Firstly , let me state that because I cannot see the camera or open it , my advice is extremely limited to my past experiences.
I suspect that the CCD/CMOS (the chip that physically captures light and creates the digital image) has broken.
If this is the case , a repair would cost approximately $100. This is the most common problem for a camera that takes distorted images but where the menu display functions and old photo's display normally.
Check to see if the video function works normally.If this does not work, it supports the idea that the chip has gone. Also see if photo's uploaded and again downloaded to and from the card looks normal. If these photo's are normal , its almost for sure you ccd.
I would take it in to a repair center for an evaluation , but would not have it repaired if the CCD has to be replaced as a new or refurbished camera would cost only slightly more.
Please feel free to contact me if you need further information
Kind regards
Stephan
Comments:
Oct 14, 2009
- Well , the erratic nature of the problem would suggest that it is not so much to do with the CCD sensor as with the cables connecting it. This cable (a elongated data cable like a IDE cable) is glued onto the ccd and as a camera ages , this normally malleable glue gets hard and could eventually crack and break.
I suspect that this is what has happened and thus , I would suggest you take it in for repair/evaluation as this is definitely beyond the scope of a DIY fix. In warranty they should do it for free , out of warranty , your looking at about ($40-$70) depending on the dealer.
Kind Regards
Stephan