory cards. These are small accessories, so you should take care to not lose or damage them. It should not be taken out while in the process of transferring images from the camera. It should be stored appropriately to prevent misplacement and ensure safety.

Taking good care of your camera is important so that it will be with you for a long time. Even if you purchase the most reliable brand, which in my opinion is Canon, there is still no guarantee that your camera won’t have problems due to the normal wear and tear of usage. As much as possible, to avoid having to find a Canon digital camera repair shop you need to protect it from impact damage, water exposure, sand and dust and extreme tempertures.

If you notice any damage or malfunction to any part then it is important to find someone who can affordably provide you with reliable camera repair services. Remember that your camera cost a lot of money and it certainly pays to take good care of it.

Technology and innovation has placed digital photography into the forefront in such a fast phase. Digital Cameras are a common possession these days with even young children having them too. Not only are they very easy to use, but also the price has came down over the years. They are convenient to use with kids being computer literate at a very early age. Due to the big number of consumers of digital cameras and prospective aficionados of digital photography, the number of companies and manufacturers of various brands of digital cameras has become quite numerous. It is no longer a problem of ‘where to buy’, but ‘what to buy’. It can get quite confusing deciding what to choose with such a large choice. When choosing the best digital camera, here are some important tips to take into consideration.

• Price

When buying anything, it is usually the price that is first considered, unless the buyer is filthy rich. With a huge range of digital cameras available, you should find it fairly easy to browse within your budget. Needless to say however, the more costly the camera is, the better its over-all quality is more likely to be. Therefore, if you intend to make a living out digital photography, putting more money in it becomes an investment and will be more beneficial to you in the long run. If your photographs are for fun only, then look for something less complicated. This will also be cheaper.

• Intention for Buying

In connection with the price, you need to first think of your main reason why you wanted to buy the camera. As mentioned already, if it is to seriously take up digital photography, a good quality one will be the ideal choice. If looking for a simple everyday camera possibly a lower megapixel camera would be a cheaper choice.

• Durability

If buying, whatever amount of money is involved, you will of course want something that is durable. Always make sure, but usually the more you spend, the more durable the camera should be. Double check with a store clerk as to the durability of the camera. Also prefer those with money back guarantees.

Aside from the abovementioned factors, there are still a lot of other important details to consider when buying a digital camera. Cameras are technical products and each technical feature should be considered. Below are some of the most vital features for consideration:

• Megapixel

Many of today’s camera is bought according to the number of megapixel the camera is capable of handling. There are a wide range of megapixels on offer, so you must consider how you are going to use the images. If you are into professional digital photography, then you may opt for the higher megapixel types since you may enlarge the photos taken without compromising the integrity of every shot. While for hobby and fun, there is no need for high cost, high resolution cameras.

• Lens Quality

Optical zoom lens of various cameras of today range from about 3x to 18 times optical zoom lenses. The choice depends really on your future intentional use of the camera.

• Feel of the Camera

It is important to make an actual test of the camera by putting it in your hands and testing its familiarity. A good looking camera does not mean a good technical camera. It is best that it will feel right in your own palms to ensure great shots when already doing some digital photography.

• USB Capability

Today’s gadgets are now almost always linkable to the computer, making it easier to transfer, modify, print and do many other things with it. Although most cameras today are USB capable, there are still some on sale that are not. When making your purchase always check that this feature is present.

• Manual Focus

Although optical zoom features are highly important, it would be handy to also have one with both zoom lens and manual focus. Manual puts you in control of your camera.

• Tripod Feature

Although some may not find it important, it would be useful to have a camera that can be screwed to a tripod. This stops you having blurred photographs. This won’t always be used but the conveniencce of having one will help in the future.

• Macro Setting

This feature, most especially in digital photography, will allow you to take photos of anything at a proximity of 3 to 4 inches. If you do not have this feature it may be rather frustrating, particulary for a photographer.

