S45 sliding cover fault

From examining the plethora of images available on Google, it seems there is a sliding cover on the base of the camera. Use your thumb to push this gently towards the edge, and the batteries should be revealed (also, probably, the SD card for when you need to replace that.)

Is neither the taking pictures or viewing pictures mode working?

If it's only taking pictures that's a problem, make sure you slide the cover all the way across until it clicks. I have the same camera and have noticed it won't come on if you don't push it all the way.

Hi
You are probably suffering from the most common fault with the MJU 300/400 range of cameras. If you can still see pictures from your memory card when you use the quick view button, then this is a good indication that the software of the camera is operating perfectly. However the camera switches to photo capture mode when the lens cover is moved back. It is a common fault with these cameras that the black plastic armature operated by the sliding action becomes loosened from the case resulting initially in the cover becoming sloppy and causing the lens to keep closing erratically. More importantly the plastic armature which is positioned to operate a tiny Surface Mounted switch can cause the fragile plastic 'nib' to break off. It is this switch that in effect turns the camera on. If this is what has happened, it is the most common fault, there is very little that can be done as a DIY repair unless you have access to speciallised SMD soldering equipment, experience in this type of repair and most importantly a source of supply for the SMD switch. I have as yet been unable to identify the type or supplier myself. The alternative is to take the camera to an authorised repair shop. This is the expensive route but you might be able to keep the costs down by making it obvious that you know what the fault is etc.

If you've recently dropped the camera you may have damaged the lens tube (housing) or jarred the zoom mechanism off of its track. Either one of those problems will require professional repair. If it hasn't suffered from a drop, your problem may be due to weak/worn out batteries or corrosion on the battery contacts inside the camera which can prevent the full power of the batteries from flowing into the camera. Try this free fix before you do anything else: remove the batteries and wipe the camera contacts firmly with a dry cloth (heavy corrosion may require cleaning with a wire brush, steel wool, or sandpaper). Remove any residue that may have fallen into the battery compartment during cleaning, then wipe both ends of the batteries and place them back in the camera. This cleaning clears the problem about 90% of the time. If it doesn't work for you, your batteries may be to weak/worn to properly power the camera, or the camera may require professional repair.

When connecting a digital camera to your computer with the usb connector, then turning it on the memory card in the camera becomes a removable drive under My Computer and will also bring up a dialogue window that will ask if you want to import pictures, etc. There is no need for a driver. Steve Medley

You may contact the Canon Parts store directly at 1-800-385-2155 to inquire

Dear ianaird:

There is no fuse or anything to jump-start a dead camera unfortunately. If you have tried a different battery and you are sure it was good, then check your battery and memory card door to make sure they are completely closed.

If still no power, try removing the battery and gently wiping with an eraser and then a clean dry cloth all battery contact areas that you can reach. Reinstall the battery and try again.

If you still get no power you will likely need to send the unit in for service. Contact Canon's Tech support at 1-800-828-4040.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,
HeavyDLB

the button is offset inside the camera, there is a little piece of plastic that seems to loose its elasticity and will not depress the actual on/off switch inside.

Maybe this fuse is blown:
http://www.hit-karlsruhe.de/aol2mime/images/S45_S50_PowerFuse.jpg
Short it or replace it.
See also http://www.hit-karlsruhe.de/aol2mime/canon_powershot.htm
Good luck!
eNDi

I did the same repair...however, I found that those little wheels are completely optional. All they do is keep the lens cover from prying away from the camera, but if you're careful, the lens cover will work without them.