Other important features can be considered before buying a digital camera that will surely help you produce great photos. You individual needs will depend on how you use the camera. In order to fit within your budget you may be required to lose some features, so decide which you need most.

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With cameras so cheap and available, everyone has become an amateur photographer. Then digital photography took over and the average person can now take the pictures and print the results cheaper than they formerly let others do it. Yet, here are some reasons why being the chief photographer isn’t always best at all.

If you are the one to record an event like a family reunion, you know the bondage of always feeling like you must be looking for the perfect shot. If you’re going to be good at it, you must think like a photographer. Yet, when you get done, you have a set of good pictures but no memories of what happened? Recently we learned that our granddaughter would be in a parade that would be streamed on the Internet. I spent the time trying to get the camera to focus on the TV and missed seeing her. I wish I had just enjoyed the moment and waited until they sent the pictures.

Agreed, the electronics in cameras make them very versatile. However, the more ‘stuff’ a camera can do, the more there is to keep track of. What do the icons on top of the knobs mean? How do you turn the auto focus or flash off and on? What does P, TV, Av, or M stand for? Unless you use these features regularly, you will find it difficult to keep it all in your mind, and if you don’t the features are as good as missing from the camera.

Then too, if you are going to be the photographer, you will have to get behind people, stand up when others are seated, and basically make yourself obnoxious at times so you can get the perfect angle. Then it’s hard to find people who enjoy the camera pointing at them every other minute. When they don’t smile, you may need to almost bribe or shame them into posing. Wouldn’t you like to let someone else do all that next time?

So you do it anyway and get a camera full of shots. Now as the hero others will be bothering you with requests for CDs of the shots, thinking you have lots of free time. Or you might spend your time sending the pictures to others via email or posting them on a webpage.

It is not just a matter of time either. Though digital photography need never be printed, some friends simply don’t have access to this media. For them you will need to buy photographic paper and lots of ink for your printer. Did you say you don’t have a printer? If not, be sure to get one that has multiple ink cartridges so that they can be replaced individually when all the relatives keep asking for more prints.

If you want to look touristy, you will if you have a camera hanging around your neck and you take plenty of pictures. And don’t be surprised if people decide your pictures are more important to you than they are.

Think of this: if you have a minor plumbing problem, you fix it yourself. But when a major problem arises, you take it to a mechanic. This principle also applies to photography. Of course you don’t want to throw away your camera. But when a major event comes up, why don’t you get an expert to take the pictures and you just concentrate on enjoying yourself for a change.

When you want your photos done right, choosing the best photographer for your needs is worth the investment. If you follow the principles above, you will likely be glad you had it done professionally. Del Haven Studio is the location of an experienced Virginia Beach Portrait Photographer who is very skilled – as you can see from her website portfolio.

For those looking to drastically improve their photography, finding the right DSLR can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what you are looking for. Here are the top 3 rated budget DSLRs you should consider.

Should I buy a new DSLR digital camera online?

The decision to buy a DSLR camera is a major one because DSLRs are so much more expensive and the equipment is filled with features that can easily confuse you. Keep in mind, however, that if you want to take photography seriously, then it is important that you have your own DSLR. It gives you greater flexibility in your shots because you will be able to manipulate the settings of a DSLR. Here are the other features of a DSLR which you can’t find in a point and shoot:

1. Interchangeable lenses. Do you wish to try macro or sports photography? Now you don’t have to worry about buying a separate camera to do this. By changing lenses, you can now shoot different subjects,

2. Manual controls are important if you want to explore your skills but if you don’t wish to be bothered by settings, then you can use auto controls which are already built in with many digital SLRs being sold today.

3. DSLR cameras will come with higher ISO options so that you will get better shots in any lighting condition.

We do need to keep in mind that Digital SLRs can have drawbacks as well. Make sure you read this article about the pros and cons of a DSLR to determine if DSLR will fit your lifestyle.

Many people will put off buying a Digital SLR because they are so much larger and you do need to have or develop a knowledge of photography basics. But the biggest deterrent is the price. To buy the latest and greatest Digital SLR camera you will have to be ready to spend thousands of dollars. Thankfully, there are several low-cost cameras which have full DSLR features.

What are the best entry level DSLR cameras today?

1. Nikon D60

Everyone loves a Nikon and those who were not satisfied with the D40 can opt for a more feature filled camera – the Nikon D60. It works the same way as a D40 so upgraders won’t have trouble using its features. The good thing about the D60 is that it has its own dust reduction system so you don’t have to worry about image quality even when you need to change lenses often. The included lens is very good quality and helps to provide sharp photos.

Buy a new Nikon Camera online D40 with Lens for $640 on Amazon

2. Canon EOS Rebel XS

Also known as 1000D or Kiss F, the Rebel XS is said to be a reheated version of the 400D. It is every bit a Rebel with 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, an autofocus system and its shooting capacity at 3.5 frames per second. It incorporates all the best technologies that only Canon can offer – the Digic III image processor. The box inclues a Canon EF-S mount 18-55mm zoom lens so that you can start taking pictures after you open.

The 1000D has its an Integrated Cleaning System so you can get rid of dust without having to dismantle your equipment. The CCD cleaning system is important to make sure that your image quality never suffers from spots.

Buy a Canon Rebel Camera online Rebel XS with lens for only $475 on Amazon

3. Olympus Evolt E620

When it comes to entry level DSLRs, the first name that will come up is Olympus. Often referred to as the “500D killer”, the E620 is more compact that its predecessors, but don’t let its size fool you. It is feature packed and is considered the best in its class. It has a live view system, and allow the user to shoot in different art modes – a feature adapted from the more expensive E-30. One of the nicest features of the E620 is Image Stabilization (IS). Now you can change lenses anywhere but still get great shots without trouble!

Buy a new Olympus Evolt E620 Camera with two lenses for $652 on Amazon.

The holidays are fast approaching and soon family and friends will be gathering to celebrate the season. The tips today are about recording the memories that fill the holidays.

1. Try using Depth of Field – Instead of just taking the picture in front of a tree, put the subject in the background and then increase the aperture to the lowest setting (about f/5.6 to F/1.4).  Focus on your subject in the background and the tree in the foreground will be twinkling and blurry.
2. Work in the background – Candid shots are more natural and can be amazing.Stand back from the group and record the natural moments.
3. Accessorize -  Clever props are a great way to spice up photos during the holidays.  Think Santa Hats, wrapped presents and even large ornaments.
4. Catch all the Action – Little kids tearing open gifts is a crazy time, shoot pictures like crazy to make sure you get the shots.  To take the stress out of the moment, put your camera into “auto-mode” or better yet “Continuous mode” and just start snapping away.
5. Avoid the flash – When it’s possible, don’t use the flash to help eliminate red eye.  Use the “red-eye reduction” mode on your camera.Some cameras do have automatic red eye correction which is nice.
6. Embrace the darkness – To get a sharp photo of twinkling tree lights or candles, turn off the house lights and turn up the ISO setting on your camera.  An ISO of 800-1600 should do the trick.  You’ll need to hold the camera steady so your photos don’t come out fuzzy.  Either use a tripod and your cameras timer function or try setting your camera down on a solid surface.
7. Stepping outside – To get crisp photos at night, set up your tripod, up the ISO setting and lower your aperture to let in as much light as possible.Remember to set the flash to “Off”.A word to the wise; if it’s extremely cold outdoors.  Cold temps tend to drain the juice out of your batteries rather quickly.Be sure that you charge up your batteries.If you plan on being outdoors for some time, make certain to try and keep your camera warm.  Hold your camera close to your body as this will keep it warm and then pull it out when you are ready to take the photo.
8. Give peace a chance – Be certain to watch for those quiet moment shots as well.Nothing can be more magical than watching a child listening to their grandparent reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas”.
9. Learn how to use the flash – Sometimes you can’t avoid using the flash.Try to stand about 12 ft from the subjects of your photo so that the flash is bright enough but not so bright that they are blinded by it or overexposed.
10. Capture the preperations – We sometimes forget to record the experience of everything behind the scenes while preparing for the festivities.Be sure to capture family baking, group shopping trips, decorating, and wrapping up gifts.
11. Find a different angle – Try standing off to the side, zoom in, and use the rule of thirds.
12. Get in the picture – If you’re like me and your always behind the camera, hand the camera off to someone else and enjoy the holidays with your family.  Remember your family won’t care how you looked but they will remember you were there, not only in their memories but in the photos as well.

Hopefully some of these hints will help you create better photographs and get more enjoyment from your camera!

If you ever notice that your camera isn’t working properly and you are in need of somewhere reliable specializing in Sony digital camera repair or Canon digital camera repair; look no further than a quick Google search to point you in the right direction. For example if you need a Sony digital camera shutter button repair you can get it done right with little effort.

Many people have asked about repairing their front covers/flaps on their Canon PowerShot SD series cameras, so I’ve written up some instructions. The barrier kit on most Canon PowerShot SD series cameras is a little tricky but not impossible to replace yourself. You will need patience, a good eye and a steady hand as well as a small screwdriver. We use dental picks, they work great!

To get things started, turn on the camera to extend the lens and then open the battery door and remove the battery so that the lens stays out. This allows you to easily work on the lens barrier assembly.

First the part we need is the ‘barrel drive ring’, it’s the ring with the small piece that sticks down into the lens. Most cameras have a drive ring, but some do not. If you don’t see one in your kit then your camera does not need one. Make sure it rotates slightly once it has been inserted, otherwise it’s not in properly and can jam the lens.

Next are the springs and flaps. There is a small little tab that holds the spring in place when you put it on the ‘flap’ or ‘barrier plate’ as they are actually called. They are TINY, they are hard to hold and if you drop it… lets just say DON’T drop it on the carpet, ok? If you do lose some springs, we have them available on their own in our store for you to purchase.

Carefully put the cover or ‘flap’ in the hole with the spring pointing towards the post where the other end will connect, and then with something with a tiny and pointy tip (we use dental picks!) gently grab the loop of the spring and stick it on its post.

If you do this with the lens covers or ‘flaps’ in the open position they will stay in place once you get them properly seated. If everything pops off, just start again. Try not to stretch out the springs, they need to remain tight for the assembly to work properly.

Then gently put on the barrier cover, it’s a flat plastic ring. The tabs on the outer barrier cover match up with small slots in the lens housing and it will lock into place. Be gentle, don’t force anything too hard or you will break it and the parts will not hold it place.

Now you may test your repair prowess! Put in the battery (cross your fingers) and press the power button! Did it work? Did it go flying across the room with a cute little *SPROING!* and all the parts flew across the room? Yeah I hope not, but I’ve been there myself so you’re not alone.

Once you have it working smoothly …you’re almost done with your first digital camera repair!

Next put the dual sided tape on the barrier cover. CAUTION: Make sure to take the tape off of the backing paper but DON’T remove the paper that matches the shape of the tape on the other side!! If you take off the small paper part it will ruin the tape because it will fold and stick to itself. Bye bye tape!

The tabs of the tape fold over the edges, if they stick out the lens cover will not fit properly and can jam up the lens. Line up the tape tabs, starting at the 11 o’clock position and then fold down the tabs and press them in.

Now put on your chrome or black lens cap, line up the cap with the small indentation at the bottom, you’ll see how it goes on easily.

Fire up the camera again and admire your handywork! Good for you! You now know how easy… and yet still hard Canon digital camera repair can be, and the “Geek Squad” said that it was either unfixable or would be two hundred dollars and take several weeks to complete. Whatever Geek Squad… Whatever.

Hmm… I think I’m seeing the beginning of something big here; truely affordable Canon digital camera repair